Ranchi, Dec 26: Five-time MLA and BJP national vice-president Raghubar Das was elected Jharkhand's first non-tribal chief minister Friday, three days after his party's victory in the assembly elections.
Khunti legislator Neelkanth Singh Munda proposed Das' name at a meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) newly elected MLAs that was convened to choose the leader of the legislative party. The proposal was seconded by Jamshedpur West legislator Saryu Rai, Ranchi MLA CP Singh and others.
BJP central observer JP Nadda made the official announcement in this regard in the party's Ranchi office.
He said Das was unanimously elected as the BJP legislature party leader. “I congratulate him and expect that the BJP alliance will now provide good governance in the state. He will fulfill the Prime Minister's mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (With all, development for all)."
The poll results on Tuesday gave the BJP and its ally AJSU Party 42 seats, an absolute majority in the House of 81 elected members.
This is the first time a pre-poll coalition has reached the majority mark in the tribal-dominated state which has witnessed nine governments and three stints of President's rule since its inception in 2000.
Das said that government’s first priority would be to provide good and corruption-free governance. “Our government will work for the upliftment of downtrodden and wholesome development of the state.” Das said, adding he would meet the aspirations of the people.
Das will now meet the governor of Jharkhand to stake claim to the new government. He is likely to take oath by Sunday, well ahead of the expiry of the outgoing government's term on January 3, 2015.
Former chief minster Arjun Munda was also present at Friday's meeting as a special invitee.
Das' anointment was almost certain after powerful tribal leader Munda pulled out of the race for chief minister.
Munda, a former chief minister, was a surprise loser in the polls, conceding defeat from his stronghold Kharswan.
The only hurdle in Das' path was Munda himself, given their thorny relationship over the years, a source said.
Aware of the fact that Munda could spoil his party, Das had called on the former chief minister thrice after the results were announced.
Sources said that the leadership may try to placate Munda by offering him a post in the central organisation or giving him a Rajya Sabha berth.
Hemant Soren, who led the 15-month-old UPA government, resigned as chief minister on Tuesday after his party - the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) - ended well short of the target with just 17 seats.
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