Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Santosh Suman met with Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah in Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting took place two days after HAM announced the withdrawal of its support to the Nitish Kumar-led government.
Manjhi later reported that they have handed over a letter to the state Governor, withdrawing support from the ruling coalition government in Bihar. HAM has four MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly.
This move by HAM came days before the June 23 meeting of opposition parties in Patna, where groundwork had been done by Nitish Kumar for several months. The meeting is expected to identify common issues as part of efforts to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Manjhi’s son Santosh Suman had said that their options were open while in Delhi. If NDA approaches us, we will talk to them. We will also look for third-front possibilities… After three-four days, we will inform the people of our final decision, he said.
The Hindustani Awam Morcha was formed ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls in 2015 by former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, after he had severed ties with the JD(U). In the 2015 Assembly polls, HAM had contested on 21 seats but won only one.
The meeting with Amit Shah has fueled speculation about HAM possibly siding with the NDA in Bihar. However, HAM leaders are yet to clarify their stance on the issue.
Overall, this move signals a significant step in Bihar’s political landscape, as smaller players like HAM may emerge as pivotal figures in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As Nitish Kumar and other opposition leaders strategize to take on the BJP, the role of smaller parties may prove crucial in carving a path to success.
