In a pre-emptive move, Laloo announced the induction of nine more ministers into the jumbo Cabinet of Rabri Devi government soon after JMM(S) formally announced withdrawal of support.

Talking to newsmen Chief Minister Rabri Devi said, ``For giving wide representation to the supporters of the party and keep our assurance to the members of Loktantrik Janata Dal, I have decided to induct nine ministers from them''.

These ministers belonging to the LJD headed by the former JD president Ramai Ram were known discontents, and in the wake of the recent crisis were reportedly planning to join hands with the BJP.

Though Laloo Prasad could avert a coup and succeeded in protecting his government, it was the renewed threat fromthe RJD legislators from south Bihar to desert the party on Laloo's reneging on Vananchal that pushed the panic button. There were clear hints that at least four ministers were going to resign from the Cabinet. Incidentally these ministers have extended their support to the all-party meeting being convened by the JMM.

Laloo Prasad was today hard-pressed to explain that the entire party was with him and presented the legislators and ministers from south Bihar before them. He said ``it is a family problem. I will sort it out. My partymen are united. They are with me''.

Today's induction of 9 ministers takes the total strength of ministers to 81. The RJD has effective a strength of 146, including the 13 LJD legislators, in the House.

Again, in a swift counter action to the JMM(S) formally intimating the Governor on withdrawal of support to the Rabri Devi government came Laloo's second offensive of the day as the chief minister liquidated the Jharkhand Autonomous Area Council (JAAC).

With both the seniorleaders Shibu Soren and Suraj Mandal in Delhi, the task to fight the onslaught of Laloo has been left to the second rung leaders. However the absence of Suraj Mandal and his keeping away from Patna at this crucial juncture has been the main source of embarrassment for the JMM leaders. However, the JMM Legislature Party held its meeting at the residence of the senior party secretary and proceeded to Raj Bhawan to hand over the withdrawal letter.

Within an hour of the JMM action, Laloo sacked the JAAC and announced it would be reconstituted soon. He also took away the administrative rights and other facilities given to JAAC.

As usual his Chief Minister wife Rabri was present there, but the orders flowed from Laloo Prasad and he said ``inspite of all the machinations of the JMM leaders, there would no split in the RJD rank''.

Though, one senior RJD ministers told The Indian Express that a fresh realignment between the JMM and RJD could not be ruled out.

The indications of a political realignmentin Bihar was reflective of the fact that sparring over the fate of Rabri Government seemed to be nearing endgame -- senior BJP leader and Vajpayee aide Pramod Mahajan tongue-in-cheek termed a potential ridding Bihar of Laloo was ``auspicious''. ``Now the pitripaksh (15-day period between the full moon and new moon day before Dussehra) is on and we don't want to do any auspicious act during the period. Getting Bihar rid of Laloo, we consider is an auspicious act. It might happen after mahalaya (September 20),''

``In any case the new state will be constituted only during the ensuing session of Parliament in November next. But by that time the Rabri Devi government might not be in power,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the crucial Congress factor in propping Rabri continued to be unclear as ever. The Bihar Congress Legislature Party today failed to arrive at a consensus on the Vananchal Bill following difference of opinion among legislators at its two-day meeting. A final decision on the bill would nowbe taken after obtaining the opinion of the party high-command, PCC chief Sadanand Singh and CLP leader Ramashray Prasad Singh said.

Ruling out any split in the party over the sensitive issue, both leaders said the legislators were unanimous on its poll pledges on Jharkhand.

AICC general secretary Madhavrao Scindia, in Delhi, too was not specific about the high command's position mouthing oft-repeated position on the issue and on the matter of Article 356.

``We are committed to establish a Jharkhand,'' he said, adding that the PCC demand for withdrawal of support to Rabri had not yet been taken up by the central command of the party.