Patna: Supports of Nitish Kumar and Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday clashed, amid a power struggle between the two ruling JD(U) leaders.
A fight broke between supporters of Kumar and Manjhi outside state JD(U) headquarters, ahead of a legislature party meeting called by party chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday where Manjhi is likely to be replaced by Kumar.
JD(U) sources said some people under the banner of Dalit Mushar Chetna Samiti assembled outside the party office, shouted slogans and burnt effigy of Kumar.
They also allegedly attacked some people believed to be supporters of Kumar.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Jitendra Rana said police force has been deployed there after the incident. Meanwhile, security at a posh hotel where JD(U) president Sharad Yadav is staying has been enhanced in view of the gathering of a large number of slogan-shouting Manjhi supporters.
Over half-a-dozen JD(U) MLAs sat on dharna to protest against violence in front of JD(U) headquarters in the day. Baikunthpur MLA Manjit Singh said that they were sitting on dharna near the Assembly gate to protest against the violence unleashed by some persons "hired" by BJP to create disturbance ahead of the party meeting on Saturday.
In a fighting mood, Manjhi described Saturday's meeting called by JD(U) president as "unauthorised" and instead has called a meeting of legislators at his residence on February 20.
Manjhi is scheduled to leave for Delhi on Saturday to take part in the Niti Ayog meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it clear that he would not attend tomorrow's Legislature party meeting. There was bitter exchange of words between the two factions.
JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi told reporters that Manjhi could be removed from the party if he violates discipline and does not attend Saturday's meeting.
Manjhi reacted angrily. "Tyagi has gone mad," Manjhi told reporters at Khagaria.
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