Bihar Governor D Y Patil has sought transfer, preferably to a state close to his home state Maharashtra. Patil, who took over as Bihar governor in March 2013 in the wake of the state government’s acrimonious relationship with his predecessor Debanand Konwar, has had a tenure without controversy so far. The state BJP unit, however, is not happy with Patil’s role on two occasions — when CM Nitish Kumar severed ties with the NDA and dismissed 11 BJP ministers; and after Kumar resigned as CM. BJP legislature party leader and former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said Patil should have asked the cabinet to resign after the split with the NDA and take oath afresh. BJP leaders were peeved at being dismissed rather than being given chance to resign. Another BJP leader said when Kumar had resigned as CM recently, Patil had the option to dissolve the House but he “took Kumar’s suggestions of not dissolving the Assembly and calling Jeetan Ram Manjhi to form government”. The BJP, however, could not suggest any violation of constitutional norms on either occasion. Sources said Patil during his meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday expressed his “desire of being transferred to any state near Maharashtra”. Patil, who owns several private universities and educational institutions, is said to have good relationships with both the BJP and the Congress.
