Patna: The JD(U) appears to have quelled the rebellion led by Chief Minsiter Jitan Ram Manjhi. Reports claimed, Saturday, that Manjhi has agreed to make way for the return of Nitish Kumar as the chief minister.
The development came after Manjhi met Kumar at the latter's residence today amid pressure from the party leadership to not create a spit in the party. However, the sudden change in Manjhi's hard line against any rapprochement on the issue of chief ministership has come as a surprise.
Earlier in the day, the JD(U) had made it clear that it was not willing to concede space to Manjgi over the issue. Senior leader KC Tyagi had declared 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.
Interestingly, Manjhi has called a meeting of his Cabinet at 2 pm.
Earlier in the day, reports claimed that Manjhi wants to dissolve and would send the recommendation to the Governor.
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. Later reports claimed that Manjhi has denied any such move.
Supporters of Nitish and Manjhi had clashed here, yesterday, 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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