PSTNS: Bihar’s former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday claimed CM Nitish Kumar was in touch with BJP leadership and could return to the NDA fold, a comment that invited strong rebuttal from JD(U).
Talking to media persons, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief said Nitish had become extra alert ever since two senior JD(U) leaders met him two months back with a proposal to install RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the chief minister.
“Nitish had strongly objected to this proposal and the issue ultimately resulted in a change of guard in the JD(U),” Manjhi said, referring to the CM’s return as the president of his party a few days ago. “However, Nitish has now got assurance of support from the BJP in the event of around a dozen JD(U) legislators deserting the party. This means, Nitish might switch sides again,” he added.
Rubbishing his claim, the JD(U) accused the former CM of spreading “rumours” under BJP pressure. “Despite being a senior leader, Manjhiji is talking nonsense. He must refrain from making irresponsible statements,” JD(U) national general secretary Rajib Ranjan said.
Despite JD(U)’s denial, the state’s political circles are abuzz over Nitish’s possible move.
Legislative Council chairman Devesh Chandra Thakur, too, set tongues wagging with his comment that Nitish was his leader and he would follow the CM “wherever he goes”.
To a specific question about his position if Nitish returned to the NDA fold, Thakur said, “That will be his (Nitish’s) decision. I am his soldier and will follow him wherever he goes.”
Thakur’s observations assume political significance in the light of reports that Nitish is upset with Congress, too, although the CM himself has denied such reports.
Thakur claimed he had been promised a Lok Sabha ticket from Sitamarhi seat, currently represented by Sunil Kumar Pintu of JD(U), even though seat-sharing talks among Grand Alliance partners — RJD, JD(U), Congress and the Left — are yet to start.
Talking to media persons, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief said Nitish had become extra alert ever since two senior JD(U) leaders met him two months back with a proposal to install RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the chief minister.
“Nitish had strongly objected to this proposal and the issue ultimately resulted in a change of guard in the JD(U),” Manjhi said, referring to the CM’s return as the president of his party a few days ago. “However, Nitish has now got assurance of support from the BJP in the event of around a dozen JD(U) legislators deserting the party. This means, Nitish might switch sides again,” he added.
Rubbishing his claim, the JD(U) accused the former CM of spreading “rumours” under BJP pressure. “Despite being a senior leader, Manjhiji is talking nonsense. He must refrain from making irresponsible statements,” JD(U) national general secretary Rajib Ranjan said.
Despite JD(U)’s denial, the state’s political circles are abuzz over Nitish’s possible move.
Legislative Council chairman Devesh Chandra Thakur, too, set tongues wagging with his comment that Nitish was his leader and he would follow the CM “wherever he goes”.
To a specific question about his position if Nitish returned to the NDA fold, Thakur said, “That will be his (Nitish’s) decision. I am his soldier and will follow him wherever he goes.”
Thakur’s observations assume political significance in the light of reports that Nitish is upset with Congress, too, although the CM himself has denied such reports.
Thakur claimed he had been promised a Lok Sabha ticket from Sitamarhi seat, currently represented by Sunil Kumar Pintu of JD(U), even though seat-sharing talks among Grand Alliance partners — RJD, JD(U), Congress and the Left — are yet to start.
