Saturday, April 9 2005 18:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: In a surprise move, senior JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar today (Apr 9, 2005) said he is pulling out of efforts to form a popular Government in Bihar, accusing Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) President Ram Vilas Paswan of ditching him.

"I am withdrawing my efforts for formation of a Government as chances of a Government are bleak in view of Paswan's intransigence over taking support from non-RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) parties," Kumar said at a press conference in Patna.

Kumar's announcement came surprisingly hours after 15 of the 17 independents pledged support to him for forming an non-RJD Government.

Kumar had on April 2 written a letter to six non-RJD parties including LJP and 17 independents to cobble together a majority to form a non-BJP non-RJD Government in Bihar.