BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Sunday hinted that he may not return as the Deputy Chief Miniser in Bihar government as Tarkishore Prasad was unanimously elected as the leader of BJP legislature party.
Congratulating Prasad for being elected as the new leader of BJP MLAs, Modi said, "Congratulations to Tadkishorji on being unanimously elected the leader of the BJP Legislature!"
In another tweet, he hinted that he he may not return as deputy to Nitish Kumar who was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA.
"The BJP and the Sangh Parivar (RSS) gave me so much in the political life of 40 years that possibly no other leader has gotten. I will discharge whatever responsibility I am given. No one can take away the post of the party worker."
This was seen as a subtle announcement from Modi that he may not get another term as Deputy CM.
Speculations have been rife that Modi may be replaced. Modi is known to be close to Kumar and has served as his deputy whenever the BJP-JDU was in power in Bihar.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar met Governor Phagu Chauhan, after being unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA, and staked claim for the formation of the new government in the state.
Talking to reporters outside his residence upon returning from the Raj Bhavan, Kumar said the swearing-in will take place Monday evening and parried questions about details like whether BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi would be returning as his deputy.
"The Governor was handed over the letter of support from all four constituents of the NDA. As per his direction, we shall be taking oath at the Raj Bhavan, tomorrow, around 4- 4.30 P.M", said Kumar, who is on course to become the longest serving Chief Minister of Bihar.
"After the swearing-in, we will convene the meeting of the cabinet where a decision on convening the assembly session will be taken", said Kumar but evaded queries as to whether the BJP, which has won more seats than the Chief Ministers JD(U), has sought a greater representation in the cabinet.
Asked about Sushil Kumar Modi, known to be close to Kumar, he quipped "all things will be settled".
Modi did not accompany Kumar to the Raj Bhavan but went to the State Guest House along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has flown down as an observer of the BJP.
Shortly after Kumar's return from the Raj Bhavan, Singh and Modi met the Governor, fuelling further speculations about future of the latter in the states politics.
Katihar MLA Tarkishore Prasad has been elected the partys leader in the assembly, Rajnath Singh told reporters.
Asked whether Sushil Modi will be the deputy chief minister again, Singh said "it will be known in due course."
(With agencies)
