Shivanand Tiwari hits out at Nitish Kumar, JD(U) distances itself from RJD crisis

PATNA: Senior JD(U) leader Shivanand Tiwari today attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying he feigned ignorance about the major upheaval in RJD despite being the "sutradhaar" (mover) of the event.

"The mover of the entire episode very politely told mediapersons that he is ignorant about the event. I wish to salute his politeness," Tiwari said in a statement.

After being denied a second term in Rajya Sabha as JD(U) nominee, Tiwari has missed no chance to take potshots at Kumar.

Tiwari praised RJD Legislature party leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui for practising "principled" politics.

"Shunning lure of Deputy Chief Minister post from JD(U) as per reports of offer to contest either Lok Sabha or go to Rajya Sabha, Siddiqui remained with RJD and strongly defended his party," he said.

RJD saw a major upheaval yesterday with 13 out of its 22 MLAs quitting the party. But six of them later returned and denied walking away from the party.

Meanwhile, Bihar JD(U) President Basistha Narayan Singh told PTI that the matter was as "internal matter" of the RJD and "we have nothing to do with it."

But, the episode makes it clear that "there is discontent and murmuring within that party (RJD)", he added.