RJD extends support to Manjhi govt in Bihar

The support is also to “defeat the communal forces represented by BJP and RSS”, Siddiqui said.  RJD's support was, however, only ‘for now', he said, adding, “We will decide about our support to him (Manjhi) on the basis of ‘gun-dosh' (merit and demerit).”

RJD has 21 members in the Bihar Assembly whose effective strength at present is 237. JD(U) has 117 members including the Speaker and opposition BJP has an effective strength of 88.

Congress with four MLAs, CPI with one and the two Independents have already given their letters of support to the Manjhi government.

RJD's announcement of support to the JD(U) ministry gives rise to speculation of realignment of parties opposed to BJP in Bihar in the wake of the saffron party's electoral success in the recent parliamentary polls.