Is Bihar CM Manjhi’s ouster imminent?

A day after Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi asserted that he would speak his mind “come what may” and that he knew his days as Chief Minister were numbered, the buzz in the political circles in the State on Monday was that he may be ousted from the post as soon as his predecessor, Nitish Kumar, completes his Sampark Yatra on November 29.

Mr. Kumar, who held a meeting with Janata Dal(U) president Sharad Yadav and some key Ministers late on Sunday night, told presspersons that he would speak about Mr. Manjhi’s issue only after the Yatra. Following hectic developments within the party, speculation is rife that Mr. Manjhi may be ousted either this month or in the first week of December.

Janata Dal(U) sources also told

The Hindu that a party legislators’ meeting would be held in the first week of December and Mr. Manjhi would most likely be replaced at that meeting.

An unfazed Mr. Manjhi was, however, busy meeting legislators, MPs and leaders of the grand alliance of the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress from the Darbhanga division on Monday. “I heard their grievances and things to be done in their constituency. As the State Assembly election will be held soon, we have very little time to do things for the people. But I am sure I will be able to sort out the leaders’ demands and complaints in the coming months,” Mr. Manjhi said.

He would soon meet leaders, legislators and MPs of the grand alliance from other divisions also.

Mr. Manjhi was also busy meeting journalists on the eve of the release of his government’s annual report card on Tuesday.

Political observers said it was another bold political move by Mr. Manjhi to garner support of leaders in his favour. Earlier, some of the party MLAs and Ministers from his own community had come out in his support.

Sources said RJD chief Lalu Prasad would be consulted about the political developments. However, Mr. Prasad is not in favour of removing Mr. Manjhi.