Patna, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Union MSME Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi vehemently criticized Chirag Paswan, the chief of LJP (Ram Vilas), during a recent visit to Patna, amidst ongoing negotiations over seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Upon his arrival in Patna, Manjhi was questioned regarding Chirag’s latest comments on seat expectations.

In his response, he stated, “Chirag Paswan initially claimed he would contest on 137 seats, then shifted to 43 seats, and now seeks a compromise. I have been aware of Chirag’s character since 2020, so I choose not to elaborate further.”

Previously, Arun Bharti, LJP (RV) MP from Jamui and a key leader in the party, clarified their position.

The LJP had contested 43 seats in 2015 and 137 seats in 2020, leading the party to anticipate a fair number of seats between these figures for 2025.

At the same time, Jitan Ram Manjhi openly requested 20 seats for HAM in the forthcoming elections, asserting his expectations for a share within the NDA framework.

This rivalry between Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi has put the BJP in a challenging spot. With both allies advocating for significant seat allocations, the BJP must carefully navigate to maintain unity within the NDA in Bihar ahead of a critical election.

Manjhi highlighted the importance of solidarity within the NDA before the significant Bihar Assembly elections.

“It is crucial for Bihar and India that we all come together to strengthen the NDA,” he remarked upon arriving in Patna. He also mentioned an upcoming significant meeting regarding seat allocation among NDA partners, scheduled to take place in Delhi after the Vice Presidential election.

Manjhi commended the Central Government for its economic reforms, stating, “In my 46 years of political experience, no administration has provided such substantial benefits to the citizens of India as the Modi government has through GST. The Modi administration is particularly focused on aiding the less fortunate.”

When probed about his earlier assertion in Delhi that HAM was prepared to contest elections independently across all 243 Assembly seats, Manjhi clarified, “Such statements are sometimes made to motivate our workers. However, if necessary, we are entirely ready to contest in all 243 seats.”

This declaration comes amid the ongoing discussions regarding seat allocations within the NDA.

While Chirag Paswan's LJP (RV) has expressed a desire for a notable share between 43 and 137 seats, Manjhi has himself demanded 20 seats. With JDU already finalizing some candidates, the BJP will need to manage its allies meticulously to ensure stability within the coalition.