Stephen resigns, UPA gets a jolt in Jharkhand

RANCHI: The UPA in Jharkhand on Thursday plunged into disarray after its convenor and Independent MLA Stephen Marandi announced his resignation from the post.

"I have no moral right to continue as UPA convenor as I can see the UPA is unable to fight as a whole against the Arjun Munda government," Stephen Marandi told a press conference here.

"I am not getting support in my effort to expose the BJP-led NDA government's non-performance in Jharkhand," he said.

He, however, made it clear that he was still a part of the UPA and would participate in its agitations.

However, JPCC General Secretary and AICC member Sailesh Sinha said, "as an individual we respect Stephen Marandi. But the UPA mainly comprises of Congress, JMM and the RJD".

He said Marandi could have taken the decision to resign from the post under compulsion following his "new equation" with former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi who also quit the BJP.

Stephen, who along with Babulal Marandi launched a tirade against the Arjun Munda government, said he was not happy with JMM chief Shibu Soren's "negative approach" to his efforts.

"I feel sad about Soren's leg-pulling attitude toward my sincere efforts in the interests of the people of Jharkhand," Stephen said.

He also said he was not happy with the leader of opposition Sushir Mahto (JMM).

The Jharkand Vikas Morcha, which he and Babulal Marandi floated recently, would meet here on May 26 to discuss and draw up a blue print on the front's activities, Stephen said.