Manjhi loyalist MLA files plea against Nitish re-election

Patna, Feb 9 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's loyalist JD-U MLA Rajeshwar Raj Monday petitioned the Patna High Court against party president Sharad Yadav who, he contended, illegally summoned a legislature party meeting which Saturday elected Nitish Kumar as its new leader.

"I have filed a petition in the Patna High Court against Yadav's decision to call the meeting for re-electing Nitish Kumar as the new leader because it was unconstitutional and illegal," said Raj, adding that he has sought the court's intervention.

Manjhi has already termed Yadav's decision to call the meeting as illegal and questioned the re-election of the former chief minister as the new leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) legislature party.

Bihar's ruling JD-U Monday expelled Manjhi from the party for six years, chief whip Shrawan Kumar said.

Shrawan Kumar, who is considered close to Nitish Kumar, said the former chief minister was Saturday re-elected as the legislature party leader.

"Manjhi is no longer with the JD-U. It is final," he said.

He said Manjhi has been expelled from the party.

Manjhi arrived here from Delhi Monday, a day after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced that he won't resign. He said he will prove his majority in the state assembly.