Is Jitan Ram Manjhi's Displeasure Relevant? People Desire Change in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav emphasizes the public's desire for change in Bihar.
- Seat-sharing negotiations remain unresolved between the NDA and Grand Alliance.
- Jitan Ram Manjhi insists on contesting 15 seats in the upcoming elections.
- Voter sentiments are increasingly critical as unemployment and inflation rise.
- The opposition is closely watching developments within the NDA.
Patna, Oct 8 (NationPress) Just hours after Jitan Ram Manjhi, the patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), vocalized his strong opinion regarding seat-sharing in the NDA for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asserted on Wednesday that the Union MSME Minister's "displeasure" holds no significance, as the citizens of Bihar are yearning for change.
Tejashwi stated, "Whether Jitan Ram Manjhi is upset or anyone else, it is inconsequential - the people of Bihar are profoundly dissatisfied with the NDA administration. This time, they are seeking change. They desire a new government and a transformed Bihar."
He further emphasized that the citizens, weary of "escalating unemployment and inflation", are determined to bring about a regime change in the upcoming elections.
Negotiations regarding seat-sharing remain unsettled within both alliances.
According to reports, the Grand Alliance may reveal its seat-sharing strategy by this evening, while talks within the NDA are still in progress.
Since the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election schedule, both the NDA and the Grand Alliance have been actively engaged in rigorous discussions regarding seat allocation.
Insiders have indicated that Jitan Ram Manjhi, a key NDA ally and patron of HAM(S), is unhappy with the current arrangement and has insisted on contesting 15 seats.
He also cautioned that if his party is not granted a fair number of constituencies, HAM(S) may completely withdraw from the contest.
On Wednesday, Jitan Ram Manjhi took to social media to reiterate his demands, referencing lines inspired by the Mahabharata to underscore his position.
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, HAM(S) contested seven seats and secured victories in four - Imamganj, Barachatti, Tikari, and Sikandara - marking a notable success within the NDA.
Initially, Union Minister Manjhi sought 40 seats for the 2025 elections, but has since revised his request to 15.
His discontent mirrors that of Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), who is also advocating for a larger share of seats.
The opposition, particularly the RJD-led Grand Alliance, is meticulously monitoring the developments within the NDA.