Manjhi meets Sharad; JD(U) MLAs come out in support of CM

Patna, Nov 21: Reprimanded by the leadership for making controversial remarks which is putting party in the dock, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today met JD(U) President Sharad Yadav.

Manjhi, who returned to the state capital from his native village Mahkar in Gaya district, went to meet Sharad Yadav, party sources said. They, however, did not disclose what transpired during the meeting which lasted for nearly half-an-hour.

Manjhi's meeting with the party chief assumes significance in the wake of JD(U) central leadership asking Manjhi not to make any controversial statement in the wake of his latest one in which he had said that central ministers would not be allowed entry here if they failed to bring assistance to the state.

JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi had yesterday spoken about party leadership strongly telling the CM not to make comments which gives opportunity to opposition to play it against the party.

The latest rebuke from the central leadership was interpreted as warning for Manjhi. But, Manjhi today rubbished receiving any warning from the leadership.

"Sharad ji did not express any objection during my meeting with him...I have not received any warning from leadership," Manjhi told reporters here.

He described his meeting with Yadav as an "internal matter of the party."

Meanwhile, some JD(U) Legislators have spoken in favour of the CM saying his assertions have rather benefitted the party by rallying dalits behind it.

Masauhri MLA Arun Manjhi told PTI that the CM raising his voice for dalits has "enthused" weaker section who are rallying behind him and the party.

Arun Manjhi said the CM was not alone and all the leaders particularly dalits, were solidly behind him. Minister Manoj Kushwaha also spoke in support of CM saying his comments have given "good message among dalits and mahadalits."

"Weaker sections are rallying behind him and JD(U)," he said adding he was saying this on the basis of report at the grassroot level.

PTI