Bihar: Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM-Secular does not get invite for opposition meeting

Altogether 15 opposition parties will be attending the meeting in Bihar's capital Patna on June 23 to discuss the strategy to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. But the non-inclusion of Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha in the list of invitees has created a buzz in Bihar's political circles.

Patna (Bihar): Former Bihar Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM-Secular) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi was not extended an invitation to attend the meeting of opposition members scheduled to take place in Patna on June 23. Giving a reply to reporters' query, Manjhi said in a guarded manner while showing his commitment or stand with Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government in the state, he also pointed out the shortcomings.

On the question of joining the opposition meeting in Patna on June 23, he said, “Whether we will be attending the meeting in Patna on June 23 will be subject to the invitation. Till date, we did get an invite from the JD (U) and RJD.” The former Bihar Chief Minister said that he was yet to receive the invitation to attend the meeting of opposition leaders. The names of 15 political parties were announced during the joint press conference conducted by Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders on June 7. But, Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM-Secular) did not find a place in the announcement.

However, experts were believing that dropping the name of Manjhi's party in the meeting because he was demanding five seats for contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. On the other hand, Manjhi was denying reporters' query that he was not after the five seats. What matters for him was the Grand Alliance government led by Nitish Kumar.

"Five or four seats do not matter. We are with Nitish Kumar. Even if we do not get a single seat, we will remain with Bihar's Chief Minister. We want the opposition unity to be strong. If Nitish Kumar attends the meeting, then it can be construed that we are with him (Bihar CM), " said Manjhi.

Meanwhile, the founder of the HAM-S also spoke about the "Estimate Scam" in the state. "Under the scam, less work was done or quality compromised to siphon off money. We had a meeting with the Chief Minister. But, we did not have any political discussions with him. I, along with my MLAs, went to meet the Chief Minister for the several pending projects in my constituency."