Jharkhand MLAs to remain in Hyderabad until date of the floor test is announced

Originally scheduled to touch down in Hyderabad on Thursday, inclement weather held back their flights from Ranchi until nightfall.

Raj Rayasam

Published Feb 03, 2024 | 1:22 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2024 | 1:22 PM

39 Jharkhand MLAs arrived in Hyderabad on 2 February. (Supplied)

The 39 MLAs from Jharkhand’s JMM and Congress, currently basking in the leisure of Leonia resort in Shameerpet, are set to revel until the official announcement of the floor test by the new Chief Minister, Champai Soren.

“Though it is said that the floor test would be held on Monday, 5 February, it is yet to be officially announced. Till the date is announced, the MLAs would continue to remain in Hyderabad,” AICC member SA Sampath Kumar told South First on Saturday, 3 February.

Jharkhand MLAs arrive in Hyderabad

Telangana’s party in charge, Deepa Das Munshi, along with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Sampath Kumar, welcomed the MLAs to Hyderabad on Friday, strategically placing them at Leonia resort to shield them from any poaching attempts by the BJP.

Upon arrival, the legislators were whisked away to the resort in two buses, escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. Their every need has been meticulously attended to within the confines of the resort by Congress leaders.

Originally scheduled to touch down in Hyderabad on Thursday, inclement weather held back their flights from Ranchi until nightfall. Stranded on the tarmac due to persistent weather conditions, the MLAs finally reached Hyderabad on Friday, securing their “safe-keeping”. The Telangana Congress, in a proactive move, dispatched its leaders to ensure the MLAs faced no inconveniences during their resort stay.

The MLAs’ relocation to Hyderabad followed Hemant Soren’s resignation as chief minister after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a “land scam”. With Champai Soren taking oath as the new Chief Minister, accompanied by two ministers and granted 10 days to prove his majority, the ruling coalition’s MLAs were swiftly transported to Hyderabad.

Sampath Kumar remarked, “They will stay here until it is time for them to go,” adding, “They may leave for Ranchi on Sunday, 4 February, night or a few hours prior to the scheduled floor test the next day, if called.”

Also Read: Jharkhand crisis: JMM-Congress alliance MLAs arrive in Hyderabad