Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Nitish Kumar after resignation

NEW DELHI: In an apparent message to Nitish Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for tendering his resignation in fight against corruption.

Soon after Kumar announced his resignation, Modi tweeted: "Congratulations! Mr Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption."




"For the bright future of the country, and especially Bihar, it is the need of the hour to rise above political differences and join the fight against corruption," Modi said.


In a surprise move, Nitish Kumar today resigned as chief minister, citing differences with ally RJD over corruption charges against Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad.

Asked if he will now form a government with BJP's support, Nitish said, "Whatever had to happen has happened. We will do whatever would be best for Bihar."

In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, RJD currently has 80 seats while JD(U) has 71 MLAs. BJP has 53 seats, Congress has 27 MLAs.