File Photo: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi (PTI Photo)
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi was declared as an unattached member in the state Assembly on Monday, following his expulsion from the Janata Dal (United).
"Jitan Manjhi has been declared unattached member by the Speaker of Bihar Assembly following a request from state JD(U) President that party national Chief Sharad Yadav has expelled him from the party," Secretary In-Charge of Assembly, Hareram Mukhiya said.
He said that a letter from Bihar JD(U) leader Basistha Narayan Singh, along with a copy of Sharad Yadav's letter regarding the expulsion of Mr Manjhi from the party, was received by the Speaker with a request to remove him from list of JD(U) members in the House.
But, as per a Supreme Court ruling for such cases, it could not be done, and Mr Manjhi has been declared as an unattached member, he added.
The Speaker has already recognised Nitish Kumar as the new leader of JD(U) Legislature Party in the House.
Meanwhile, a highly placed sources in the Raj Bhavan refuted reports regarding Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi not allowing Mr Manjhi permission to expand his Cabinet.
"How can such an order be issued unless and until a request seeking permission for expansion of ministry is made," the sources said.
Mr Manjhi has said that a Cabinet expansion could take place soon. Nitish Kumar has dubbed it as a case of "open horse trading."