Jitan Ram Manjhi seeks stringent action against dissident JD(U) MLAs

PATNA: Taking a dim view of rebellion by 18 JD(U) MLAs who cross-voted against the party's official candidates in the Rajya Sabha bypoll in two seats, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today warned of stringent action against the rebel legislators.

"Whosoever (party legislators) crosses the line of discipline must be dealt with sternly otherwise it may lead to more indiscipline and misconduct," he told reporters.

Manjhi said that he will speak to individual disgruntled MLAs and try to prevail upon them to return to the ruling party, but there are some JD(U) MLAs who have taken a stand against toeing the party line.

Action should be taken against those disgruntled ruling party MLAs, the chief minister said.