New Delhi: Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar chief minister for the eighth time on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after he pulled out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and jumped ship to the Rashtriya Janata Dal-helmed ‘mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance.
RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav also took oath – as the state’s deputy chief minister.
After he left the BJP Tuesday – his second time since 2013 – Nitish Kumar presented a list of 164 MLAs to Governor Phagu Chauhan from seven secular parties, including the Congress.
On a dramatic day Tuesday, Kumar met the Governor twice – first to submit his resignation and then to stake claim to the government with the support of secular party majority MLAs.
The effective strength of the state Bihar Assembly is 242 and the majority figure 122.
After the ceremony, Nitish Kumar said his party had made the decision together to leave the BJP. “Whether I will stay or not (till 2024)… they can say what they want, but I will not live in the year 2014,” Kumar said.
Tejashwi’s mother and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi this development was good for the people of Bihar. “I am happy, as is Bihar,” she said. Tejashwi’s brother Tej Pratap said they had come to power to work, “for the youth”.
Also read: Dramatic Tuesday in Bihar as Nitish Kumar leaves BJP again; stakes claim to new govt with RJD
Source: The Print
