Manjhi, Nitish resolve differences

Manjhi’s meeting with Nitish assumed importance as a section of the JD(U) has been asking for Manjhi to be replaced. Names of assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary and Transport Minister Ramai Ram had been doing the rounds. Sources however said RJD chief Lalu Prasad was not in favour of replacing Manjhi midway as it would “give confusing signals and serve little purpose”.

Manjhi, who had been upset with five of his cabinet colleagues for skipping a function on Thursday, reportedly got placatory signals from the party after he was called for dinner by Nitish Kumar. Sources said Nitish asked Manjhi to concentrate on “good governance” and “refrain from making controversial statements”. A party source said, “Nitish’s brief to Manjhi is clear: you take care of governance to keep JD(U) development plank strong and I will take care of party.”

Nitish will embark on his Sampark Yatra to take up special status demand for Bihar and thus also “try to bring himself in focus”. It is not clear if Manjhi will attend the Yatra. “It will depend on engagements of the CM,” JD(U) state chief Bashistha Narayan Singh said.