Could Samrat Choudhary-Jitan Ram Manjhi's Patna meeting reshape seat sharing for the 2025 polls?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting in Patna, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi ignited discussions about seat-sharing in the National Democratic Alliance for the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections. With tensions rising over seat allocations, this encounter may significantly influence political strategies moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting in Patna: Significant discussions held regarding seat-sharing.
- Demand for Seats: Jitan Ram Manjhi insists on at least 20 seats for his party.
- Prime Minister's Visit: Plans for Modi's rally in Gaya discussed.
- No Conflict: Manjhi claims there is no rift within the NDA.
- Electoral Strategy: Previous mistakes are not to be repeated.
Patna, Aug 9 (NationPress) Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had a significant meeting with Union MSME Minister and founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S), Jitan Ram Manjhi, at his residence in Patna on Saturday. This gathering has sparked considerable speculation regarding the seat-sharing arrangements within the National Democratic Alliance as the 2025 Assembly elections approach.
Also present at the meeting was Santosh Kumar Suman, national president of HAM-S and a state minister. According to insiders, Manjhi expressed his discontent with the NDA's proposed seat-sharing arrangement, insisting on a minimum allocation of 20 Assembly seats for his party, despite his initial demand for 40 seats.
Jitan Ram Manjhi has firmly stated that he will not “repeat the mistake” made during the Lok Sabha elections.
However, the Union Minister minimized any talk of discord, asserting, “There is no conflict here; everything is more or less settled regarding the allocation of seats for the Bihar Assembly elections. Those who receive the seats will need to be satisfied with what they get. Bihar requires an NDA government. Opposition parties are peddling false narratives, and the only way to counter that is to assure the NDA's success in 2025.”
He also mentioned that his discussions with Deputy CM Choudhary included arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Gaya on August 22, with potential venues being Bela, Wazirganj, or other locations in the district.
Following the meeting, Santosh Suman characterized the interaction as a formal engagement between Samrat Choudhary and Jitan Ram Manjhi primarily focused on the preparations for the Prime Minister's visit.
“There is no bitterness within the NDA. Seat sharing will be finalized promptly. We have discussed the venue for the Prime Minister's rally in Gaya, set for August 22,” he stated.
The Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular, led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, contested seven seats in Bihar during the 2020 Assembly elections, securing victory in four. As the party has a robust presence among the Mahadalit community statewide, particularly in Gaya, Nawada, Jehanabad, and other districts, Union Minister Manjhi is pushing for a stronger bargaining position this time, citing a commendable strike rate from the 2020 Assembly elections.
Point of View
The meeting between Choudhary and Manjhi signifies a critical moment for the NDA ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. It underscores the balancing act required to maintain unity within the coalition while addressing individual party needs. The outcome of these discussions will likely have far-reaching implications for Bihar's political landscape.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between Samrat Choudhary and Jitan Ram Manjhi?
The meeting aimed to discuss seat-sharing arrangements within the National Democratic Alliance for the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections.
How many seats is Jitan Ram Manjhi demanding for his party?
Jitan Ram Manjhi is insisting on a minimum of 20 Assembly seats for the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular, although he initially demanded 40.
What is the significance of the Prime Minister's visit to Gaya?
The Prime Minister's visit to Gaya on August 22 is considered crucial for the NDA's campaign strategy and may influence the political dynamics ahead of the elections.
What has Jitan Ram Manjhi said regarding past election mistakes?
Jitan Ram Manjhi has stated he will not 'repeat the mistake' made during the Lok Sabha elections, indicating a desire for a more strategic approach this time.
What is the political position of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular?
The Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular has a stronghold among the Mahadalit community in Bihar and successfully won four out of seven contested seats in the 2020 Assembly elections.
