File photo of Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has scripted yet another controversy, this time by appointing his son-in-law as a private assistant or PA.
The PA, Devendra Manjhi, is married to the chief minister's oldest daughter from his second marriage. His appointment, made in June, was discovered by the opposition BJP only now, and it has cried foul.
BJP leader Sushil Modi pointed out that a Bihar government circular from 2010 clearly states that a person holding public office cannot appoint a relative as a PA or any other member of his staff. "It is Bihar's misfortune that there is such corruption," Mr Modi said in his attack on the CM.
But the Manjhis - the Chief Minister and his son-in-law - are wondering what the brouhaha is all about. "Such allegations are often hurled against me and my family. I will look into this," the chief minister said.
Devendra Manjhi, who claims to be a social worker, says he has served as Jeetan Ram Manjhi's PA since the latter became Bihar's Social Welfare Minister in 2006.
"Why are objections being raised now just because my father-in law is chief minister?" he asked.
Jitan Ram Manjhi, 72, took over as Bihar chief minister at the head of the state's Janata Dal United government after Nitish Kumar stepped down in May, stung by his party's poor performance in the national elections, which saw his political rival Narendra Modi become prime minister.
Since his appointment, Mr Manjhi has made headlines often, mostly for controversial comments that have embarrassed his party, the JD(U), which is attempting to re-consolidate and stage a comeback in Bihar in assembly elections due next year.