Ranchi:
Arjun Munda met the Governor of Jharkhand on Tuesday, presenting the BJP's new initiative to revive its fortunes in the state.
Partnering with the BJP yet again will be the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Five months ago, the two parties agreed to divorce. It turns out it was just a trial separation.
Munda, who is an MP, was elected head of the BJP Legislature Party in Jharkhand hours before he staked claim to form the next government. Those backing him include 18 BJP MLAs, and an equal number of JMM MLAs. Munda presented the support of a total of 45 MLAs, taking him past the half-way mark of 42 in the Jharkhand Assembly with an effective strength of 81.
In December 2009, the BJP and JMM formed the government in Jharkhand, with the JMM's Shibu Soren as Chief Minister. In May this year, they split after Soren voted in support of the UPA government - twice - in Parliament on the Nuclear Deal.
The BJP then tried to form the government with the support of the JMM, but Soren wouldn't allow it. With the Congress refusing to entertain Soren, Preisdent's Rule was imposed in June. The reconciliation, according to Munda, is "in the best interest of the state."
That's a motive that has been conspicuous in its absence in this state - in the last 10 years, Jharkhand has seen seven governments.