Wednesday, September 13 2006 16:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: Security arrangements are in place and central leaders arriving in Jharkhand as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) gear up for a final showdown tomorrow (Sept 14, 2006) on the floor of the assembly.

The beleaguered Arjun Munda government will seek a trust vote after being reduced to a minority after four rebel ministers Enos Ekka, Harinarayan Rai, Madhu Koda and Kamlesh Singh withdrew support. He now enjoys the support of 39 legislators, including the speaker, in the 82-member house.

The chief minister has said he is confident of proving his majority.

The Congress disagrees. Said state Congress president and legislator Pradeep Balmuchu: "The NDA is spreading rumours. On Thursday, the lie will be busted and the UPA will form government as it enjoys the support of 43 legislators."

Heavy security arrangements have been made in state capital Ranchi to avoid any untoward incident. Around 4,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the security of the legislators at the assembly, the Governor's House and other sensitive places.

A UPA delegation has met central Home Minister Shivraj Patil and alleged threats to life from the Arjun Munda government.

UPA legislators and independent MLAs requested the minister to ensure their safety in Ranchi.

They will arrive in Ranchi by a chartered plane to participate in the trust vote Thursday.

Top leaders of the alliance, including Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, MP Mabel Rebello, Congress' Jharkhand in-charge Noor Bano and Food Processing Minister and Ranchi Lok Sabha MP Subodh Kant Sahay, have begun arriving to keep a close watch on developments and update New Delhi.

Senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu also reached Ranchi Tuesday. He charged the Congress with moves to enforce President's Rule in the state.

Countering the charges, Subodh Kant Sahay said: "Congress never tried to topple the Munda government. The Munda government has been reduced to a minority after the resignation of four ministers.

"Congress will help in forming the alternative government in Jharkhand after the fall of the Munda government."

A lot will depend on Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari's verdict on the disqualification petition under the anti-defection law against three rebel legislators - Enos Ekka, Stephen Marandi and Kamlesh Singh.

The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the matter, greatly bolstering Munda's chances.