RJD MLAs back Tejashwi, say 'why would he resign'

Senior leaders, MPs and MLAs of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday met at RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s residence and discussed the future course of action after an FIR was registered by CBI against Bihar’s deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav in connection with a corruption case.

The case is related to alleged manipulation in award of contract for maintenance of two hotels run by a subsidiary of the Indian Railways--IRCTC-- when the RJD chief was railway minister in the UPA government.

RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddqui said that a majority of MLAs are in favour of Tejashwi Yadav, and they are of the view that there is no need for him to step down from the post. He alleged that BJP is conspiring to destabilise the coalition in the state.

Tejashwi Yadav will not resign as Deputy CM: RJD after party meet #Bihar

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

Siddiqui said they also discussed strategy to make August 27 anti-BJP rally a grand success. The senior party leader said they will fight against BJP with full force. 

Siddiqui said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had spoken to Lalu Prasad on Monday.  

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar talked to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav over the telephone yesterday: RJD pic.twitter.com/SN0IEaEg2Z

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

The RJD has 80 MLAs in Mahagathbandhan while JD (U) has 71 members in the state assembly.

On the other hand, Lalu Prasad Yadav would skip the meeting of non-NDA allies that will take place in the national capital over the possible candidate in vice-presidential poll. RJD leader Jai Prakash Yadav will represent the party in the meeting on Tuesday.

Janata Dal (United) has also convened a meeting of its legislators on Tuesday where the party could take a crucial decision over the fate of Mahagathbandhan. So far, the party has denied commenting on the crisis.

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