Bihar CM Nitish Kumar resigns; 'I split with BJP on ideology, don't regret it'
Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar resigned on Saturday, a day after JD(U)'s poll defeat.
JD(U) managed to win only 2 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar out of 40. In 2009, it had won 20 seats, when it was in alliance with BJP.
This is what Nitish Kumar had to say at a media meet:
* I led poll campaign in Bihar and I take full responsibility for the bad results
* This poll was less about issues, but more about mud-slinging
* We have worked but we didn't get the support
* I take moral responsibility and resign
* But I must respect the mandate of the people, there is no two ways about that
* Hope new government will fulfil the dreams it has shown the youth
* I have resigned as CM not recommended the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly
* The Governor will decide on the way ahead
* Have called a meeting of my MLAs tomorrow at 4 pm
* My objective is not to dieturb the state Assembly
* I personally take responsibility of the party's debacle in Lok Sabha polls
* My role will be decided by party
* My decision to split from the BJP was absolutely right
* Didn't take that decision in a hurry, couldn't compromise with our ideology
* We were with BJP on a common minimum programme
According to media reports, speculations are rife that his government in the state may fall, as MLA’s would leave him after party’s embarrassing debacle in the polls.
Sources say Kumar is believed to have sought dissolution of Assembly for seeking fresh mandate.
BJP and its ally LJP had on Saturday demanded the Bihar CM’s resignation.
