Ending the ongoing political crisis in Bihar, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Friday met Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and staked his claim to form the next government in the state.
Nitish is set to take oath as the chief minister on February 22.
The latest political development follows the resignation of Jitan Ram Manjhi from the top post, ahead of the crucial trust vote in the state assembly. While tendering his resignation to Tripathi, he also recommended the dissolution of the assembly, a suggestion that was not taken into consideration.
Earlier in the day, Nitish emulated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as he apologised to the people of Bihar with 'folded hands' for his 'emotional decision' to step down.
Nitish, whose JD (U) had parted ways with the Bharatiya Janata Party prior to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, is set to take over as the chief minister of Bihar for the fourth time.