Arjun Munda, who resigned as Jharkhand chief minister, was asked by Governor Syed Sibte Razi to continue on the post till the formation of a new government.

"I have told the governor to initiate (the process of) formation (of the new government) at the earliest so that I am relieved," Munda told reporters after handing over his resignation to Razi.

Asserting that he had preferred to quit rather than compromise on certain issues raised by four ministers who quit on September 5, the chief minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal (United) coalition would play the role of a constructive opposition when the new government takes over.

"I hope the opposition will meet the people's aspirations in putting the state on the path of progress," he said.