Nitish informed about the decision to quit after meeting JDU MLAs in Patna. The shocking move by Nitish has given a clear indication that there's been no compromise between the Janata Dal United and the RJD over corruptions allegations against deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav.
Speaking to reporters, Nitish said it was becoming difficult to continue to head alliance between JDU and RJD - whose Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav is facing corruption charges.
"It was difficult to function for me under such atmosphere. I never sought Tejashwi's resignation, wanted an explanation," he said.
"The allegations that were levied required a response. We waited for the response and tried to run the govt. till we could," he added.
Nitish said he heard his conscience making him not compromise with his principles.
Nitish said he informed about his resignation to Laluji, CP Joshi (Congress) and kept it forward during JDU MLA meeting before meeting Governor.
He did not rule out taking BJP's support for forming a new government.
Asked if he will now form a government with BJP's support, he said,"Whatever had to happen has happened. Now see what happens next."
Kumar, who led the grand alliance that also included the Congress to a stunning victory, was sworn in on November 20 2015.
Lalu reminds Nitish of murder charge
- We will ensure Mahagathbandhan doesn't break
- All three parties JDU,RJD,Cong should sit down and decide upon the new leader for the state of Bihar
- They (JDU) supported BJP during demonetisation and presidential elections
- Nitish is colluding with BJP. PM immediately tweets inviting him. Nitish did not rule out joining BJP. It proves
- My zero tolerance CM fighting corruption has a case under sections 302&307 on him.It is mentioned in poll affidavit
- In 1991 Nitish Kumar was charged under a murder case
BJP leadership in huddle
The sudden development throws the politics of Bihar into chaos with no party having a majority in the 243-member Assembly. Kumar's JD(U) has 71 seats, while RJD headed by Tejashwi Yadav's father Lalu Prasad, has 80. The BJP has 53.
BJP Parliamentary Board met in the national capital to discuss their strategy to form government in Bihar. A similar meeting by party MLAs was held in Patna. "We are not in favour of mid-term polls in Bihar", Sushil Kumar Modi, senior BJP leader said.
"We are clear if Nitish wants our support then he needs to openly come forward," a senior BJP leader told ABP News on condition of anonymity.
'Modi congratulates Nitish'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweeted congratulated Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption (by resigning as CM).
'I was never asked to resign'
Earlier during the day, accusing BJP of stirring a conspiracy to break the Grand Alliance, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav said he and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar believe in work and not in loose talks instigated by rival parties.
Tejashwi termed the CBI's FIR against him as "political conspiracy" and "vendetta" by the BJP and RSS.
“The FIR by the CBI and all other allegations are results of political vendetta. They are politically motivated by the BJP and RSS as a conspiracy to defame and weaken the Grand Alliance," he said.
"The Centre wants to muzzle the voice of the Opposition. Hence, it's targeting leaders of other parties," he added.
Tejashwi reiterated he was never asked to resign by Nitish Kumar.
(With agency inputs)