JD-U's move to elect Nitish Kumar as its leader illegal: Patna HC

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

The Patna High Court on Wednesday said the Janata Dal United's move to elect Nitish Kumar as there leader was illegal.

"There were a lot of issues taken and this was challenged. As of now, any further procedure has been stopped. The next hearing will be on February 18," said advocate S.K. Mangalam.

Meanwhile, Kumar, had earlier in the day 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 Bihar Governor Keshari Nath 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.