INDIA
Nitish Kumar checkmates grand-alliance.
On a day of dramatic developments, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned today, dumping RJD over corruption charges against his deputy Tejashwi Yadav. Soon JD(U) decided to join hands with BJP, and the new government will sworn in under Nitish Kumar's leadership at 5PM, on Thursday.
Citing irreconcilable differences with the senior ally over corruption charges against Tejashwi, son of Lalu Prasad, Kumar announced his resignation after meeting Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, hours after the RJD supremo rejected outright the demand for his son's ouster.
Kumar's resignation capped days of stand-off between his party JD(U) and the RJD with the former insisting that Tejashwi defend himself against the allegations. "In the circumstances that prevail in Bihar, it became difficult to run the grand alliance government," Kumar told reporters outside Raj Bhavan after submitting his resignation to Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi.
Congress top leaders weren't kept in the loop
Reacting to Nitish's resignation, Lalu Prasad Yadav said that the MLAs of grand alliance should meet and elect a new leader. He says that as RJD has the most number of MLAs, next CM should be from their party.
Lalu gave a new twist to Kumar's resignation, saying a pending case against him and not the differences over corruption charges against Tejashwi was at the root the the JD(U) leader's "resignation drama". In the 1991 Lok Sabha polls, a man named Sitaram Singh was killed at a polling station in Pandarak and Nitish Kumar is among the accused. He had made a mention of the case in the affidavit he filed while contesting the Legislative Council election, Lalu told a press conference.
He claimed a court in Barh had taken cognizance of the charges against Kumar in 2009 and that the case was still alive in the Patna High Court. "Nitish knew that he was soon going to be hauled up by the court and will have to quit in any case. He made the Tejashwi issue a ruse to exit before that happens," the RJD boss claimed.
Analysis: How Opposition paid for corruption again
Minutes after that PM Modi tweeted lauding Nitish Kumar for taking a strong stance against corruption. He said that 125 crore Indians will support Nitish Kumar's decision. Kumar responded with a quick tweet saying," I thank the prime minister from the core of my heart for praising my decision (of quitting)."
Kumar's JD(U) has 71 seats, while RJD headed by Tejashwi Yadav's father Lalu Prasad, has 80. The BJP has 53. Asked if he will now form a government with BJP's support, he said,"Whatever had to happen has happened. Now see what happens next."
Here's how the number game adds up
Kumar, who led the grand alliance that also included the Congress to a stunning victory, was sworn in on November 20 2015.
Earlier Lalu said, "Has Nitish asked for the resignation of Tejaswi Yadav?" "Are they (JD(U)) the police that we have to answer them?" he shot back in response to another question that JD(U) spokesmen have been regularly saying that Tejaswi Yadav has to come clean on the issue.
Flanked by wife Rabri Devi, son Tejaswi Yadav and senior party leader Jagdanand Singh, Prasad, in an apparent rejection of JD(U)'s demand, said, "I myself and Tejaswi will speak where it's required."
With PTI inputs
In a late night development, RJD has also decided to stake claim to form government in Bihar. Lalu Prasad Yadav has sought appointment with the Governor. Tejashwi Yadav has said that RJD should be invited to form the government as they are the single largest party in the Assembly. RJD is hoping for support from JD(U) MLAs too, tweeted Bihar Deputy CM.
राज्यपाल से मिलने का माँगा समय।सबसे बड़ा दल होने के नाते करेंगे सरकार बनाने का दावा।BJP के ख़िलाफ़ चुनकर आए जदयू विधायको का भी मिलेगा समर्थन
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017
The Bihar saga continues even after midnight. Now Nitish Kumar and other top leaders are meeting Governor to stake claim.
Patna: Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi & other BJP, JDU leaders leave for Raj Bhavan to meet Guv pic.twitter.com/uQ03rn22k8
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
The BJP tonight handed over to Bihar Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi the letter extending support to Nitish Kumar for forming the next government. State BJP chief Nityanand Rai and senior party leader Sushil Kumar Modi drove to Raj Bhavan late this evening and handed over the letter. Sushil Modi also confirmed that BJP will be part of the next government.
