In Manjhi, we trust: BJP to support Bihar CM during confidence motion

The BJP would extend its support to the Bihar CM, but clarified that it would not be a part of the Manjhi government if he was able to prove his majority. M I Khan reports from Patna

Putting speculation to rest, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday evening announced that it would extend its support to Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi during the confidence motion on Friday.

Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi made the announcement in front of the media, saying BJP legislators would vote for Manjhi during the trust vote. 

”After a long meeting with the legislators, the BJP has decided to support Manjhi during the confidence motion,” said Modi.

However, he clarified that the BJP would not join the government if Manjhi was able to prove majority on the floor of the house.

According to BJP leaders, most of the party legislators were okay with supporting Manjhi, he said, adding, “A consensus was reached among the BJP legislators of supporting Manjhi.”

The move will surely make Manjhi smile as he prepares for the trust vote on Friday.

However, he has a tough task ahead as the Janata Dal-United and its allies – the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Communist Party of India – will be voting against Manjhi.

Meanwhile, prepping for his vote, Manjhi allegedly offered cabinet posts to legislators who would extend support to him on Friday. “Aaiye mera samarthan kijiye,mantri pad lijiye (Support me and become a minister)”, Manjhi said at a public function.

In the 243-member assembly, the JD-U has 115 legislators -- most of whom are reportedly with Nitish Kumar. It is backed by 24 legislators of the RJD, five of the Congress, two Independents and one from the CPI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, on the other hand, has 88 legislators and is supported by three Independents.