Ranchi, Sept. 7: The guests were to arrive at 11am, and the Raj Bhavan staff was busy all morning. Sofas had to be rearranged, extra chairs put out, fresh flowers arranged and the chandeliers lit up.

The scribes were in attendance too. Not for the guests, but for a routine briefing about the outcome of an advisory council meeting that was scheduled for 11am. First the meeting was postponed for half an hour. A little after noon, a Raj Bhavan spokesman announced that the meeting had been cancelled.

The sense of anticipation increased. After all the guests headed for the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor M.O.H. Farook were none other BJP’s chief minister-in-waiting Arjun Munda and leaders of “like-minded” allies JMM, Ajsu and JD(U). “No more advisory councils, now the decisions will be taken by the government,” was the general consensus among the reporters who waited with bated breath.

“The Congress has missed the bus,” was the refrain.

By then, the BJP leadership had conveyed that it would be meeting the governor at 1pm. Confirmation came from a top Raj Bhavan official: “They are going to stake claim to form the next government in the state.”

Clad in spotless white trousers and shirt, a confident Arjun Munda arrived at the Raj Bhavan gates sharp at 1pm in a black SUV. Accompanying him was his bete noire and former deputy chief minister Raghubar Das. The irony was not lost on anyone as Das had earlier clamoured for the top chair which Munda appeared to have cornered.

By 1.30pm, all the 44 expected guests had arrived. The entire BJP, JMM, Ajsu and JD (U) leadership and two Independents —Chamra Linda and Videsh Singh — were in attendance. JMM’s Simon Marandi arrived last, while party MLA Paulus Surin could not make it, as he is currently lodged in Chaibasa jail.

Five minutes later, a smiling governor entered the durbar hall — hands folded.

Till then, former Rajya Sabha MP and Munda confidant Ajay Maroo had been managing the show — welcoming each and every MLA with humility before escorting them to their respective seats arranged according to seniority and importance.

As soon as Farook took centre stage, it was Das who handed him the letter of support on Munda’s behalf, bearing the signature of 45 MLAs.

Within five minutes, it was over. Farook left at 1.40pm, and the legislators got down to chatting over tea and biscuits. Then it was Munda and Das’ turn to address the media together.