Patna, Feb 6 (IANS) Bihar's ruling JD-U appears to be headed for a split over the likely replacement of Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi by his predecessor Nitish Kumar.
A day after JD-U president Sharad Yadav called a meeting of its legislature party Saturday, amid speculation that Manjhi will be removed, Manjhi Friday called a meeting of the JD-U legislature party Feb 20.
Earlier, Manjhi refused to resign and termed the Sharad Yadav-convened meeting illegal and unconstitutional.
Janata Dal-United (JD-U) national general secretary K.C. Tyagi Friday said that a majority of party leaders, including legislators, were with Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar.
Two ministers, Brishen Patel and Nitish Mishra, Friday declared their support to Manjhi and said they would not attend the legislature meeting called by Sharad Yadav.
Patel and Mishra are considered close to Manjhi. Last month, JD-U spokesperson Alok Ajai sought their resignation as they were allegedly likely move to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"I am with Manjhi... Manjhi himself has declared that he won't attend the legislature meeting," Mishra told the media after meeting the chief minister.
"Only Manjhi is authorized to call the JD-U legislature party meeting."
Manjhi also enjoys the support of over a dozen party legislators. But he is banking on the support of the BJP, which is openly backing him.
JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said party leaders have to abide by the decision of Sharad Yadav.
"Those who are terming the meeting unconstitutional should read the party constitution first," he said.
Nitish Kumar is yet to say anything over the ongoing developments in the party.
The JD-U has 115 legislators in the 243-member assembly.
It is supported by 24 legislators of Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal, five of the Congress, one from the Communist Party of India and two independents, making it a total of 147 -- more than the 122 needed for a simple majority.
The BJP has 88 legislators and it has the support of three independents. Five seats are vacant.
DC vs RR: Sanju Samson broke the record of great Shane Warne, and did a big feat for Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson has created history for Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson has become the player to captain the most number of matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL. Samson broke
Obama's religious freedom message is for US too: Envoy (Lead)
New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) US President Barack Obama's stress during his speech in India on the right of freedom of individuals to profess, practice and propagate religion was a message for Americans
The world is angry then why did Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi go to Kabul to meet the Taliban
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has suddenly reached Afghanistan after Pakistan. Wang Yi arrived in Kabul at a time when the international community expressed concern and outrage over the Taliban
Coaching institutions are falling apart in the Corona era
Apart from Delhi, he used to go to Lucknow, Allahabad, and Jaipur too. He used to earn around one lakh rupees every month from coaching institutes. Coaching institutes are closed after the lockdown
Imran's promise - No action on Bajwa when he comes to power: Former PM of Pakistan said - The government fell due to his conspiracy, but this is my dispute
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of conspiring to topple his government. Imran said- Bajwa had imposed thieves on the country. But my dispute
Tejashwi Vs Tej Pratap: Are Lalu's Elder Sons Losing In The Power Struggle? Political graph started falling even before climbing
Tej Pratap Yadav's rift with Rashtriya Janata Dal and his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav is increasing day by day. An angry Tej Pratap met Bihar Congress working president Ashok Ram on Thursday. The
Iran threatened revenge: Raisi announced on the second anniversary of General Soleimani, prosecute Trump or else.
Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi has threatened America to avenge the death of General Qasim Soleimani. On the occasion of Soleimani's second anniversary, Raisi said that former US President Donald
Sayeed meets Modi, to take oath as Kashmir CM Sunday (Roundup)
New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his swearing-in Sunday as Jammu and Kashmir chief minister heading a government which,
Alia's relationship with Ranbir Kapoor started: Said - Our love started with flight, everything else is history
Alia Bhatt recently talked about the beginning of her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor. Alia appeared in the first episode of Karan's chat show 'Koffee with Karan' season 7. On the show, Alia told how
Bombay High Court: Time for government to release 400 gr, but not to form a committee on fire safety
The Bombay High Court has asked why the present and previous governments of Maharashtra did not get time to form a committee to implement fire safety rules. While around 400 government proposals have
