Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar on being sworn-in as Bihar CM on Sunday.
PM wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter: “Congratulations and best wishes to Nitish Kumar on being sworn-in as Bihar CM.”
Congratulations & best wishes to Shri Nitish Kumar on being sworn-in as Bihar CM.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2015
Nitish had severed ties with the BJP on June 16, 2013 following elevation of Modi as BJP's PM candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
BJP leaders have maintained that Nitish was 'jealous' of Modi's popularity and success.
Later, 63-year-old JD(U) leader quit the CM post on May 17, 2014 over JD(U)'s debacle in the General Elections.
After stepping down, Kumar, despite resistance from JD(U) legislators against his resignation, had his way and hand-picked Jitan Ram Manjhi to succeed him on May 20, 2014.
But, within eight months of the decision Kumar was forced to change the plot in the wake of dissent against him by Manjhi along with a section of JD(U) ministers and legislators.
BJP used the dissension to the hilt and extended support to Manjhi. But, the floor test could not be taken as Manjhi tendered his resignation ahead of the vote on Friday last.
Meanwhile, BJP has coined a slogan "jungle raj II", warning people of "looming danger of Kumar joining hands with Lalu"
Besides Kumar, 22 ministers were administered oath by the Governor.
With PTI inputs