The ruling JD(U) in Bihar today appeared headed for a showdown between Nitish Kumar and his defiant protege and Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi ahead of tomorrow's meeting of the legislature party that can oust the incumbent CM.
Knives were out between the two factions with Manjhi terming tomorrow's meeting as "unauthorised" and instead calling a Legislature Party meeting in his capacity as Leader of the House on February 20.
For tomorrow's meeting called by party President Sharad Yadav, notices were today sent to 111 party MLAs and 41 members of Legislative Council including Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Nitish Kumar.
Sources said that at tomorrow's meeting there could be a move to handover reins of the government back to Nitish Kumar, but the transition would not be easy as Manjhi adopted a confrontationist approach.
A rebellious Manjhi is scheduled to leave for Delhi tomorrow to take part in the Niti Ayog meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it clear that he would not attend tomorrow's Legislature party meeting.
JD(U) General Secretary K C Tyagi told reporters that Manjhi could be removed from the party if he violates discipline and not attend tomorrow's meeting.
Manjhi reacted angrily to the remarks. "Tyagi has gone mad," he told reporters in Khagaria.
The fight between the two groups spilled on to the streets today. Supporters of Kumar and Manjhi clashed outside state JD(U) headquarters.
JD(U) sources said some people under the banner of Dalit Mushar Chetna Samiti assembled outside the party office, shouted slogans and burnt effigy of Nitish Kumar.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Jitendra Rana said police force has been deployed there after the incident.
The protesters also allegedly attacked some people believed to be supporters of the former Chief Minister, who had quit after the Lok Sabha election debacle last year and had handpicked Manjhi to succeed him.
