Ranchi, Dec 22 - A day ahead of the assembly election vote counting, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren Tuesday asserted he was the "key" to formation of the next state government and was open to supporting either the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the Congress, if approached.

"The key to formation of the next government is with me. The BJP is not untouchable for us. If the NDA or UPA wants our support, they should approach us," Shibu Soren told reporters in Bokaro. He has earlier made it clear that the JMM is neither part of the United Progressive Alliance or the NDA.

Shibu Soren's son and Rajya Sabha member, Hemant Soren, has also said that his party has kept its options open for both the BJP and Congress. "Any decision will be taken in the interest of the state. We will support only that alliance which will provide a stable government in the state," Hemant Soren said in Dhanbad district.

The counting of votes for the five-phased assembly polls, held Nov 25 to Dec 18, will take place Wednesday.

The two major alliances whose stakes are high are the NDA and of the Congress and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM-P).

Political experts say the NDA is likely to emerge the largest alliance, but could fall short of the majority mark. The Congress and JVM-P alliance is likely to emerge a strong force in the state.

The JMM, which won 17 seats in 2005, is likely to get 12 to 15 seats this time. If the JMM lends support to NDA then it will be easier for the BJP to cross the majority mark. On the other hand, the Congress and JVM-P alliance may need the support of the Rashtriya Janata Dal even if JMM supports the alliance.

According to sources, the JMM is likely to bargain hard in exchange for supporting either the NDA or Congress-led alliance. (IANS)

Political pundits say it will not be an easy task for the NDA or Congress to get the support of JMM. The JMM may claim even the chief minister's post.