The Jharkhand Jumble

The BJP led NDA combine (BJP + Janta Dal + Independents) claims to have the support of 41 MLAs (just the right figure required to setup government in Jharkhand).

The Shibu Soren led JMM + congress + RJD combine has a total of 33 MLAs in support.

Then with the figures above, what gave the right to the Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to invite Shibu Soren to form the Government in Jharkhand? The Governors post is meant to be a democratic post with no political favouritism (much like a soccer refree). According to the Constitution of India "The Governor is the head of the State, appointed by the President. He holds office during the pleasure of the President."

Unfortunately, the UPA government has installed old stalwarts of its parties as governors of various states. Now these states are being run with political vendetta instead of democratic sense.

I am not a supporter of the NDA, and I'm not a anti-UPA person (I think that most of their policies at the center are excellent for the growth of the country); I'm just a simple citizen of the DEMOCRATIC country of India. So when I see instances of sheer un-democratic processes being followed, it brings my blood to boil.

The Governor of Jharkhand has acted in haste, without consulting/asking/inviting the "single largest party" to stake a claim to form the government. Rightly, the Honorable President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has asked the Governor for an explaination of the move he made. I think that this is an in-escusable mistake made by the Governor and he should be removed from office at once. He has bespoiled the post which holds a lot of respect, and has brought the other Governor's of Indian states into direpute too.

In this time of "hung-assemblies", I think the President of India has a very vital role to play. It is not possible for Indian states to hold election every month! States such as Goa and possible Bihar (if it follows in the vein of the former states) should enforce President's rule (the much talked about Article 356 of the Indian Constitution). However, the case of Jharkhand is not the same. Clearly, one coalition can get the majority of the house, and should be allowed to prove it, and stake a claim to form the Government.

Hope sense prevails; and for that I have faith in the Honorable President of India. To the UPA Government I wish to say, Lets move forward and not backward.