New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday said its stand was clear that the party always stood by the weaker sections of the society.

Speaking on the resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi just ahead of his trust vote, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said the party has always supported the cause of the weaker sections of the society like the poor and the Mahadalits.

He said Manjhi resigned because his demand for secret ballot during the voting on confidence motion was not acceded to.

"Our stand has been very clear. We were trying to convey the message that we are with the weak, poor and Mahadalits and we stand by it," said Hussain.

The Janata Dal (United) (Nitish camp) has accused the BJP of being the guiding force behind Manjhi's defiance.