Should Jitan Ram Manjhi Get 15 Seats in Bihar Polls?
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Synopsis
Jitan Ram Manjhi's appeal for 15 seats in the Bihar Assembly elections is steeped in historical reference and political significance. As negotiations among NDA partners intensify, Manjhi's poignant message reflects the urgency for smaller parties to secure their stake. Will the alliance leaders heed his call?
Key Takeaways
- Jitan Ram Manjhi demands 15 seats for Bihar elections.
- HAM previously won 4 out of 7 contested seats.
- Manjhi referenced Mahabharata in his appeal.
- Seat-sharing discussions are nearing conclusion.
- HAM targets Sherghati and Atri constituencies.
Patna, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Union MSME Minister and patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Jitan Ram Manjhi, has once again emphasized his request for 15 seats to compete in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
In a post on his official X account on Wednesday, Manjhi referenced the epic Mahabharata in a poetic manner to strengthen his argument.
He remarked, “If there's justice, give half; if there's a problem with that, give just 15 grams (villages). Keep your land whole -- we’ll be content; we won’t raise a sword against our family.”
This message is perceived as a symbolic appeal to BJP and JD(U) -- the leading partners in the NDA alliance -- asking them to allocate HAM a just share of seats.
During the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, HAM contested seven seats and secured victory in four -- Imamganj, Barachatti, Tikari, and Sikandara -- demonstrating a strong performance within the NDA.
Initially, Manjhi sought 40 seats for the 2025 elections but has now reduced his request to 15.
Reports suggest that HAM is particularly eager to contest from the Sherghati and Atri constituencies in the Gaya district this election cycle.
As seat-sharing discussions among NDA allies approach a conclusion, Manjhi’s poetic call adds another layer of urgency for the alliance leaders to consider smaller but significant partners.
Minor NDA allies, including Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha, and Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), are advocating for a “respectable” number of seats for the upcoming state elections.
Sources indicate that Chirag Paswan has requested approximately 40 seats for his party, although both the BJP and JD(U) are reportedly hesitant to grant such a high figure.
Discussions are ongoing as all parties strive to reach a consensus before the Election Commission’s deadlines.
A significant NDA meeting is anticipated in Patna soon, where top alliance leaders will finalize the seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the official announcement.
Point of View
Jitan Ram Manjhi's appeal for a specific number of seats reflects the ongoing dynamics within the NDA alliance. The request not only emphasizes the importance of smaller partners but also highlights the challenges that alliances face in accommodating diverse political aspirations. It remains crucial for larger parties to recognize and respect the contributions of their allies to ensure a united front in upcoming elections.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jitan Ram Manjhi's demand for the Bihar elections?
Jitan Ram Manjhi is demanding 15 seats for his party, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), to contest in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
How many seats did HAM win in the previous elections?
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, HAM contested seven seats and won four: Imamganj, Barachatti, Tikari, and Sikandara.
What was Manjhi's initial demand for seats?
Initially, Jitan Ram Manjhi had requested 40 seats for the 2025 elections but has since scaled back his demand to 15.
Which constituencies is HAM interested in this election?
HAM is particularly keen on contesting from the Sherghati and Atri constituencies in Gaya district.
What is the current status of seat-sharing discussions among NDA partners?
Discussions are ongoing as parties aim to finalize seat-sharing arrangements before the Election Commission's deadlines.
