Rebels walk out of LJP, want Nitish-led govt

Though there are different versions on how many MLAs have crossed over — it varies from 12 to 17 — it is already clear that a larger number of LJP MLAs are in support of the NDA government. Sources in the rebel camp, dominated by upper caste MLAs, said they read Paswan’s recent moves as reaching out to the RJD.

Sources said more than a dozen LJP MLAs had reached neighbouring Jharkhand and were in the ‘‘safe custody’’ of a BJP-led government in the state. Four other MLAs of the party languishing in different jails were also learnt to have extended written support for the JD(U) government.

Coinciding with this development was the resignation of LJP’s national general secretary Nagmani from the party. At a press conference here, he declared he had chosen to resign to form an anti-RJD government led by Nitish Kumar. LJP state president Narendra Singh too spoke in favour of a Nitish Kumar-led government.

NDA leaders claimed that they had mustered more than the magic figure of 122.

Paswan unfazed, calls Sunday meet

In Delhi, Paswan ruled out the possibility of a split. ‘‘MLAs are angry and disastisfied. There is nothing new that all MLAs are unhappy and want a government to be formed,’’ he said. Paswan insisted that there is no question of a split in his party. He has now arranged a meeting of his MLAs in Delhi on Sunday, an apparent test of his hold on the party.

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor Ahmed Patel had called up Paswan over the developments of the day. Paswan is understood to have told him that the transfers district magistrates and the appointment of former Bihar chief secretary Arun Pathak were the catalyst for today’s rebellion.

Paswan has lost game in Bihar: Laloo

While the horse-trading debate raged, RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav said Ram Vilas Paswan had ‘‘lost the game’’ in Bihar. Yadav said indications are the latter’s Lok Janashakti Party was finally going to split, which would be sad for the UPA, particularly the RJD. Ridiculing the various proposals of Paswan to form government in Bihar, Yadav said “people are not foolish, you cannot cheat the people. Everybody knows what type of formula you are giving everyday …He (paswan) has lost the game in Bihar,” Yadav said.

Buta meets Patil

Bihar Governor Buta Singh on Saturday met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and briefed him about ‘‘horse trading’’ allegations in the state. The Governor also discussed the controversial transfers of district magistrates and senior police officials in Bihar which Paswan had brought up. —ENS & PTI