Bihar: Meeting of BJP-JDU MLAs & leaders at Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna. pic.twitter.com/CjgPKNmEXV
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar CM again at 5PM tomorrow.
He will be the CM of a JD(U)- BJP government, a swift turn after being the head of grand alliance for 20 months. BJP is likely to join the government.
Lalu Prasad Yadav claims Nitish Kumar is finding it hard to keep his MLAs together.
All JDU MLAs caged in CM house since evening. Why so mch insecurity?Just cuz MLAs realise tht they are elected against BJP's divisive agenda
— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 26, 2017
हमने जो निर्णय लिया उसपर माननीय प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi के ट्वीट के द्वारा दी गई प्रतिक्रिया के लिए उन्हें तहेदिल से धन्यवाद.
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 26, 2017
Nityanand Rai Ji & I called Nitish Ji. BJP decides to support him, will support the govt formed under him. Will inform Guv also: Sushil Modi pic.twitter.com/my3eHF63dS
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
The three member committee of BJP has decided to back Nitish Kumar. Former Deputy CM Sushil Modi has just made the formal announcement.
Bihar: Meeting underway at Lalu Yadav's residence in Patna. Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav & senior RJD leaders present.
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Congress has now reacted to the shocking political development in Bihar.
We are deeply disappointed by the news of Nitish Kumar's resignation. Congress respect Nitish Kumar as a leader: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/X0UUO6vLnp
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Mahagathbandhan was given a 5 year mandate by people of #Bihar. We shall continue to strive the mandate given is fully respected-R Surjewala pic.twitter.com/P4JYvA7zqK
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
BJP reacts after meeting of Parliamentary meeting.
BJP welcomes battle against corruption in Bihar. Not in favor of mid-term elections: JP Nadda after BJP Parliamentary Board meet pic.twitter.com/szkam6aGUy
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Lalu says everything is planned and mentions PM Modi's tweets shortly after resignation. Lalu says that he is deeply heartened by Nitish Kumar's resignation.
Lalu says that the grand alliance should continue to respect the mandate of the people of the country. Lalu says that leaders of three parties should meet and decide on the next leader. And as RJD is the single largest party, they should have the option of choosing the CM. Lalu Prasad Yadav proposes a meeting where both Tejashwi and Nitish will not be present and they can elect a new leader to rule the state.
RJD chief says that people of Bihar are looking and they want non- BJP forces to continue to govern in the state.
Lalu Prasad Yadav says he has not taken any decision due to affection for his son. Tejashwi Yadav has become deputy CM after getting mandate of the people, says Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The alliance is broken and it is no holds bar attack now. Nitish Kumar is accused of murder, resigned as MLC ove charges, says Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Nitish Kumar knew that he is accused of section 302, one of India's CM is main accused in murder & arms case : Lalu Prasad Yadav pic.twitter.com/PTVniWS8TB
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Lalu Prasad Yadav is now addressing the press. He starts by recalling how Nitish Kumar vowed to make a Sangh-Mukt Bharat after splitting ties with NDA.
Lalu says that Nitish Kumar never demanded for resignation, but asked for explanation. Lalu says that sufficient explanation has been given in the matter.
Bihar: Visuals from meeting of BJP MLAs that took place in Patna. pic.twitter.com/PZoeD1hvrA
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
#InsideVisuals of BJP Parliamentary board meeting underway in Delhi. PM Modi & BJP President Amit Shah present, among others. pic.twitter.com/ChsqWoWJgZ
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
We are happy that Bihar CM didn't compromise on issue of corruption and did not kneel down before RJD: Sushil Modi, BJP pic.twitter.com/WYE8o0Lrsu
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Senior Bihar BJP leader and former Deputy CM Sushil Modi says that the state unit is not in favour of mid-term elections. He says that a three member committee has been formed to strategise and coordinate with the central leadership about future steps the party is likely to take.
