Request Prez Mukherjee to look into govt. formation in Bihar: Nitish

Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Wednesday stated that a delegation of MLAs from Bihar, which also included Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, met President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and requested him to look into the matter of the government formation in the state.

"Today, a delegation compromising Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sharad Yadav, CP Joshi and many other leaders have met the President and have informed him that we have the support of the majority of MLAs in Bihar. Apart from JD (U), the RJD, Congress and CPI have given their support and we have notified the Governor of the same," Nitish told the media.

"We request that there is a speedy resolution for the same. By delaying a judgement, the atmosphere is getting polluted and horse-trading is being encouraged. We took our concerns to the President because we placed the matter before the Governor but despite three days passing, he took no steps towards a solution," he added.

Nitish further stated that President Mukherjee has promised to look into the situation.

"The President has heard our prayer and has promised to look into the matter. We have requested him not to wait till the budget session because in that session, the budget should be put forth by the ruling government at that time," he said.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav alleged that the political crisis was a conspiracy by the BJP, claiming that the rival party was attempting to force President's rule on Bihar.

"If there is any discrepancy or doubt over whether a majority of the MLAs support us, then examine us closely. The BJP, which has been reduced to just three seats in Delhi, is worried and wants to enter Bihar. We are apprehensive that they will try to force President's rule on Bihar," he said.

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 earlier called for a democratic process to be followed in the state.

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.