Did Manjhi Just Dismiss Rahul Gandhi’s Claims About Fixed Bihar Polls?

Synopsis
In a heated exchange, Jitan Ram Manjhi vehemently refutes Rahul Gandhi's allegations regarding fixed elections in Bihar. With the Assembly polls approaching, Manjhi emphasizes the NDA's unity and preparedness to contest all seats. He also addresses the tragic incident involving a Dalit girl, reinforcing his commitment to justice.
Key Takeaways
- Manjhi dismisses Gandhi's fixed election claims
- NDA unity emphasized ahead of polls
- Law and order improvements in Bihar noted
- HAM prepares to contest all 243 constituencies
- Response to Muzaffarpur incident highlighted
Patna, June 7 (NationPress) Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi responded sharply to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, who insinuated that the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections might be "rigged like the Maharashtra polls", a statement that the BJP and its allies have vehemently denied.
In a press conference in Patna, Manjhi remarked, “What makes Rahul Gandhi think that the Bihar elections will be fixed? Only someone anticipating defeat would make such unfounded claims. This is nothing but a pre-emptive excuse.”
Rahul Gandhi had previously alleged extensive rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections in an article published in a national newspaper, suggesting that similar methods could be employed in Bihar. He controversially labeled Bihar as the “crime capital of India.”
Manjhi quickly countered this assertion, stating, “The law and order situation in Bihar has improved tremendously. It is no longer the state where criminals operated freely, even from the Chief Minister’s residence. Those days are behind us.”
As the Assembly elections approach later this year, Manjhi stressed the unity and strength of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. “There is no confusion within the NDA. Discussions on seat-sharing are going well and should be finalized by July or August. Each party will receive its fair share. Speculation is welcome, but our focus is on results,” he stated.
Despite HAM being a smaller coalition partner, Manjhi disclosed that the party plans to contest in all 243 Assembly constituencies. “We are preparing for every seat -- not just to win, but to also bolster our allies. Our objective is clear -- to ensure the return of the double-engine government and to fortify Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership both at the Centre and in the state.”
Addressing the public outcry over the death of a Dalit girl who was sexually assaulted in Muzaffarpur last month, Manjhi expressed his sorrow, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. I have communicated with the state administration to demand fair compensation for the victim’s family. The perpetrators have been arrested, and action has also been taken against the hospital staff found negligent.”