Patna,(BiharTimes): Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar chose not to attend this year’s Shri Krishna Singh’s 127th birth anniversary in Patna at the final moment on Tuesday though as per schedule he was to inaugurate it.

Instead he flew to New Delhi and took part in a similar programme there. Three senior ministers of the Jitan Ram Manjhi cabinet––all Bhumihars––Vijay Chaudhary, Lalan Singh and P K Shahi, along with about a dozen legislators attended the function in the national capital reportedly organized by the Janata Dal (United).

While addressing it Nitish thanked the gathering for being present in such a number even when it was an auspicious day for marketing and buying new goods.

Though several reasons were cited for his departure to the national capital the organizers in Patna––Manjhi’s minister, Mahachandra Prasad Singh and Congress leader Akhilesh Singh––were left high and dry. The latter, while speaking on the occasion, even took a pot-shot at Lalan Singh.

Some Janata Dal (United) leaders were at pain giving excuse for Nitish’s absence. They said that his Delhi’s programme was fixed long back and no meaning should be taken of it.

Political observers are, however, of the view that Nitish did not want to share the dais with the chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who too was invited. The latter, while addressing the meeting made several announcements, including the naming of Sanskrit College after Shri Babu.

Analysts are of the view that as the chief minister would have attracted more attention Nitish chose to skip the function. Had he remained in Patna and not attended the fhnction it would have sent a wrong message.

Besides, some JD(U) insiders feel that Nitish is always apprehensive of Manjhi as he may give statement which may embarrass him. So he chose to leave for Delhi.

After all it is Nitish Kumar, who has handpicked Manjhi and made him the chief minister of the state.