Political crisis in Bihar: Manjhi closeted with supporters for Feb 20 floor test

Patna, Feb 17: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who returned from Delhi today, cancelled his official programmes and was closeted with ministers and legislators to draw up the strategy for the February 20 trust vote.

Manjhi did not take any question from mediapersons at Patna airport and went straight to his official residence.

In addition to cancelling two functions here, he also called off his visit to Khagaria, Chief Minister Office sources said.

State Art and Culture minister Vinay Bihari, who received Manjhi at the airport told reporters "We are confident of proving majority on the floor of House on February 20."

Though BJP is yet to spell out its strategy on confidence vote, he said "Our talks with senior BJP leaders in Delhi have been positive." Dissident JD(U) leader Gyanendra Singh Gyanoo, who met Manjhi at his residence also exuded confidence of sailing through the confidence vote.

"We will get it. Good response has been coming from legislators," he told PTI refusing to disclose the names of MLAs who had promised support to Manjhi. Expelled JD(U) former MP Shabir Ali also met Manjhi. "The scenario will change in the state in the next 24 hours," Ali said later.

Bihari said Manjhi has held consultation with legal experts for action against JD(U) MLA Anant Singh, a close confidante of Nitish Kumar, who had recently threatened to beat the Chief Minister.

PTI