JD(U) MLA attacks Jitan Ram Manjhi over 'commission' charge against CM Nitish Kumar

PATNA: A ruling JD(U) member today took strong objection to Jitan Ram Manjhi's allegations of "commission" against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and asked him to either produce evidence or express apology.

But Manjhi, who alleged that illegal commission money in implementation of different projects was going to Chief Minister's residence, stuck to his gun and demanded a CBI probe in the matter.

JD(U) MLA from Rafiganj in Aurangabad district, Ashok Kumar Singh, raised the issue over Manjhi's allegations made in public during Zero Hour in the state Legislative Assembly.

Manjhi, MLA from Imamganj (reserved seat), is now heading Hindustani Awam Morcha, which is an ally of the BJP in the NDA.

The JD(U) legislator asked Manjhi either to produce evidence in support of his charge against the CM or express apology for the "baseless" allegation in the House.

Manjhi was in the House but he did not get a chance to speak.

Later, the former CM, while speaking to reporters outside the House, demanded a CBI probe to find truth in the allegation he has levelled against the CM.

"If CBI finds my charge wrong, I am ready to give up my Assembly membership," the HAM chief said.

Manjhi said in place of Rs 1,400 a quintal rate fixed by the government for purchase of paddy, the farmers are getting Rs 900-1000 per quintal and rest of money is "siphoned off" by middlemen.

This money is going from bottom to top including CM's house, he alleged.

Likewise, the estimated cost of International Museum in Patna doubled to Rs 580 crore against the original estimate of Rs 250 crore to benefit outside companies, who are providing handsome "commission" to CM's house and others, Manjhi alleged.

"Let CBI inquire into these allegations and truth will come," he said in support of his charge.