PM rejects Nitish’s resignation

Jha, who left for Delhi today along with rebel MPs to meet Fernandes, said in Patna that he had "no lust" for the post of the party’s unit, but would oppose Nitish Kumar’s "dictatorial style of functioning".

"I have already made it clear that I am not hungry for power or post…But it is our duty to stand up against Nitish if he wants to thrust a leader on us," he said.

"We are going to Delhi to apprise George saheb what forced us to take such a course of action… If George saheb thinks it fit to keep the flock together and find a solution, we will happily remain with him. Otherwise, we have already chosen our path," he said.

"The unity in the party depends on the initiatives to be taken by George saheb…I am still ready to vacate the post of the state president if he wants to instal an impartial man to replace me. But we will not compromise on the choice of Nitish," he asserted.

Kumar, who announced his resignation on Thursday, also left for the Capital today. He is likely to meet Fernandes and discuss the political developments.

Observers here feel Fernandes might be able to establish unity in the party, given the unflinching faith reposed in him by both factions. The delay in Kumar’s announcement as to who will hold the party state presidency and his desire to have consultations with Fernandes are attempts to bring about a truce, they added.

Along with Jha, rebel MPs Prabhunath Singh, Arun Kumar and Mahendra Baitha have reaffirmed full faith in the leadership of Fernandes and left for Delhi.