In a clear message, three ministers speak up in favour of Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi

PATNA: In a statement open to interpretations, Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi has described Nitish Kumar as Chanakya and himself as Chandragupta . “I am not sophisticated but Nitishji is polished and serious person,” Manjhi said on Friday, amid intense speculations over his removal.

Though JD(U) president Sharad Yadav has clarified that the party is not contemplating removing Manjhi, the fact that two ministers on Friday came out in support of the CM seemed to add some credence to his ouster threat.

Education Minister Brishen Patel says any attempt to replace Manjhi will harm the party in a big way while Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh said Nitish will not remove Manjhi .

“Nitishji will be only committing a political hara-kiri if he decides to remove the chief minister,“ said Singh. Transport minister Ramai Ram pointed out that the next chief minister should be a Dalit, a stand endorsing the views of Manjhi.

With ministers and even some legislators openly coming out in support of the Manjhi , it looks certain that the chief minister will not go without putting up a fight.

JD(U) sources say the exit of Manjhi was inevitable and a call on his fate will be taken after the merger of Janata Parivar and its splinter groups. “ After the merger , the legislators of the unified party will elect a new leader in place of Manjhi. That Manjhi will have to go has already been decided by Laluji and Nitishji” said a senior JD(U) functionary.