Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, August 11
The formation of the Grand Alliance government with seven parties in Bihar has put the fate of two leaders occupying constitutional offices under the lenses.
Deputy Chairman (DC) of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh represents JDU in Rajya Sabha and elected from Bihar for the second term. He was nominated as JDU candidate by Nitish Kumar as NDA nominee. Now, JDU has severed its tie with the NDA and joined the Mahagathbandhan comprising RJD and Congress, which is in opposition in Rajya Sabha.
Somnath Chatterjee had refused to resign as directed by his parent party when CPM withdrew from the government on nuclear non-proliferation treaty by Congress-led Manmohan Singh government. Chatterjee was expelled by the CPM.
The national president of JDU, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh said today he had inquired from Harivansh Narayan Singh about his loyalty in the changed political scenario since Nitish was not in the NDA. “Harivansh Narayan Singh ji told me he is with Nitish Kumar,” he said. Then, he will be asked to resign from the post.
BJP may seek a replacement to the chair in place of JDU leader.
Meanwhile in Bihar, BJP legislator from Lakhisarai Vijay Kumar Sinha was elected speaker as NDA candidate. On Wednesday, 55 MLAs of Mahagathbandhan submitted a no confidence notice against Speaker and sent the notice through secretary of Assembly.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had far from cordial relations with the Speaker, told media persons here on Thursday that it was for the Speaker to think whether to continue in the chair or quit.
JDU MLA Maheshwar Hazari is Deputy Speaker in the Bihar Assembly. The 77 members group of the BJP is in the opposition against 165 treasury members.
The no trust motion against the Speaker would be taken up for discussion during the two days special session of Bihar legislature on August 24 and 25.
According to the Bihar Vidhan Sabha business Rules, 14 days advance notice is to be given and atleast 38 members should move no confidence motion. Under the power sharing agreement between JDU and RJD, later has expressed specific desire for its MLA as Speaker.
Nitish Kumar, who has turned down RJD demand for home portfolio, said today that cabinet would be expanded after August 15.
Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said he would finalise the names of RJD quota ministers with party President Lalu Prasad in New Delhi on Friday.
Six sisters of Tejashwi stay in New Delhi and he would be celebrating Raksha Bandhan with them.
Ajit Kumar Sharma, Congress legislature party leader, claimed Mrs Sonia Gandhi has been authorised to select party nominees as ministers in Bihar.
