Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, June 13
The Mahagathbandhan ministry led by Nitish Kumar in Bihar on Tuesday suffered a big jolt when the HAM led by former Chief Minister and Mahadalit leader Jeetan Ram Manjhi quit the alliance ahead of the crucial Patna meet.
On June 23, the opposition parties are scheduled to meet in Patna to draw joint strategies to take on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Announcing his resignation from the Cabinet, Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) President and SC, ST Welfare Minister Santosh Manjhi alleged, “In the jungle, lion wanted to kill the deer, we escaped narrowly.” He claimed the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar on June 7 told them (HAM leaders) to get the party merged with JDU. Survival of the party was in danger, Manjhi, son of Jeetan Ram Manjhi. said.
Manjhi is the second leader to quit the alliance after Vikasshil Insaan Party. Its President Mukesh Sahni, who was also animal husbandry and fisheries minister, had resigned.
Jeetan Ram Manjhi, who comes from the Musahar (rat eaters) community has been invited to join NDA, state BJP President Vijay Kumar Sinha said. Mukesh Sahni had rejoined NDA earlier.
