June 27, 2017: Ultimatley the Bihar Mahagathbandhan collapsed and breaking ties with RJD, JD(U) Chief is now shaking hands with BJP leaders. After Nitish Kumar resigned as CM last night, BJP extended support to Nitish Kumar ending speculation about fate of Mahagathbandhan.
AIR NEWS reports: JD(U) President Nitish Kumar was today sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the sixth time and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan in Patna.The Chief Minister has convened a Cabinet meeting at residence today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Nitish Kumar on taking over as Bihar Chief Minister. In a tweet, Modi said, he is looking forward to work together for Bihar’s progress and prosperity. Modi also congratulated Sushil Modi who took oath as Deputy CM.
Nitish Kumar had resigned as the Chief Minister last evening citing irreconcilable differences with RJD on corruption charges against Lalu Prasad’s son and former Deputy CM Tejaswi Prasad Yadav.
Later, the JDU President joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in the state. He was elected the leader of the JD(U)-NDA alliance at a meeting at his residence. After the meeting, Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi drove to the Raj Bhawan to stake claim to form the new government.
With the support of 132 MLAs, NDA enjoys a comfortable majority in 243-member State Assembly where 122 MLAs are requited to prove majority. JD(U) has 71 MLAs, BJP 53, RSLP and LJP two each, HAM one and three independents in the alliance. On the other hand, RJD has 80 MLAs, Congress 27 and CPI-ML three.
The Governor has given Nitish Kumar two days to prove majority on the floor of the House.
Meanwhile, Tejaswi Yadav met the Governor early this morning to register protest over Nitish Kumar being invited to form the government ahead of the RJD, which is the single largest party in the state. He criticised Kumar for forming the Government with the backing of the BJP.
Mr Yadav’s demand to cancel the oath taking ceremony was rejected by the Governor. Mr Yadav said, he will challenge the Governor’s decision in court.
