Patna: Undeterred by a section of JD(U) leadership expressing displeasure over his recent controversial remarks, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today said he would continue in his post till the Assembly polls in November next year.
“I will stay in my post till November 2015,” he told reporters in reply to a volley of questions whether he was on his way out after taking on the JD(U) leadership yesterday. Manjhi yesterday rebelled against suggestions by JD(U) leadership to rein in his speech saying he will do what he wants and “will not take anybody's advice”.
His statement has been seen as an attempt to challenge his predecessor Nitish Kumar after the latter had reportedly taken exception to Manjhi's controversial statements that allowed BJP to blast the ruling party.
Kumar held a meeting with the JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav last night during which the two leaders were understood to have discussed the feasibility of replacing Manjhi with some other leader.
Asked about the outcome of the meeting, Yadav said he was invited for dinner during which political issues were discussed too.
On whether the party was considering to replace Manjhi, he said the speculation in this regard was baseless. The same question was posed to Kumar while he was embarking on ‘Sampark Yatra' to Sheikhpura, and he said he would say whatever he has to say after November 29 when the first phase of his ongoing ‘Sampark Yatra' gets over.
Several ministers and senior party leaders called on Sharad Yadav earlier in the day amidst speculation that they discussed the controversy surrounding Manjhi. When asked about the meeting, Urban Development Minister Samrat Chaudhary said they had gone to meet Yadav. Tourism Minister Javed Iqbal Ansari said the same.
Meanwhile, Manjhi met lawmakers of JD(U), RJD and Congress from Darbhanga division and heard their grievances before directing government officials to pay due respect to the elected representatives and address their development-related demands.
Manjhi said disciplinary action would be taken against them if they were found to be disrespectful towards the lawmakers and other elected representatives.
