Patna, Nov 10 (NationPress) As Bihar approaches the concluding phase of its Assembly elections, RJD MP Manoj Jha has conveyed his firm belief in the Mahagathbandhan’s (Grand Alliance) impending success, stating that the coalition is poised to secure nearly two-thirds of the total seats in the state.

In an interview with IANS, Manoj Jha remarked, “With the first phase behind us and campaigning for the second phase concluded, it’s evident that Bihar remains steadfast in its stance. The groundwork laid by Tejashwi in 2020 has matured significantly, embedding itself in the public consciousness over the past five years. The focus on employment, a responsive government, and social security has resonated deeply, providing both relief and optimism to the electorate.”

He continued, “I am confident that we will capture two-thirds of the seats in the first phase, and I expect even greater success in the second phase. Bihar has expressed a desire for change, and the results on November 14 will echo this sentiment across the state.”

When questioned about the functioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs), Jha stated, “I do not possess detailed knowledge of the machines' internal workings as Amit Shah does. Those who manage the machines are not under my purview. However, I can assert, based on the people's mandate, that we will undoubtedly achieve a two-thirds majority.”

Meanwhile, preparations intensify for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, with 122 constituencies across 20 districts scheduled to vote on Tuesday. The first phase saw polling in 121 seats across 18 districts. A total of 1,302 candidates, including 136 women (approximately 10 percent), are contesting in the second phase. Voting will occur at 45,399 polling centers, with 3.70 crore registered voters — 1.95 crore men and 1.74 crore women — expected to participate.

Reacting to recent comments from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Jha criticized the organization's unregistered status.

Bhagwat claimed that Hindus are “responsible for Bharat,” asserting that the RSS seeks to organize Hindu society for national glory rather than political power.

In response, Jha stated, “What is he saying? I would first urge him to officially register the organization, which remains unregistered even after a century. This raises questions.”

Bhagwat made his comments during a lecture titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons,” attended by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and several notable figures.

During his speech, Bhagwat remarked, “When an organized force like the RSS emerges, it seeks neither power nor prominence in society. Its sole aim is to serve and organize society for the glory of Bharat Mata. Many have found this hard to believe, but now they do.”

He added that Hindus are tasked with preserving India’s identity.

“It’s not that the British conferred nationhood upon us; we are an ancient civilization. Every nation has a core culture, and the essence of Bharat, however we define it, leads to the term Hindu,” Bhagwat concluded.