Soren holds Jharkhand card

New Delhi/Patna, Dec. 23: The Assembly election results in Jharkhand have once again thrown up a hung Assembly. But this time, by emerging the single largest group with 25 seats, the Congress-led alliance has an edge in the race to reach the magic figure of 41 in the 81-member House. The party has more natural allies than its rival, the BJP, which has been reduced to 18 seats from 30.

All eyes are now on the Shibu Soren-led JMM, which holds the key to formation of a new government with 18 seats to its kitty. The party, however, has still not flashed its cards, except for a statement that sets out a condition: The JMM will support the formation that supports “Guruji”, as Mr Soren is called by fans, in his claim to the post of chief minister. This means the tribal stalwart is keeping his options open and could go either way.

Both the Congress and the BJP gave ample indications that they were already in touch with Mr Soren.