Will propose Nitish Kumar's name for Chief Minister, says Jitan Ram Manjhi

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi publicly supported his predecessor Nitish Kumar for the CM post but added MLAs would decide on who would hold the top political office in Bihar after the merger of Janata Parivar parties. Addressing the media on the sidelines of Janata Darbar on Monday, he queered the pitch for Kumar by adding that he would prefer a Dalit to be his successor. “As far the JD(U) is concerned , I will be the first person to propose Nitishji’s name for the CM’s post.

But who will become the CM will very much depend on the views of all MLAs of the unified party after the merger. The legislators will judge the mood of the voters and the prevailing situation before electing their leader,” Manjhi said on the sidelines of the Janata Darbar in Patna on Monday. Scoffing speculations that he was being replaced, Manjhi said undue hype was created about his removal bringing in an environment of political uncertainty and turmoil in the state. “But now Nitishji has himself clarified that I will continue as CM and all such speculations regarding my ouster were baseless. I also thank my Cabinet colleagues who openly came out in my support,” Manjhi said, claiming that he was firmly in the saddle .