PTI: BJP MP from Jamshedpur Arjun Munda today appeared to be the chief ministerial candidate in Jharkhand as the party has given him the responsibility to explore government formation in the state. "The BJP leadership has decided that government should be formed in Jharkhand, and has given me the responsibility to talk to the allies in this regard," Munda, a former chief minister, said at the airport here on his return from Delhi. Asked whether that meant the BJP had officially named him as the chief ministerial candidate, Munda said "A decision will be taken at a meeting of the legislative party, where central leaders will be present."

He said he would meet all the allies, including Chief Minister Shibu Soren. BJP sources said the party had not announced Munda's name for the CM's post officially due to the death of former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat yesterday.