Bihar political impasse: Nitish accuses Centre of attempting to stifle democracy

Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre of attempting to stifle democracy by indirectly intervening in the decision of to allow a trust vote for government formation in Bihar.

"This shows that central government and the BJP is trying to stifle democracy. The license of horse-trading that has been given from Delhi creates a troubling situation for Bihar. These decisions were taken after Jitan Ram Manjhi went to meet Prime Minister. What does it say?" asked Kumar.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi asked Manjhi to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly on February 20 after the Patna High Court said the Janata Dal United's move to elect Nitish Kumar as their leader was illegal.

Nitish Kumar had earlier reached the national capital to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, and parade 130 supporting MLAs to show that he enjoys a majority in the Bihar Assembly.

The MLAs belong to the ruling JD (U), besides some from the RJD, Congress, CPI and Independents.

Nitish, who wanted an invitation from Governor Tripathi to form a new government in the state after he was elected the leader of JD(U) Legislature Party, had said that a democratic process should be followed in Bihar.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, who has refused to resign as the Bihar Chief Minister, was earlier expelled from the JD (U) by party chief Sharad Yadav.

The action against Manjhi, who had earlier on Sunday met Prime Minister Modi in the national capital, came after the JD (U) accused him of anti-party activities.

In the 243 member Bihar Assembly, the JD (U) has 111 MLAs, BJP 87, RJD 24, Congress five besides five independents, while ten seats are vacant.