In a recent turn of events in Bihar’s political landscape, Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), is contemplating legal action against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This follows an acrimonious exchange in the state assembly where Nitish Kumar, once an ally of Manjhi, directed what Manjhi deems “unparliamentary words” at him.
Manjhi, a former Bihar Chief Minister, accused Nitish Kumar of harassment and led a silent protest, asserting that the verbal assault wasn’t just an affront to him but a disrespect to Dalits nationwide. He expressed his dismay at Nitish Kumar’s use of crass language, stating, “It’s deeply unfortunate that a leader, representing 13 crore people of the state as chief minister, directed such crass words at women and me.”
Highlighting the alleged discrimination, Manjhi claimed that the gates to BR Ambedkar’s statue in front of Patna High Court were closed when he attempted to hold a protest against CM Nitish Kumar. Undeterred, he announced plans to go to Delhi’s Rajghat after Chhath Puja to pray for Nitish Kumar’s “mental well-being.”
The rift between the two leaders stems from an incident on October 9 when Nitish Kumar lost his temper after Manjhi raised doubts about the government’s caste survey. Nitish Kumar labeled his own decision to let Manjhi occupy the highest seat of power in the state as “stupidity.” This sparked a commotion in the House, with Nitish Kumar questioning Manjhi’s sense.
Manjhi, now an ally of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, was earlier associated with the Janata Dal (United) and served as the 23rd chief minister of Bihar. Nitish Kumar had stepped down, taking responsibility for his party’s defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, paving the way for Manjhi’s brief tenure from May 20, 2014, to February 20, 2015.
Responding to Nitish Kumar’s accusations, Manjhi asserted that he was made CM to serve Nitish’s political ambitions. He alleged that Nitish Kumar betrayed the BJP, which initially made him chief minister, by forming an alliance with the RJD. Manjhi accused Nitish of clinging to power as a “turncoat” and emphasized that he became CM to further Nitish’s political agenda.
As the political tension intensifies, Manjhi contemplates legal recourse, adding a new chapter to the ongoing saga between these two prominent Bihar leaders. The ramifications of this feud extend beyond state borders, drawing attention to the complexities of political alliances and personal conflicts within India’s diverse political landscape.
