Manjhi Demands 20 Seats, Jaiswal Asserts Seat-Sharing Formula Already Decided

Patna: Tensions are brewing within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar as allies spar over seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) patron and Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has staked a claim for a larger share of the electoral pie, asserting his party’s demand for at least 20 seats, while adding that grassroots workers are pressing for 40.

Speaking about the party’s expectations, Manjhi stated, “Our rally at Gandhi Maidan will finalize our decision on seat demands, but in my opinion, we deserve at least 20 seats. Our workers want us to contest 40 seats.” When asked about potential fallout if the demand was not met, Manjhi dismissed the notion of disagreements, affirming, “Narendra Modi is our leader, and Nitish Kumar is our chief minister.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, appeared unfazed by Manjhi’s assertions. BJP state president Dr. Dilip Jaiswal maintained that the seat-sharing formula within the NDA is already decided and will be revealed in due course. “There is no resentment among the NDA constituents. Everything has been settled, and there’s no need for concern,” he remarked.

The disagreement, while still contained, reflects underlying tensions within the alliance as the Bihar assembly elections draw closer. With Manjhi hinting at a final decision during his party’s rally, all eyes will be on the NDA’s ability to maintain unity amid growing demands from its partners.