Patna, Feb 7 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Saturday met his predecessor Nitish Kumar for a "patch up" as the crisis deepened in the ruling JD-U over his replacement.

"Manjhi visited Nitish Kumar's official residence to discuss some issues for patch up and to settle issues," a Janata Dal-United leader said.

Amid speculation that the JD-U is heading for a split, JD-U president Sharad Yadav invited both Manjhi and Nitish Kumar for a meeting together to end the crisis in the party, the JD-U leader said.

"It was made possible by Sharad Yadav, who has invited Manjhi and Nitish Kumar to meet for a patch up in the presence of him," he said.

Early Saturday, Manjhi called for a cabinet meeting ahead of the JD-U legislature party meeting called by Sharad Yadav this evening.

The chief minister also held close door meetings with his close associates including two ministers and some party legislators Saturday morning.

Nitish Kumar also held meetings with party leaders, including half a dozen ministers.