Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav has expelled Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who has refused to step down from office, from the party.
According to reports, the JD (U) chief had asked Manjhi to step down as chief minister in view of the selection of his predecessor Nitish Kumar as the new leader of legislative party.
Meanwhile, Kumar will stake a claim for the formation of a new government in the state. He will call on Governor Kesari Nath Tripathi later this afternoon with the JD (U) submitting letters of support from 130 MLAs including those from the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
In the 243 member Bihar Assembly, the JD (U) has 111 MLAs, BJP 87, RJD 24, Congress five besides five independents, while ten seats are vacant.
With the present effective strength of the assembly at 233, the magic majority figure is 117.
