Patna: Amid reports that Jitan Ram Manjhi has revolted against the JD(U) leadership after reportedly being asked to step down as Bihar chief minister, he Saturday afternoon arrived at the residence of Nitish Kumar here.
The development came amid speculation that Manjhi has been asked to step down to make way for the return of Nitish as CM.
Senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi also said today that Nitish will take over as CM after Manjhi steps down.
"Manjhi is himself responsible for his downfall. As soon as he vacates the CM's post, automatically other posts will be vacated too," Tyagi said.
The developments came amid growing political rift within the JD(U).
Earlier today, Manjhi called a meeting of his Cabinet at 2 pm amid reports that he may recommend the dissolution of Bihar Assembly to the Governor.
As per reports, Manjhi wants to dissolve the House ahead of a legislature party meeting called by party chief Sharad Yadav later today where the party may formally announce Nitish Kumar as the new CM.
Importantly, Manjhi has refused to step down as CM. Terming the meeting called by Yadav as unauthorised, Manjhi had called a separate meeting of the legislative party on February 20.
In a late night development yesterday, Manjhi reportedly sent a recommendation to dismiss two ministers -- Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallan and PK Shahi -- to the Governor, saying their activities were not in the best interest of the government.
Supporters of Nitish and Manjhi today clashed here, amid a power struggle between the two ruling JD(U) leaders.
According to sources, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav has prepared a letter for Governor requesting him not to entertain the plea of Manjhi who is in "minority" now.
Manjhi was scheduled to leave for Delhi today. However, given the fast pace of developments in Patna it remains to be seen whether he will take that flight.
There was bitter exchange of words between the two factions. JD(U) general secretary Tyagi told reporters yesterday that Manjhi could be removed from the party if he violates discipline and does not attend Saturday's legislature party meeting. Manjhi reacted angrily, saying "Tyagi has gone mad."
Manjhi enjoys the support of over a dozen party legislators and he is banking on the support of the BJP, which is openly backing him.
Nitish Kumar is yet to say anything about the ongoing developments in the party.
The JD-U has 115 legislators in the 243-member Assembly.
It is supported by 24 legislators of Lalu Prasad`s Rashtriya Janata Dal, five of the Congress, one from the Communist Party of India and two Independents, making it a total of 147 -- more than the 122 needed for simple majority.
The BJP has 88 legislators and has the support of three Independents. Five seats are vacant.
With agency inputs
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