Jharkhand's lone BSP MLA resigns, not accepted by Speaker

Jharkhand's lone BSP MLA Kushwaha Shivpujan Mehta tendered his resignation from the state Assembly on Friday, ruing that "problems" of his constituency were not being resolved. However, Assembly Speaker Dinesh Oraon rejected the resignation of the Hussainabad MLA, saying his decision to quit the House was taken in a haste.

Urban Development Minister C P Singh and leader of opposition Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha also dissuaded the BSP MLA from leaving the House. Mehta's demands include revival of the Japla Cement Factory in Palamau district's Hussainabad block, and enhancing reservation for the ST, SC and OBC category to 32 percent, 14 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively.

Assembly polls in Jharkhand are expected to be held in November or December this year.