Jitan Ram Manjhi sworn in as Bihar CM

A total of 17 ministers also took oath along with new Chief Minister

Janata Dal (United) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi today took oath as Bihar Chief Minster promising further development for the state. The new government would seek trust vote on Friday and is expected win with the backing of Congress and independent MLAs.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and senior JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar has said that the new government would be free to make its own decision and it would not be "remote controlled".

Manjhi was sworn in as Bihar's 25 th Chief Minister by Governor D Y Patil in Patna on Tuesday. A total of 17 ministers also took oath along with the new Chief Minister. Manjhi's council of ministers includes two independent MLAs as their support is crucial for the survival of the JD (U) government in the state.

Manjhi, a legislator from Makhdumpur constituency in Gaya, was elected leader of the JD (U) legislature party on Monday after his name was proposed by his predecessor Nitish Kumar. Kumar had resigned on Saturday after his party's dismal performance in Lok Sabha election.

As Manjhi is considered close to Kumar, many believe that the former Chief Minister would still be the guiding force in the new government's decisions making process. However, Kumar refuted this charges. "The government would be free from any influence and would take its own decisions. There would not be any remote control. I would merely act as a coordinator between the party and the government. I will now act as guard for the government and the party. The Chief Minister would be free to take decisions," Kumar told after the swearing-in ceremony.

On the other hand, the new Chief Minister has promised further development for the state. Manjhi said, "Our aim would be to complete the unfinished works. We would work hard for the development of the state."

Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi has also congratulated Manjhi on Twitter. When quipped about it, Manjhi thanked him, but refrained from reciprocating the same for the newly elected leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party.