Feature: As Bihar finds itself at the center of political upheaval, speculations abound regarding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government facing a precarious future. The spotlight is now on the founder president of Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), 79-year-old Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is being considered a possible contender for the Chief Minister’s position. The unfolding scenario draws parallels to the historical case of Madhu Koda in Jharkhand, raising questions about the potential reshaping of Bihar’s political landscape.
Manjhi, with his Hindustan Awam Morcha party holding only 4 MLAs, has the potential to tip the balance and assume the Chief Minister’s role. This scenario mirrors the precedent set by Madhu Koda, who became the Chief Minister of Jharkhand as an independent MLA. The threat of Manjhi’s ascent is perceived as a significant challenge to Nitish Kumar’s government.
The Bihar Assembly comprises 243 seats, with the magic figure for a majority set at 122. Presently, the BJP holds 78 seats, while the Janata Dal United (JDU) has 45 seats, totaling 123 – just above the majority mark. However, the internal dissent within the JDU, with 7 MLAs expressing rebellion, and the potential departure of 7 Muslim members, creates a fragile situation for Nitish Kumar.
On the opposition front, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) holds 79 seats, Congress has 19, and the Left Party has 16. Additionally, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha, along with one AIMIM party MLA and an independent MLA, signals potential support for the opposition. If 14 MLAs shift from JDU to RJD, the opposition group could reach a formidable 134 seats, giving them the advantage.
Political analysts suggest that the experienced and senior politician, Jitan Ram Manjhi, might navigate the complex situation and emerge as a viable Chief Ministerial candidate. Nitish Kumar’s political maneuvering is viewed as a risky move that may backfire, with attempts by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Lalu Prasad Yadav to contact him reportedly facing hurdles.
As the political drama unfolds, Bihar stands on the brink of significant changes, with Jitan Ram Manjhi’s potential elevation to the Chief Minister’s post looming large. The unfolding developments hint at a challenging path ahead for Nitish Kumar and the intricate dynamics of Bihar politics.
