Friday, March 4 2005 14:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Under attack over his controversial decision to swear in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chief Shibu Soren as Chief Minister, Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi today (Mar 4, 2005) announced that he would advance the date for trial of strength in the Assembly before March 21 deadline given to the new Government.

After a 30 minute meeting with President A P J Abdul Kalam, who had summoned him, the beleaguered Governor told reporters "the way the situation has developed, I am going to pre-pone the date for proving majority (by the Government) by reducing the time for the purpose".

Asked when it would be held, he said a decision would be taken after holding talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and consulting various parties.

Pointedly asked whether today's decision was at the behest of any Presidential directive, he said, "It is not a good tradition to divulge the details of what transpired between Governor and President."

After meeting President A P J Abdul Kalam, Razi told reporters that he would decide on the time frame that would be given to Soren reducing it from the already announced March 21.

He said that he would take a decision on the issue after holding consultations with all concerned parties.

He said that his decision to call JMM chief Soren was within the Constitution.