Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM Withdraws Support From Nitish Kumar-Led Bihar Govt

Patna: The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), led by former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, has withdrawn its support from the Nitish Kumar government. Santosh Suman, the national president of HAM and son of Jitan Ram Manjhi, announced the decision and stated that an appointment has been sought with Governor Rajendra Arlekar to hand over the letter of withdrawal. Suman also mentioned that he had resigned from the cabinet due to alleged pressure from Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) to merge his party.

In a press conference after the national executive body meeting of HAM, Suman was authorized to make decisions regarding the future course of action. He expressed his willingness to consider an invitation from the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and mentioned the possibility of setting up a third front. It is worth noting that HAM has changed its allies multiple times since its establishment eight years ago.

While Suman did not confirm reports of a meeting with BJP president JP Nadda in Delhi, he stated that he would visit the city later in the day to explore options. Last year, HAM, with four MLAs, had joined the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in solidarity with Nitish Kumar’s decision to part ways with the BJP. The ruling coalition, comprising JD(U), RJD, Congress, and three Left parties supporting the government from outside, holds close to 160 MLAs in the 243-strong assembly.