‘When Manjhi met PM’: Nitish reads a ‘script’ to block him

“When we met the governor on February 9, he was convinced that a decision should be taken before the budget session,” said Nitish. “Now I wonder which government the governor will speak for during his speech.”

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Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad responded, “I totally reject his baseless and malicious charge. It is shameful on his part to drag the name of the Prime Minister into squabbles within the JD(U).” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, “Nitish is indulging in dirty politics by pointing fingers at a constitutional authority (the governor).”

Brishen Patel, a minister loyal to Manjhi, said: “Why is Nitish so impatient? If Manjhi has a majority, he will prove it or resign as CM.”

JD(U) leader P K Shahi, a former advocate general, meanwhile clarified that the Patna High Court has not restrained or questioned Nitish Kumar’s selection as JD (U) legislature party leader. “I met the chief justice for a clarification on the order and learnt that the court had only restrained further action on the assembly secretariat notification about Kumar’s selection until the governor takes a decision. The court explained its order would not affect any internal party decision.”

With ENS in Delhi

Manjhi latest: ‘Got (Cuts) from Engineers, Need to spend well’

Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday declared that “we” have received bribes “from engineers and technocrats” for construction projects, and added he would ensure the money is used for the welfare of teachers.

Speaking at a teachers’ function, he said: “Engineers and technocrats, who earn crores of rupees, give some (cuts) to contractors and also to us. But I will now ensure that neither we nor engineers are allowed to digest this money. I will ensure this money is used for the welfare of teachers.”  He added he had been trying to stop the heavy commissions in bridge projects, but they (the Nitish Kumar faction) “want to remove me as CM”. ENS