New Delhi: JMM chief Shibu Soren today staked claim for Chief Ministership of Jharkhand, demanding that the incumbent Madhu Koda should quit soon, failing which support to the state government will be withdrawn.

"The decision regarding making me Jharkhand CM was taken long back but it is getting delayed. Hence, we arrived at the decision to withdraw support for Koda government if he does not resign now," said Soren after a meeting of leaders from Jharkhand at his residence here.

At the same time, he claimed that the "UPA high command has directed Madhu Koda to resign and facilitate my oath taking. I will take oath as new CM as soon has he resigns there".

The JMM leader also claimed that besides Chief Ministership to him, the party will be getting two portfolios -- one cabinet rank and a minister for state berth -- at the Centre. 

Soren firmly denied that the independent ministers in the state had reservations on his becoming the CM. "There is no objection from any quarter". Refusing to specify the time-frame given to Koda for putting in his papers, Soren said:

Earlier Soren had supported the UPA in the confidence motion on July 22 after putting forth certain conditions.

Source : PTI