NITISH-BJP DEAL DONE!

Patna: Amid the political upheaval in Bihar over speculation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar breaking the Mahagathbandhan and reuniting with the BJP, all the parties in the state corralled their lawmakers for meetings on Saturday. Nitish Kumar is likely to tender his resignation by today morning, a source close to the Chief Minister said on Saturday.

It is also said that prior to putting in his papers, Kumar, the JD(U) president, will hold a customary meeting of the legislature party. The source said government offices like the secretariat have been asked to remain open on Sunday "in view of hectic activity expected during the day", which may see a new govt with the BJP's support. Meanwhile, at a party meeting, state BJP leaders stopped short of making a formal announcement of support to the JD(U) chief in the event of his pulling out of ‘Mahagathbandhan’.