Patna: Union Minister and National Patron of Hindustan Awam Morcha- Secular (HAMS) Jitan Ram Manjhi has asserted his party’s claim for 25 seats in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections in 2025. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony held at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna, Manjhi revealed that while HAMS is targeting 25 seats, the party is preparing to contest between 70 and 100 seats.
Manjhi reflected on the previous assembly elections, where HAMS contested seven seats and secured victories in four. He expressed confidence in the party’s growth and resilience, stating, “When we formed the party, Nitish Kumar had questioned our financial capability to run it. Today, we proudly say that our party is not just surviving but thriving.”
The ceremony also saw Manjhi take a swipe at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that Nitish had sought to merge HAMS with JD (U), a move Manjhi resisted. “We left the party. My son Santosh Suman, who was then a minister of one department, now oversees three departments,” he noted.
Manjhi also heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his own ministerial role and his position in NITI Aayog. “Modi ji told me that the ministry I have been given is a dream department, one of great importance. I will also contribute to policy-making, focusing on how to frame policies for the poor,” he said, adding that he has also been appointed to the Political Affairs Committee.
Responding to Manjhi’s statements, JD (U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar remarked on the unity within the NDA during the Lok Sabha elections, where 30 out of 40 seats were won. He emphasized that decisions regarding the upcoming assembly elections would be made collectively by all NDA constituents. “The assembly elections are in the future. All constituent parties of the NDA will sit together and make a decision,” he said.
