Patna, May 19
Bihar ex-Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today chose senior minister Jitan Ram Manjhi as his successor. The JD(U) has staked claim to form the government in the state under Manjhi, Kumar said.

Manjhi (68), a Dalit leader, was SC & ST Minister in the Nitish government. Manjhi had the approval of JD(U) president Sharad Yadav as well state party chief Basistha Narayan Singh, Kumar said.

“We have staked claim before Governor DY Patil to form the government under Jitan Ram Manjhi’s leadership,” Kumar told mediapersons outside Raj Bhawan this evening.

“We have handed over a list of support of 117 JD(U) MLAs, two Independents and a CPI member, totalling 120, to the Governor to form the new government.”

On the reason for choosing Manjhi as his successor, Kumar said: “He is experienced and his contribution to the party is immense.”

The effective strength of the House at present is 239. The JD(U) has 117 members, the BJP 90, the RJD 21 and the Congress four. Others include seven CPI members and one Independent. — PTI