Saturday, March 5 2005 20:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Even as caretaker Chief Minister Rabri Devi today (Mar 5, 2005) formally staked claim to form her Government, Governor Buta Singh assured an NDA (National Democratic Alliance) delegation that he would invite only the combination which submitted to him sworn affidavits of support from at least 122 MLAs required for a majority in the 243-member Assembly for Government formation.

"The Governor assured us that he will invite only a combination which submits to him sworn affidavits of support from at least 122 MLAs for forming its Government," BJP national vice-president Sushil Kumar Modi, who headed the delegation told reporters.

"If they (RJD alliance) have a claim, our claim is greater since we have the support of 92 NDA MLAs and 10 independents," Modi said.

The BJP leader said the delegation, which also included State JDU (Janata Dal United) president Vijendra Prasad Yadav, requested Buta Singh to invite the NDA in forming the Government first.

"Since the RJD and its allies have got lesser number of seats, our claim (to form Government) is stronger," Modi said.

Stating that the NDA was in touch with several 'like-minded' parties for support, Modi when asked if LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) had sought BJP's outside help in formation of a Government comprising LJP and JDU, said "our approach (on Government formation) is flexible."

"Though the BJP has an open mind on the issue of formation of a Government other than the one led by RJD, the LJP has not approached us for support," he said.

The BJP leader claimed that 144 MLAs, including 92 of the NDA, LJP (29), CPI-ML (7), Samajwadi Party (4), besides several independents had pledged not to support RJD in Government formation.

"We have been assured by the Governor that he will abide by the Constitution and no injustice will be done," he said.