Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's son-in-law Devendra Manjhi has tendered his resignation following the controversy that the former was misusing his position by appointing his relative as a personal assistant.
"I have submitted my resignation after having a discussion with Bihar CM," said Devendra Manjhi.
"I have been working with him before he became the CM. Why didn't the people point finger at that time? I would have backed out," he added while attempting to downplay the controversy.
Questioning the rules over appointment of relatives, he said, "The term 'relative' should be clearly defined, is it just daughter or son or also includes in laws. If I had known, I would have backed out earlier only."
He, however, assured that he will continue to work for his father- in- law and said that this sudden controversy is a part of conspiracy by the people from outside the party who are purposely doing this to obstruct Bihar's development.
According to a State Cabinet Secretariat department's notification issued in June this year, Jitan Ram Manjhi has appointed his son-in-law Devendra Manjhi as his personal assistant. Another member of the Manjhi family, Satyendra Kumar, was appointed as a peon.
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Both the appointments violate the State Cabinet Secretariat department's order of May 23, 2000, that prohibits ministers to appoint their relatives as a personal assistant.
The Bihar Chief Minister had, however, yesterday rubbished the allegations.