JMM demands Jharkhand assembly polls

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha today demanded dissolution of the state assembly and pave way for elections along with Bihar, barely ten months after the state went to the polls.

"President's rule is no substitute for popular government. One cannot rule the state sitting from New Delhi," JMM-LP leader Hemant Soren told a news conference in Ranchi.

"JMM is ready for polls. Let the elections be held along with Bihar," Soren said.

On whether there was any chance to form a government in the state, Soren said, "Arithmetically, no party is in a position to form government without the help of the JMM. Let the national parties decide over it."

Jharkhand came under president's rule on June 1 with its assembly being put under suspended animation after JMM president Shibu Soren resigned following BJP's withdrawal of support.

BJP, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM-P), and Left parties have already met the governor separately and demanded for mid-term poll.

Accusing Congress of not favouring mid-term poll, JVM-P has recently announced to contest all the 81 seats as and when the assembly elections would be held.