'Manjhi visiting Delhi to discuss next script': JD (U)

The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday stepped up its criticism of Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, saying the latter was visiting New Delhi to plot the next script of political deadlock in the state with BJP leaders.

"Jitanji is visiting Delhi to discuss the subsequent script with the leaders of the BJP. They are plotting to implement the President's rule after the majority is lost and are trying to disrupt the state assembly," said JD (U) spokesperson K C Tyagi.

He added that Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi should focus on upholding constitutional values instead of attacking Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar.

"Keshari Nath Tripathi should work to uphold constitutional values and not say anything against Nitish Kumar because then it smells like he is working for the Bharatiya Janata Party," added Tyagi.

Kumar had earlier accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of 'attempting to throttle democracy'.

Kumar also alleged that the Bihar Governor's decision to ask Manjhi to prove his majority in the state assembly on February 20 has been scripted in Delhi and is designed to 'allow horse-trading of MLAs'.

Kumar, who is engaged in an intense tussle with Manjhi - the man he picked nine months ago to be the chief minister when he resigned after his party's defeat in the Lok Sabha polls -, had earlier this week met President Pranab Mukherjee to convey the support of 130 MLAs.

Kumar, who was accompanied by JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, took the 130 MLAs to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to show that he enjoys majority support in the Bihar Assembly.

Meanwhile, Manjhi, who is engaged in a grim battle for political survival, on Saturday included Dusadh caste in the mahadalit category in a bid to expand his base.