Manjhi Quotes Dinkar, Seeks 15 Seats to Keep NDA United

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) with four MLAs, has invoked the epic wisdom of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s “Rashmirathi” to press for a fair share of seats in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, signaling readiness to accept 15 constituencies to preserve NDA unity. In a calculated appeal on X, the former Bihar Chief Minister addressed the BJP, referencing his demand just days after senior leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Vinod Tawde met him to negotiate the coalition’s strategy for the 243-seat assembly.

Quoting the poem’s plea for justice, Manjhi wrote, “Ho Nyay Aagar To Aadha Do (if justice prevails, give us half the share).” Acknowledging potential constraints, he added, “Par usme bhi yadi badha ho, to de do keval 15 gram, rakho apni dharti tamam (if fairness is obstructed, grant us 15 villages and keep the rest).” The “villages” metaphor, drawn from the Mahabharata’s failed peace talks, underscores his call for 15 seats to secure HAM’s electoral relevance without fracturing the alliance. He affirmed loyalty, stating, “HAM Khushi se khaayenge, parijan pe asi na uthayenge (we will accept this share contentedly and not raise arms against kin).”

Manjhi’s demand for 15 seats is rooted in HAM’s goal to win at least eight, earning “recognized” status from the Election Commission, a milestone elusive since its 2015 formation after splitting from Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). The NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha, faces pressure to balance competing claims. JD(U), led by Chief Minister Kumar, is poised to claim the largest share, leveraging its incumbency, while HAM’s influence among Dalit voters, particularly the Musahar community, makes its role pivotal.

Also Read: Bihar Polls: 'Do or Die' Battle for Manjhi's HAM to Secure Recognized Party Status

The negotiations reflect Bihar’s complex caste-driven politics, with HAM seeking strongholds in Magadh and Shahabad regions. Manjhi’s literary appeal, resonating with Bihar’s cultural ethos, amplifies his case amid a polarized electoral landscape where the Congress-RJD alliance looms large. The BJP’s response will shape the NDA’s cohesion as polls approach. Will Manjhi’s call for “15 villages” secure his party’s future, or will it test the alliance’s unity? The outcome hinges on delicate talks in Patna’s power corridors.

Also Read: Bihar Polls: 'Do or Die' Battle for Manjhi's HAM to Secure Recognized Party Status