Monday, September 18 2006 17:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: Madhu Koda, an Independent, was today sworn in as the chief minister of Jharkhand heading at the end of a fortnight long political crisis that saw the fall of the BJP-led coalition ahead of a trust vote.

Three others - Kamlesh Singh of NCP and independent MLAs Enos Ekka and Harinarain Rai, who along with Koda led the rebellion against the Arjun Munda-led NDA government, were sworn in as ministers.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Syed Sibte Razi at Morabadi ground here.

The 35-year-old Koda is the fourth chief minister in the politically shaky state in a small span of six years.

Koda, who has the support of 42 legislators in a house of 82 members, has been asked by the governor to prove his majority on or by September 25.

The NDA government fell on September 14 when Arjun Munda resigned without moving the trust vote as his ministry had been reduced to a minority following withdrawal of support by Koda and the three others.

This was the state's fifth swearing-in in less than six years of its existence. Munda was chief minister twice. Babulal Marandi was the first chief minister and Shibu Soren headed the government for a short duration of nine days.