Is BJP’s Key Ally HAM Just Demanding Their Right?

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Is BJP’s Key Ally HAM Just Demanding Their Right?

Synopsis

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha, asserts that while there is no discord in the NDA, the party's future in upcoming elections hinges on securing 15 seats. Will this demand reshape the alliance's dynamics?

Key Takeaways

  • HAM demands 15 seats for recognition.
  • Manjhi emphasizes no resentment in the NDA.
  • Potential electoral implications if demands are unmet.
  • HAM's past performance shows significant success.
  • Party maintains support base despite challenges.

Patna, Oct 8 (NationPress) The chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi stated on Wednesday that there is no discontent or bitterness within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Nevertheless, he cautioned that his party might refrain from participating in the upcoming elections unless their request for 15 seats is fulfilled.

Following a cryptic tweet earlier that day, the HAM leader informed reporters that he was merely asserting his entitlement and elaborated on the importance of their demand for 15 seats.

He pointed out that his political group has endured the disgrace of not being recognized as a formal party for an extended period, and without addressing this concern, participating in elections would be futile.

"How long will we tolerate this humiliation? Parties with just one or two MLAs consider themselves to be superior. Strengthening the NDA will strengthen us," he remarked.

Manjhi further justified the request for 15 seats, stating that his party has consistently supported the NDA, and it is their responsibility to end this degradation.

"In the previous Assembly elections, we secured seven seats and won four, achieving a strike rate of 60 percent. If we receive 15 seats this time, maintaining a similar strike rate would result in HAM winning at least eight seats. This would assist us in gaining recognition from the Election Commission," he explained.

"If we do not achieve this, our party won't be recognized, so what is the purpose of contesting elections?" he added.

However, Jitan Ram Manjhi dismissed any rumors about leaving the alliance if their demands are unmet.

“We will continue with the NDA. There is no possibility of separating from the NDA,” he affirmed.

He also mentioned that the party has a voter base of 20,000 to 30,000 in 70-80 seats, and even if they contest independently, they could secure around 6 percent of the votes.

In the meantime, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan commented on the seat-sharing disagreement within the NDA, noting that all parties have their expectations regarding it.

He assured that there is no uncertainty within the NDA, and an official declaration will be made shortly.

Point of View

It is essential to observe that Jitan Ram Manjhi's insistence on seat allocation highlights the ongoing dynamics within the NDA. While maintaining a united front, the call for recognition and fair representation reveals underlying tensions that could influence the electoral outcome.
NationPress
08/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason behind HAM's demand for 15 seats?
HAM's leader Jitan Ram Manjhi stressed that securing 15 seats is crucial for the party's recognition by the Election Commission and to avoid further humiliation.
Will HAM leave the NDA if their demands are not met?
Jitan Ram Manjhi has denied any speculation about leaving the NDA, affirming that the party will remain in the alliance.
What was HAM's performance in the last Assembly elections?
In the last Assembly elections, HAM contested for seven seats and won four, achieving a 60 percent strike rate.
Nation Press