Split in Bihar's grand alliance: Lalu counters Nitish, says JD(U) chief quit as he faces serious criminal charges

Patna: Minutes after Janata Dal (United) Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as the Bihar Chief Minister taking a high moral ground on irreconcilable differences with ally RJD on the corruption issue, the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav came out in his defence and launched a counter attack on the former. 

"I spoke with Nitish Kumar for 40 minutes last night and it was conveyed to him that corruption charges against me and my family were baseless," Lalu said as he addressed a press conference in the wake of resignation tendered by Nitish today. 

"I still have fodder scam case against me. There is a court conviction in the case and an appeal has been made. Nitish was aware of the graft allegations against me. He never asked for any resignation. He only said we should clarify on the charges in the public domain," he said. 

"We had a discussion with Nitish. There are several misinformation about the case in the public domain. We can't go to the public with that information. We will say everything when the agencies ask the questions," he added.

Meanwhile, Lalu's supporters gathered outside his residence in Patna. 

Bihar: Lalu Prasad Yadav's supporters gather outside his residence in Patna. pic.twitter.com/ZQlfhLw72z — ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017

"Nitish Kumar knew that he is accused of Section 302. one of India's Chief Minister is main accused in murder and arms case. Nitish faces charges worse than corruption and we knew it," he said while launching a scathing attack on the JD(U) chief.

Lalu also used the platform to remind Nitish of his pledge on making the RSS-free country and to not join BJP in future. 

"Nitish always said that he will die but not join BJP," he asserted.

"Nitish seems to have understood that he wouldn't be able to survive, and hence he has joined hands with BJP and RSS. I told Nitish Kumar not to resign, the public voted alliance for 5 years," he said.

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi and scam-tainted Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav watch Lalu's addressing press conference post Nitish's resignation, at their Patna residence.

Bihar: Rabri Devi & Tejashwi Yadav watch Lalu Yadav's press conference post Nitish Kumar's resignation, at their residence in Patna. pic.twitter.com/4gSwhtgjKZ — ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017

Expressing his regret over the end of the grand alliance in Bihar, Lalu asserted, "I feel said over the break-up of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar".