Nitish, Rabri stake claim to form government in Bihar

Talking to reporters after presenting his claim, Kumar claimed support of “fairly good number of MLAs” to prove a majority in the Assembly.

The NDA got a shot in the arm when JMM(S) president Shibu Soren extended support to it after initial vacillation. Soren had earlier demanded the post of chief minister for supporting the NDA. Kumar was accompanied by Soren when he met the Governor for his approval.

JMM(S) support was unconditional, Kumar said, adding that the party would join in the coalition government.

Asked whether he was in touch with the Congress MLAs for support, he said, “The Congress MLAs have fought elections on anti-Laloo plank and many of them will like to support us.”

Kumar claimed some Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs were also in touch with him. BSP has five members in the House and had reportedly lent “unconditional support to RJD”.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi resigned from her post. Tendering her resignation to Governor Pandey, Rabri Devi urged him to dissolve the 11th state Assembly.

Accepting her resignation, Pandey requested her to continue till an alternative arrangement was made. Rabri Devi also staked claim for forming Rashtriya Janata Dal government in Bihar.

Rabri Devi was accompanied by her party leaders and CPI(M) state secretary Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi.

Party supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav said Rabri Devi should be invited to form the government, as the RJD was the single largest party in the new Assembly.

He said the RJD was enjoying the support of 126 members, adding that talks were on with some parties seeking their support for forming the new government in the state.

Rabri Devi urged the Governor that the NDA’s claim of support of the 12 Independents should personally be verified before taking any decision. She said she would prove her majority on the floor of the House.