Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being behind the ‘script’ to wipe him out, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, “Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was convinced during our meeting on February 9 that opportunity should be given to Manjhi to prove majority on the floor of the Assembly well ahead of February 20. But, everything changed after Manjhi met the PM.” 

JD(U) was not against an opportunity to Manjhi to prove his majority in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, said Kumar adding, “But giving such a long time of 14 days cannot be justified.” 

Kumar rubbished the plea for secret ballot saying it was against the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection law. “How can a popular government run on the basis of secret ballot?” he asked stressing those who violate the party whip would be expelled.

Kumar also alleged that the BJP stood exposed by propping Manjhi against him. 

Earlier, BJP leaders used to give one out of ten marks to Manjhi for his performance. What has changed now that they are supporting a person who has confessed taking commission from development projects?

-Nitish Kumar, former Bihar CM

“In a desperate attempt, Manjhi tried to impress upon the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to ask the CBI to go after Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary in an old case to browbeat him before the trust vote,” Kumar alleged. “But the efforts did not bear fruit as rules and procedure of the central agency did not permit it,” he added.