Did HAM Ever Pressure for a Ministerial Position? Manjhi Responds
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Synopsis
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha clarifies that his party has never sought ministerial roles, focusing instead on MLA seats. He discusses the upcoming Bihar government and its electoral victory, attributing success to women's votes and criticizes Rahul Gandhi's statements affecting the Grand Alliance.
Key Takeaways
- HAM respects alliance decisions.
- Focus on MLA seats during negotiations.
- Women voters significantly influenced electoral outcomes.
- Criticism of opposition leaders highlights political tensions.
- HAM's electoral success indicates strong public engagement.
Patna, Nov 17 (NationPress) Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister and chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), emphasized that his party has never pressured for ministerial positions and maintains respect for the decisions made by alliance leadership.
In a statement, Manjhi reiterated that, as in the past, HAM did not request ministerial roles this time.
“During the seat-sharing discussions, our focus was solely on MLA seats. There were some issues surrounding this, but they have been addressed. The matter of ministerial roles rests with the party leadership, and thus, I refrain from commenting further,” he told the media in Patna.
Regarding media speculation about the allocation of portfolios in the upcoming Nitish Kumar government, Manjhi remarked, “Reports suggest that the BJP will receive 16 ministerial positions, JD(U) will get 15, LJP-RV will secure three, and both HAM and RLM will receive one each. Nonetheless, we have not been officially informed about this.”
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the NDA's significant electoral success.
“The women’s votes played a crucial role; we initially anticipated winning 160–170 seats, but with strong participation from women, we achieved a historic total of 202. The initiatives of Prime Minister Modi and the women-focused welfare measures by Nitish Kumar were instrumental,” he stated.
Manjhi launched a pointed critique of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claiming that Gandhi's remarks have adversely affected the Grand Alliance's chances.
He accused Gandhi of making comments perceived as disrespectful to the Prime Minister’s mother, which he suggested alienated voters.
He also noted that Gandhi's characterization of Chhath as a ‘drama’ during the campaign estranged several opposition leaders and undermined the Grand Alliance’s standing.
Reflecting on HAM's performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Manjhi highlighted that his party has solidified its position within the NDA by clinching five out of six seats.
He attributed victories in Kutumba, Imamganj, Atri, Sikandra, and Barachatti to the party's strategic approach and robust connection with the public.
Point of View
The political landscape in Bihar remains dynamic. Jitan Ram Manjhi's assertions reflect not only his party's stance but also the intricate balance of power within the NDA. His criticism of opposition leaders underscores the intense rivalry and strategic maneuvers that characterize contemporary Indian politics.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jitan Ram Manjhi clarify about ministerial positions?
Manjhi clarified that HAM has never pressured for ministerial berths and respects alliance decisions.
How many ministerial positions are expected to be allocated in the new government?
Reports suggest 16 for BJP, 15 for JD(U), 3 for LJP-RV, and one each for HAM and RLM.
What role did women's votes play in the NDA's success?
Manjhi attributed the historic victory to strong participation from women voters.
What was Manjhi's criticism of Rahul Gandhi?
He accused Gandhi of making remarks that could alienate voters and damage the Grand Alliance's prospects.
How did HAM perform in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections?
HAM secured five out of six seats, demonstrating a strong presence within the NDA.
