Jitan Ram Manjhi Demand For 15 Seats Ahead Of Bihar Polls

Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union MSME Minister and patron of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), has once again renewed his call for an allocation of 15 seats to contest in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Posting on his official social media handle on Wednesday, Manjhi drew on a poetic reference from the Mahabharata to underline his request.

Taking to X, he posted:

“If there is justice, then give half,
If there is any obstacle in that,
Then give only 15 grams,
Keep your entire land,
WE will happily eat that,
And not raise a sword against kin.”

The statement is widely interpreted as a veiled message to the BJP and JD(U), the dominant NDA partners, signalling HAM’s expectation of a fair allocation during seat-sharing discussions.

During the 2020 state elections, HAM contested seven constituencies and secured victories in four, Imamganj, Barachatti, Tikari and Sikandara, posting an impressive strike rate as part of the alliance.

Although he initially staked claim to 40 seats for 2025, Manjhi has since moderated his demand to 15.

Insiders reveal that Sherghati and Atri seats in the Gaya district are of particular interest to HAM this time.

As the NDA’s seat-sharing talks near their final stages, Manjhi’s lyrical intervention introduces fresh pressure on the leadership to accommodate smaller yet influential partners.

Alongside HAM, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha are also seeking what they describe as a ‘respectable’ share of seats.

According to sources, Paswan has asked for roughly 40 constituencies for his party, a demand the BJP and JD(U) are reportedly hesitant to accept.

Discussions are still underway as all allies aim to reach a compromise ahead of the Election Commission’s schedule.

A crucial NDA meeting will take place in Patna soon, where senior leaders will finalise the seat-sharing formula before its public announcement.

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