New Delhi, May 1: The JMM now wants a “graceful exit” for its “Guruji”, Mr Shibu Soren, as Jharkhand chief minister, leaving the BJP in a quandary. The request for an honourable exit came during a nearly four-hour meeting here on Saturday between the BJP top brass, led by party president Nitin Gadkari, and JMM leaders led by Mr Soren’s son, Mr Hemant Soren.

However, when a change of guard will be effected is yet to be decided. A final round of meetings is now scheduled for next week, said party sources.
The BJP had initially threatened to withdraw support to the Shibu Soren-headed Jharkhand government on Wednesday, a day after he voted against the cut motion in the Lok Sabha. But the BJP decided to withhold its decision to withdraw support after the JMM offered an apology along with the CM’s post.
Among the contenders for CM within the BJP is Mr Yashwant Sinha. Also in the running are former Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda and Mr Raghuvar Das, currently deputy CM.
BJP leader Ananth Kumar said after Saturday’s meeting: “There is no threat to the Jharkhand government.” In Saturday’s meeting, the issue of when Mr Shibu Soren would relinquish his post was discussed. The other state coalition partners — the AJSU and JD(U) — were present. The JMM is learnt to have reiterated its offer to the BJP.
A senior BJP functionary said Mr Hemant Soren explained to the BJP leadership that if Mr Shibu Soren is asked to quit, and not allowed a graceful exit, there might be repercussions as some JMM leaders want to align with the Congress. These leaders, led by JMM leader Teklal Mahato, want Soren senior to continue as CM. The Congress, however, has shown little interest. “Hem-ant said his father should be allowed a graceful exit so that there is no dissidence within the JMM. But how much time this will take, he was unsure,” said a senior BJP functionary.

Yojna Gusai