Bihar crisis: Manjhi meets PM Modi as JD(U) stakes claim to form government

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is under sharp criticism from the Janata Dal (United) for being defiant and reluctant to step down from his post, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official 7, Race Course Road (RCR) residence on Sunday evening to discuss the political situation in the state.

Manjhi, who has in the past lauded the Prime Minister for his initiatives, was in the national capital to attend the meeting of the NITI Aayog.

Earlier in the day, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had pledged his support for Manjhi, speculating that the BJP might hold a meeting with regard to the crisis.

Meanwhile, Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary recognized former chief minister Nitish Kumar as the JD (U) legislature party leader, a day after he was elected to the post in Patna.

A delegation of leaders of the JD (U) and its allies have also reportedly submitted letters of support to the Governor's office, stating that Nitish has the support of 130 MLAs.

Earlier last evening, Manjhi had called a meeting of the state cabinet, which authorised the Chief Minister to recommend the dissolution of Bihar Assembly. But this move was strongly opposed by 20 ministers loyal to his predecessor Nitish.

Manjhi claimed that only he is authorised to take a decision on dissolution of the assembly.

Manjhi had written a letter to the Bihar Governor and requested him not to accept the recommendations made by the JD (U) legislature party meeting headed by Sharad Yadav.

He also urged the Governor to remove 15 ministers from their posts with immediate effect.

Adding a new twist to the entire controversy, 20 ministers on Saturday night sent their resignation to the Governor in support of Nitish.