Political instability engulfs Bihar: Nitish's protege Manjhi may recommend dissolution of Assembly

Patna, Feb 7: In what could be understood as deepening political crisis in Bihar, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday called for a Cabinet meeting this afternoon. Speculations are rife that Manjhi may recommend the Governor to dissolve the Bihar Assembly during the meet.

The timing of this meet is close to JD(U) Legislative Party meeting called by party president

in which party is expected to sack 'rebel' Manjhi.

Political developments in Bihar, in the past few days, have become intense over widening differences between Manjhi and senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. It now seems that Manjhi has declared an open war against his predecessor Nitish Kumar.

Earlier on Friday, the Bihar CM recommended the dismissal of two of his ministers, who are considered close to Nitish, to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.

Highly-placed sources said Manjhi sent 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.

Taking a dig at Nitish Kumar, Manjhi termed him "Bhishma Pitamah" who was silently watching attempts to oust a Dalit CM.

Amid infighting in JD(U) triggered by power tussle, Manjhi took a dig Nitish Kumar and termed him "Bhishma Pitamah" who was silently watching attempts to oust a Dalit CM. He even blamed Nitish for pulling the strings behind the scene to humiliate him.

Backing beleaguered CM Manjhi, a senior Bihar minister on Friday questioned the JD(U) leadership's reported bid to replace Manjhi at Saturday's state legislature party meeting and said such a move will prove to be "suicidal" for the ruling party.

"The removal of a 'Mahadalit' chief minister midway will prove suicidal for the JD(U) as such a move will amount to betrayal of faith of the people of Bihar in the present chief minister," state Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh told reporter in Jamui district.

OneIndia News