Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav responsible for political instability in Bihar: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday said that former chief minister Nitish Kumar and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav are responsible for the political instability in Bihar.

"Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar are to be held accountable for the present political instability in Bihar. The BJP will take a decision after viewing the result and whole situation carefully," said BJP spokesperson Prem Prakash Ranjan.

Nitish, who was elected as the leader of JD (U) legislature party at a party meeting held in Patna on Saturday, is expected to stake claim to form a new government in the state later in the day. 

Earlier last evening, Manjhi called a meeting of his Cabinet which authorised the Chief Minister to recommend the dissolution of Bihar Assembly. But this move was strongly opposed by 20 ministers loyal to Nitish.

Manjhi claimed he is authorised to take a decision on dissolution of the assembly. Manjhi, who has refused to step down from his post, had on Saturday written a letter to the Bihar Governor and requested him not to accept the recommendations made by the JD(U) legislature party meeting headed by Sharad Yadav.

He also urged the Governor to remove 15 ministers from their posts with immediate effect. Adding a new twist to the entire controversy, 20 ministers late last night sent their resignation to the Governor in support of Nitish.

Meanwhile, Manjhi is expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's official 7, Race Course Road (RCR) residence here this evening.