Bihar: Our legislators are with Nitish and JD(U), says Congress

Patna: Bihar Congress on Wednesday said while it supported Nitish Kumar, the decision to join the new Bihar government under him if formed after the 20 February trust vote would be taken by the party high command. “Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s government is already in minority. It has already fallen down. Our legislators are united and strongly with Nitish Kumar and JD(U),” CLP leader Sadanand Singh said. [caption id=“attachment_2107041” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Nitish Kumar in a file photo. AFP[/caption] “As far as the participation of our party in the new government is concerned, our high command will take a decision regarding it,” he told reporters at his official residence in Patna. All five MLAs and four MLCs of the party, including Bihar PCC president Ashok Chaudhary were present on the occasion. He alleged that BJP was trying to sow doubts about the unity in Congress and create a rift among its legislators. “There should be no doubt about our support to Nitish Kumar. The BJP is sowing doubts regarding our unity and strength, but they are simply baseless,” he said. “We will be rock solid with Nitish Kumar when the present Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi seeks confidence vote in the legislative assembly on February 20. We have already given our letter of support in this regard to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.” The support to JD(U) led by Kumar was being provided on clear instructions by AICC General Secretary and Bihar in-charge CP Joshi, Singh said adding this was being done to strengthen secular forces in Bihar. “Congress gave unconditional support to JD(U) when it separated from BJP in June 2013. The motive was to strengthen secular parties in Bihar. We are continuing our support to Kumar and JD(U) led by him as he was chosen its leader on 7 February meeting in which 98 out of total 111 MLAs of his party were present,” Singh added. PTI