File Photo: JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. (Press Trust of India)
In fast paced development, Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary today recognised Nitish Kumar as the new leader of JD(U) Legislature Party and Jitan Ram Manjhi as a former head.
A letter issued by secretary in-charge of Bihar Assembly Hareram Mukhiya said Mr Chaudhary has recognised Mr Kumar as new leader of JD(U) Legislature Party of the House, highly placed sources in Assembly secretariat said.
A letter to this effect has been sent to the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister's office and the Nitish Kumar's office, the sources said.
An official of Nitish Kumar's office confirmed receiving a letter from the Assembly secretary to this effect.
The Speaker's recognition of Kumar came in response to a letter from Bihar JD(U) president Basistha Narayan Singh who had apprised him about Kumar's election as leader of the House by 97 out of a total of 111 JD(U) MLAs and 37 out of 41 MLCs.
The sources said after the recognition of Nitish Kumar as new leader of JD(U) in the Assembly, Jitan Ram Manjhi has become a former leader of JD(U) Legislature Party.
RJD which has 24 MLAs, Congress 5, CPI 1 and an Independent have submitted letters of support in favour of Mr Kumar to Raj Bhawan.
Sources say Nitish Kumar will meet Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi tomorrow to formally stake his claim to form the government.