Uniion Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad says that the alliance was always unstable, and it was a matter of time before it was broken.
It is to be recalled that JD(U) and BJP were in alliance for 17 years, before Nitish pulled out of alliance ahead of 2014 General elections.
BJP Parliamentary Committee is currently meeting today, and it is expected that this breaking development will be top of their agenda.
Congratulate Nitish Ji on joining fight against corruption. 125 crore people welcome this welcome and support this honesty, tweets PM Modi.
To rise above political differences & fight against corruption in country & in Bihar in particular, for development is need of the hour, says PM.
BJP MLAs are currently meeting in Patna to discuss on the next course of action.
Immediately after Nitish Kumar's press briefing, PM Modi has tweeted commanding his decision.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2017
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2017
Nitish Kumar virtually blames RJD saying the alliance had great prospects if accusations were clarified.
Gandhiji always said needs can be met on the earth, but greed can never be fulfilled: Nitish Kumar pic.twitter.com/gbzV5URRFq
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Nitish Kumar says that he informed RJD and Congress about his resignation before meeting the Governor.
It's not possible to work in this environment, I tried. Tried to found out a solution: Nitish Kumar, after resigning as #Bihar CM. pic.twitter.com/1rdBCGA4L3
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017
Nitish says he is not going into blame game. He says one-third of the term went well but with the changing political situation, he had no alternative.
Nitish Kumar refuses to rule out alliance with BJP. He says they will do whatever is in interest of Bihar.
Nitish Kumar says that he tried to save the alliance, met Rahul Gandhi to find solution. But with RJD offering no explanation for corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav, he had no other alternative, says Nitish Kumar.
Nitish says he has been always for united opposition, but asks at what cost should it come. Shouldn't there be an agenda for opposition unity, asks JD(U) Chief. Nitish Kumar says that wrong allegations have been hurled against him whenever he has taken some principled stance for national interest. Nitish Kumar gives example of demonetization and Presidential election where his stance was criticised.
Nitish gives no indication of his future plans as of now.
Reacting to reporters after resignation, Bihar CM says that he resigned because the grand alliance had become untenable. Nitish says that the situation was such that he was not able to do any work. Nitish says that he never asked for resignation, but urged Tejashwi Yadav to explain his position. But such explanation never came and hence it became tough for him to govern the state, says Nitish Kumar.
UPPSC protest BIG update: RO-ARO exam postponed, PCS prelims to be held in one day
Sania Mirza named Sports Ambassador of THIS city, not Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur
Shloka Mehta turns heads in sleek white gown at Tira store launch, see pics
Amid Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai divorce rumours, Jaya Bachchan surprises everyone with...
IND vs SA: Arshdeep Singh goes past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become Indian pacer with most....
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani’s luxury retail chain opens new store at...
PM Modi to receive Dominica’s highest national award for...
Shraddha Kapoor says people with big foreheads are…
'Busy making...': Kanhaiya Kumar sparks row with remarks on Devendra Fadnavis' wife; BJP hits back
'Full baarati vibes': Vietnamese man's epic 'nagin dance' steals show at Mumbai event
Tilak Varma credits THIS player for his century against South Africa, says 'He gave me...'
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2024 to be released today at upsc.gov.in, check direct link to download
'Be prepared for...': Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma REACTS to Rs 50 crore defamation case
Saudi, Iran: Cautious dance toward détente?
Anushka Sharma shares glimpse of Children’s Day special dish for daughter Vamika, son Akaay
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why
Land drug trafficking patterns in North-Eastern Region
Shillong Teer Result November 14, 2024: Know updates on lucky winning numbers
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT offer for Jio users: Get unlimited validity for 84 days at just Rs...
Delhi air quality dips to 'severe' category as AQI nears dangerous...
Bigg Boss OTT-fame Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh receives extortion threat
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is