Soren govt to face vote of confidence

Soren govt to face vote of confidence

Friday, March 11, 2005 (New Delhi):

The nine-day old Shibu Soren government in Jharkhand will face the crucial vote of confidence today.

Both the UPA and NDA have expressed confidence of sailing through the floor test in the 81-member House.

The Supreme Court had brought forward the trust vote to today from March 15.

Before the trial of strength, three MLAs who didn't turn up for the oath-taking ceremony will be sworn in.

From one crisis Jharkhand seems to be moving towards another. Just before the vote of confidence, NDA seems to have the numbers to oust Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

Advantage NDA

Having managed to keep its tally of 41 MLAs intact with the support of five independents.

Three UPA MLAs, two from Forward Bloc and one from NCP stayed away from Thursday's oath taking ceremony.

The key to NDAs confidence is its promise to independents that it's winning the vote of confidence and coming to power.

"MLAs are chosen by the people. They are aware of who will do his best for the state. They can't be fooled," said Rajnath Singh, General Secretary, BJP.

On the other hand, the UPA is behind in the numbers game. If NDA has 41 MLAs, UPA has been reduced to 39 as Pradeep Balmochu has become the protem speaker.

That is why Soren on Thursday issued a desperate appeal to MLAs.

"Nobody can threaten them in the House. They just have to raise their hand and vote. That's what we have been saying. It's not democracy if people are being forced in this way," said Soren.

Battle of nerves

In this battle of nerves, the protem speaker can be the key to the UPA strategy.

The UPA may upset NDA's advantage by asking the protem speaker to resign, thus creating a constitutional crisis. This may result in a position of President's rule in Jharkhand.

Show cause notice to Ekka

Meanwhile, the speaker has sent a show cause notice to Koliveera MLA Enos Ekka who is with the NDA.

"According to the Constitution, he has been sent a show cause notice because his party leader has sent us a letter saying that he is working against the party," said Balmochu.

But this is only to make Ekka nervous as action against him may lead to a confrontation with the Supreme court.

That is something the Manmohan Singh government wants to avoid.

In all NDA wants to end the show on Friday but UPA wants to buy time even if it means postponing the vote of confidence.

from ndtv.com