Patna,(BiharTimes): Chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has called the meeting of the Janata Dal (United) Legislative Party on February 20 evening at his residence.Apparently it is just a routine meeting called ahead of the Budget Session of state Assembly which is to begin on February 21; but it has now acquired a special political significance as the JD(U) leadership is bound to decide his fate on Feb 7 itself.

Manjhi, who has refused to resign, held close door meeting with his supporters till about mid-night on Thursday. Early on Friday morning he, as per his programme, left for Jamui. He does not appear to be in any hurry, though sources close to him claim that he had many options in his hand, including the recommendation to the governor to dissolve the Assembly even before another JD(U)LP Feb 7 meeting called by Sharad Yadav, the party chief.

Reports also suggest that he may sack five of his ministers later on Friday. They are Lallan Singh, Prashant Kumar Shahi, Ramai Ram, Shyam Rajak and Shrawan Kumar. They are all the strong supporters of former chief minister Nitish Kumar.