The BJP is keeping its floor strategy for the vote of confidence in Bihar Assembly close to its chest, and is keenly watching the developments within the Janata Dal (United). Though it has praised Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, the BJP is neither keen to welcome him openly nor assist him to form a new party.

Taking to reporters here on Monday, the BJP’s leader in the Bihar Assembly Sushil Kumar Modi said all options are open before the party.

“We are keeping a close watch on Bihar developments. A meeting of the State BJP Legislature Party has been convened on February 18 to discuss the strategy ahead,” he said, adding: “BJP will take its decision on the floor of the Assembly when the trust vote comes up.”

Terming the development in the State as a drama directed by former CM Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi said Nitish’s craving for power resulted in an administrative political crisis and the State was brought back by 10 years.

“We have been seeing the political drama in Bihar for the last 20 months. Bihar has been thrown into a constitutional crisis and political instability for which Nitish Kumar is solely responsible,” he said and added that people will teach Nitish a lesson in the elections scheduled in October.

Denies allegation

Sushil Modi denied the allegation that it is the BJP that is creating problems for the JD(U) government. “Nitish Kumar is an expert in horse-trading and of breaking parties... Why should we do any horse-trading as we are not forming any government? Our MLAs are being lured with money and ministerial berths and they are putting the blame on BJP. The fight is within JD(U),” he said.

He further maintained that the BJP has no agenda to form a government in Bihar. “We will remain in the opposition. We are not forming a government nor staking any claim to form a government,” he said.

PTI reports: Meanwhile, Manjhi today said he has no intention to recommend President’s rule. Claiming that he will win the trust vote, Manjhi alleged that Nitish’s camp is trying to “frighten MLAs” by spreading rumours that he is “conspiring” with the BJP to have President’s rule imposed in Bihar and accused his rival of parading “bogus” MLAs.

Also on Monday, hearing a PIL filed by JD(U) legislator Niraj Kumar, the Patna High Court directed the Manjhi government not to take any decision which has financial implications and to do only routine work.

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