Political tensions escalated in Bihar ahead of the floor test, with HAM chief Jitan Ram Manjhi asserting, "One roti will not fill the stomach this time!" The discord within the ruling alliance NDA indicates underlying issues.
‘Why are we given only traditional depts?’
The demand for two ministerial posts in the Nitish Kumar cabinet by Hindustani Awam Morcha secular patron Jitan Ram Manjhi has intensified the pre-floor test turmoil in Bihar. The HAM chief, a supporter of the Nitish government, remains steadfast in his demand, causing fresh tensions within the state's ruling administration.
Manjhi says he rejected offer of CM post
Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former CM and key figure in the NDA, has reminded the BJP and NDA leadership of his decision to stick with the alliance despite rejecting the Grand Alliance's offer of the Chief Minister post. His party joined the NDA in June last year, and during the merger talks with JDU, Manjhi had insisted on two ministerial posts.
Presently, Manjhi is resolute in his demand for two ministerial positions in the Nitish government, expressing dissatisfaction with Nitish Kumar.
Unfulfilled Promises Spark Discontent
Jitan Ram Manjhi, expressing his dissatisfaction, emphasized that promises of two ministerial posts for his party have not been fulfilled. Drawing a metaphorical parallel, he stated that requesting two ministerial positions is akin to asking for two rotis, as a single ministerial post does not satisfy their expectations. Currently, only Manjhi's son, Santosh Suman, has been appointed as a minister, prompting further disappointment from Manjhi.
Manjhi voiced his concerns about the departmental allocation, criticizing the assignment of only a traditional department to his party. He argued that, given their background of living in rural areas and among the economically challenged, his party is well-versed in areas crucial to the well-being of the poor, such as constructing houses, roads, bridges, and ensuring water supply. He urged the fulfillment of the promised two ministerial posts to better represent the diverse needs of the populace.
Santosh Suman Assigned Similar Department Again
In a recent political development on January 28, Bihar witnessed a political realignment as Nitish Kumar severed ties with the Grand Alliance and established a government with the NDA. During the formation of the new government, Nitish Kumar, for the ninth time, assumed the position of Chief Minister and appointed two Deputy CMs from the BJP quota. Despite the reshuffling, Santosh Suman, Manjhi's son, was designated as a minister, just as in the previous government.
Santosh Suman, having previously held the same portfolio in the Grand Alliance government, was once again assigned the Department of Information Technology, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe Welfare. This recurrence of departmental allocation raised eyebrows, considering the discontent voiced by Jitan Ram Manjhi regarding the limited scope of responsibilities granted to his party.
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