Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM withdraws support from the Mahagathbandhan government

PATNA: In a significant political development, the Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) led by Jitan Ram Manjhi withdrew support to the Mahagathbandhan government headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, just days before his meeting of non-BJP parties.

The decision was announced by Manjhi's son and HAM chief Santosh Suman, following a national executive meeting of his party in Patna on Monday. He also indicated his willingness to tie-up with the BJP.

Later, a delegation led by Manjhi, a former aide of Nitish Kumar and former chief minister, and Suman met Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar and handed over a letter officially withdrawing the party’s support to the grand alliance.

“After resigning from the Cabinet last week, we held several meetings with our party leaders to discuss future strategies. The decision to withdraw our party’s support to the Mahagathbandhan government was taken during a national executive meeting,” Suman said.

Suman had resigned from the Cabinet last week, alleging pressure from Nitish Kumar and the JD(U) to merge the HAM with it. “The party has authorised me to take all decisions. We have kept all our options open. There is an option for us to form a third front with like-minded parties but we may also consider it if the NDA sends an invitation to our party,” told reporters.

Asked whether the HAM demanded a significant number of seats from the BJP, Suman said, “We have been saying our party is prepared to contest at least five seats in Bihar during the Lok Sabha elections. Till now we have not made any demands from political parties”.

Reports suggest that Manjhi had demanded five seats from the JD(U) last month, but Nitish Kumar’s party refused to consider his demands and he met BJP leaders in Delhi.

Sources said that differences between HAM and JD(U) cropped up after Manjhi met union minister Amit Shah in April.

According to HAM insiders, besides the BJP, Manjhi and Suman may also meet BSP chief Mayawati during their stay in Delhi this week.