Facing apparent defeat, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today resigned.
Hours ahead of the trust vote, Manjhi submitted his resignation to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.
Manjhi has submitted his resignation, Principal Secretary to Governor Brajesh Mehrotra told PTI.
Asked about the content, Mehrotra said it was a one-line statement.
Manjhi sprang a surprise by making an unscheduled visit to Raj Bhawan around 10 AM. He returned to his One Anne Marg residence after a brief 15-minute meeting with the Governor.
Manjhi has called a press conference at his residence at 11:30 AM, the Chief Minister's Office said.
Manjhi's sudden decision apparently follows his realisation that he does not have the numbers to prove the majority.
Manjhi, who rebelled against Nitish Kumar, was expelled by JD(U) and was to prove his majority after the Governor's address.
Yesterday, the BJP announced support to Manjhi but he still did not have the numbers to win the trust vote after JD(U) and its allies like RJD and Congress rallied behind Nitish Kumar.
