By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda is working overtime as the 60-day deadline given by coalition partner Congress to improve his government’s performance draws near.
The Congress gave Koda the Jan 15 deadline amid reports that development works in the state have taken a beating under the present administration.
On Jan 4, Koda worked for almost 24 hours at a stretch, reviewing development work and inspecting power stations and hospitals.
The chief minister has prepared a point-by-point reply to the 19 areas of concern raised by the Congress in its memorandum when it delivered the ultimatum.
“What my government has done in the last 15 months, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government could not do in the six years it was in power. Development can now be seen on every front,” claims Koda.
But Congress leaders still feel road conditions, electricity supply and the law and order situation have worsened in the state.
The Congress has sought a report from its block level leaders about the performance of the Koda government in the last 45 days.
“We stand by our ultimatum. We will review the functioning of the Koda government and decide our future course of action,” said Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu, state Congress president.
He admitted that the party’s image had received a beating after extending support to the Koda government.
“The image of the party has been affected due to support extended to the Madhu Koda government. We cannot betray the faith reposed in us by the people of the state,” Balmuchu added.
In the 82-member state assembly, Koda has the support of 42 legislators. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and independents support Koda. JMM has 17 legislators, Congress has nine and RJD has seven legislators.