Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today suffered a jolt as JD(U) candidate from Kisanganj withdrew in favour of Congress nominee for the Lok Sabha polls.
"I have decided to withdraw myself from the elections in favour of sitting Congress candidate to check split of minority votes," JD(U) candidate Akhtarul Iman said.
Congress candidate Maulana Asrarul Haque is seeking re-election from the minority-dominated Kisanganj seat.
The incident left party President Sharad Yadav red-faced, who went to Terhagach block of Kisanganj district to address a rally in Iman's favour.
He described Iman as a 'beiman' (traitor) and said: "The party had thought Iman to be an honest man but he turned out to be a beiman," Yadav said hinting that the party might support some Independent for the Kisanganj seat.
Iman said he tried to contact Kumar to acquaint him with his decision, but could not get through him.
"I have acquainted JD(U) leaders in Kisanganj with my decision... My purpose to enter the field was to defeat communal forces represented by Narendra Modi... I've decided to withdraw to strengthen the secular forces " Iman said stressing that he would remain with the JD(U).
Sources in Kisanganj attributed Iman's withdrawal to lack of support he was getting from the chief minister.
JD(U) cannot put a replacement for Iman as last date for filing nomination for April 24 poll ended on April 9.
Iman had recently crossed over to the JD(U) from RJD after resigning as its MLA from Kochadhaman in Kisanganj district. He was among the 13 RJD MLAs to rebel against the party and seek separate status.
He was rewarded by Kumar with Lok Sabha ticket from Kisanganj.
With Iman's withdrawal, Kisanganj, where voting is scheduled on April 24, will witness a direct contest between Asrarul Haque (Cong) and D K Jaiswal (BJP).
