Will Jitan Ram Manjhi Secure 20 Seats for HAM in Bihar Assembly Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jitan Ram Manjhi demands 20 seats for HAM.
- The NDA coalition is facing tensions over seat-sharing.
- LJP's demand for over 43 seats adds complexity.
- September is crucial for finalizing seat distributions.
- Negotiations remain tense as elections near.
Patna, Sep 3 (NationPress) The NDA coalition is ramping up its efforts as the Bihar Assembly elections approach, with discussions on seat-sharing reaching a critical juncture. Leaders from the five coalition members — the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha — are deeply engaged in deliberations regarding the allocation of the 243 Assembly seats. Union Minister and HAM leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has made a clear demand to his allies.
“If the constituent parties of the NDA truly care about us, then they will undoubtedly meet our demand,” Jitan Ram Manjhi stated, emphasizing that HAM requires at least 20 Assembly seats to be recognized as a legitimate party.
This declaration highlights the increasing competition within the NDA over seat allocation, as each party seeks to strengthen its position in the coalition before the elections.
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, the primary challenge for the NDA lies in achieving a fair balance in seat-sharing among its allies: the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
In the previous 2020 Assembly elections, HAM contested 7 seats and won 4. This time, HAM is pushing for a threefold increase in its demand for 20 seats, which presents a significant challenge for the BJP in managing the seat distribution.
The situation has become even more complicated as LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti publicly declared that his party will not accept anything less than a substantial share exceeding 43 seats.
Amid these escalating demands, a high-level strategy meeting is currently taking place in New Delhi, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Attendees include BJP state President Dilip Jaiswal, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Organisation General Secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya, and Nagendra Nath.
Insiders suggest that September is poised to be a pivotal month for the NDA, as the formal allocation of seats has yet to be settled.
The leadership aims to resolve existing differences and present a united front ahead of the polls, although negotiations remain fraught with tension.