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Nitish Kumar's resignation a drama: Shiv Sena

by IBNS 20 May 2014, 07:24 am

Mumbai, May 20 (IBNS) Key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Shiv Sena, on Tuesday termed the resignation of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Nitish Kumar as Bihar Chief Minister a 'drama'.

In an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', Shiv Sena said: "Nitish Kumar's resignation is a drama. He said he is quitting on moral grounds. But actually he wants to form an alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)."

Meanwhile, Bihar's new Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said he was the choice of both outgoing CM Nitish Kumar and JD-U supremo Sharad Yadav.

"I never expected or desired to become the CM. But both Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav chose me," said Manjhi.

Ending his eight and a half years stint, Nitish Kumar officially stepped down as the Chief Minister of Bihar while the JD-U announced the name of Manjhi  for the top post in the state.

 Manjhi served as the SC/ST welfare minister in Nitish Kumar's government.

Earlier in the day, Sharad Yadav said the decision on Nitish Kumar quitting as Bihar Chief Minister is final.

"The decision was a difficult one to take. But the decision is final. Nitishji will resign. It is a decision in favour of the nation, the party and also Nitishji," said Yadav.