In a sudden turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Friday dropped the idea of resignation following his defeat in Tamar Assembly bypoll and said he would contest again.
"I will definitely contest the elections," Soren said after meeting Congress party's in charge of Jharkhand Ajay Maken in New Delhi. The JMM chief was replying to a query on whether he would contest from Jamtara seat vacated for him by a rebel BJP MLA.
Jamtara MLA Vishnu Bhaiyya resigned earlier in the day to pave the way for Soren to contest from there.
"I have sent my resignation to the Speaker and it has been accepted," the MLA told PTI.
He said that he had vacated his seat for Soren and has invited him to contest from Jamtara.
"I have decided to resign in favour of Guruji as I believe that Tamar is not the end of politics in Jharkhand. The defeat can in no way cast aspersions on the stature of Guruji, who is a leader of entire Jharkhand," Vishnu said.
The development came as a shot in the arm for Soren, who till early morning had indicated that he may step down.
"I have lost the elections. Since I have been defeated in people's court, I am certainly a defeated man. Moreover, I have lost as chief minister, hence I will have to think on the issue of continuing as CM," the 65 year-old JMM chief told media persons.
Even as Soren met Maken and apprised him of the situation in the state in the wake of his defeat, Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said 'the verdict of the people should be honoured'.
"It is (defeat) a setback for the (UPA) government," he said.