Thursday, March 10 2005 20:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: Absence of three MLAs, including a Minister, on Thursday (March 10, 2005) raised anxiety levels in the ruling UPA (United Progressive Alliance) on the eve of crucial trial of strength for Chief Minister Shibu Soren in the Jharkhand Assembly as the 41-member Opposition combine arrived from Jaipur parading its strength.

A total of 77 MLAs in the 81-member House took oath in the first sitting after the elections.

Pro tem Speaker Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu added a new twist to the political drama by serving a notice under the anti-defection law to Enos Ekka of the Jharkhand Party.

His party had complained that he had supported the NDA against its directive.

While the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) led NDA claims the support of 41 MLAs, the ruling UPA's strength of 40 has been reduced by one after the appointment of Balmuchu as pro tem Speaker who can vote only in case of a tie.

Its efforts to raise its strength by nominating an Anglo-Indian representative to the House were thwarted by the Supreme Court on Wednesday (March 9, 2005). Amidst reports that two Forward Block MLAs were in the NDA camp, their party leadership said they would take oath on Friday (March 11, 2005) and support the Chief Minister in the confidence vote.

An unfazed Soren, who expressed confidence that his Government would prove its majority, said the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) Minister Kamlesh Singh was out to attend a Puja and would take oath as member.

In Delhi, NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar said they could not locate the whereabouts of Singh, who he feared might have been "kidnapped" by the BJP.