Bihar crisis: JD(U) expels Jitan Ram Manjhi from party for 6 years, demands trust vote in 48 hrs

Patna, Feb 9: Bihar's ruling party JD-U expelled Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi from the party for six years. Manjhi, who had refused to step down as Bihar Chief Minister and make way for Nitish Kumar was expelled by JD(U) President Sharad Yadav for indulging in "anti-party activities."

The party accused him of "indiscipline" and demanded that Governor Kesri Nath Tripathi should ask him to take a trial of strength in the Assembly within 48 hours.

"JD-U national president Sharad Yadav has expelled Manjhi from the party for anti-party activities," said JD-U chief whip Shravan Kumar, who is considered close to former chief minister Nitish Kumar.

The expulsion came ahead of Nitish Kumar's meeting with Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi at 1:30 PM to stake claim to form government.

Manjhi, who was sacked as the JD-U legislature party leader at a meeting of the party's MLA's yesterday, had said, "Manjhi ki nao kabhi nahin dubti hain (Manjhi's boat never sinks)".

Manjhi was part of Nitish Kumar government in 2005 as well as in 2010 before taking the mantle from him on May 19 last year after Kumar resigned. Manjhi, who is all set for a final showdown with mentor Nitish Kumar, has arrived in Patna from New Delhi.

Ruling out his resignation without a trial of strength in Assembly, Manjhi had said yesterday that he will prove his majority on the floor of the House or step down if he fails, and attacked Nitish Kumar for his "greed for power".

Manjhi headed straight to Raj Bhawan from Patna Airport to take part in the swearing-in of Chief Information Commissioner at 12:30 PM. Senior minister Narendra Singh, who is Manjhi's chief advisor, accompanied Manjhi from New Delhi.

Minister Vinay Bihari, MLAs Raju Singh, Sumit Singh and others received them at Patna Airport. Sadhu Yadav, controversial brother-in-law of RJD President Lalu Prasad was also at the airport to receive Manjhi.

BJP had earlier attacked Nitish Kumar for pushing Bihar into 'political instability' due to his 'lust for power' and said all options were open for it in the current situation.

"Nitish Kumar is responsible for throwing Bihar into political instability. His desire for remaining in power is an old one. It is this lust for power, which has brought the state to this situation," said Bihar BJP President Mangal Pandey.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)