In a fresh bid to break the political stalemate in Jharkhand, the BJP today decided to stake claim to form a government with the support of erstwhile partner JMM and AJSU in the state which is under President's rule.

"The party has decided to form a new government. Now, the BJP legislature party will elect a new leader after which we will seek an appointment from the Governor to stake claim," senior party leader Ajay Maroo said.

BJP and JMM are tying up after splitting three months back following cross voting by JMM chief Shibu Shoren in Lok Sabha during cut motions in the Budget session in April brought by BJP and Left parties.

BJP spokesman Sanjay Seth said legislature party leader Raghuvar Das has quit from the post, indicating that former Chief Minister Arjun Munda is likely to head the BJP-led government.

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Arjun Munda elected leader of BJP legislature party

Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda was today elected the leader of BJP Legislature Party in Jharkhand as the party decided to stake claim along with allies JMM and AJSU to form a new government.

Munda was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature at an urgent meeting convened this morning after incumbent Raghuvar Das quit from the post.

A BJP delegation is scheduled to meet Governor M O H Farooq at 1300 Hrs to take stake claim to form the government in the state, which is under President's rule since June.

Das said he received a telephone call from the party's president Nitik Gadkari last night, who asked him to convene a meeting of the BJP legislature party this morning.

"As per direction I quit from my post and Arjun Munda was today chosen in my place at the legislature party meeting," he told reporters.

The BJP has 18 members, the JMM 18, AJSU five and JD(U) 2 in the 82 member house. Before the imposition of President's rule, the Shibu Soren coalition government also had the support of an independent member and another member who supported it from outside.

The BJP decided to form the government after JMM and AJSU offered unconditional support.