As Bihar prepares for next month’s assembly elections, tensions are rising inside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said he feels “insulted” and “ignored.” He warned that his party will not contest the elections if it does not receive at least 15 seats.
Manjhi’s Ultimatum to NDA
Manjhi made his stand clear during a press interaction. He said, “If we do not get 15 seats, we will not contest the elections. I feel insulted, and our people have been ignored. We have always supported the NDA; it is their duty to ensure we are respected.”
He added that 15 seats would allow his party to win around 8–9. However, if denied, he said his party might “leverage our support across 60–70 constituencies to secure party recognition.” Manjhi also said, “I have no objection to Chirag, but please save us from humiliation.”
Manjhi’s Poetic Message
Manjhi posted a poetic message on X (formerly Twitter) to express his feelings:
“Ho nyay agar to aadha do,
yadi usme bhi koi badha ho,
to de do keval 15 gram,
rakho apni dharti tamaam,
HAM wahi khushi se khaayenge,
parijan pe aasi na uthaayenge.”
Through this verse, he urged the NDA to ensure fairness. He said his party would accept even a small share if treated with respect. However, he warned that injustice should not come at the cost of his people’s dignity.
“हो न्याय अगर तो आधा दो,
— Jitan Ram Manjhi (@jitanrmanjhi) October 8, 2025
यदि उसमें भी कोई बाधा हो,
तो दे दो केवल 15 ग्राम,
रखो अपनी धरती तमाम,
HAM वही ख़ुशी से खाएंगें,
परिजन पे असी ना उठाएँगे”
Clarification and Call for Recognition
Later, Manjhi clarified his stand. “There is no dispute on seat-sharing from our side. We are only asking for recognised seats so that our party gains official status in the Assembly. Even if we don’t contest a single seat, we will remain with the NDA,” he said.
Still, his statement revealed deep frustration within smaller NDA allies, especially those representing Dalits.
Chirag Paswan’s Emotional Post
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan also shared an emotional message on X. He quoted his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan:
“Papa hamesha kaha karte the –
Jurm karo mat, jurm saho mat.
Jeena hai to marna seekho,
kadam kadam par ladna seekho.”
The quote means, “Never commit a crime, never tolerate one. Learn to fight at every step.” Chirag’s post was both a tribute and a warning. It hinted that his party would not accept being sidelined in the NDA’s seat-sharing plan.
पापा हमेशा कहा करते थे —
— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) October 8, 2025
"जुर्म करो मत, जुर्म सहो मत।
जीना है तो मरना सीखो,
कदम-कदम पर लड़ना सीखो।"#ramvilaspaswan pic.twitter.com/9kcc2VswAo
Dalit Leaders Strengthen Bargaining Power
The poetic exchange between Manjhi and Chirag highlights competition for Dalit representation within the NDA. Both leaders lead Dalit-focused parties and are trying to increase their influence before the polls.
At a rally in Darbhanga, Manjhi repeated his demand. “We have only four MLAs now. We want 20 to 25 so that our voice can be heard strongly in the Assembly,” he said. He also promised free education for girls, higher pensions, and free electricity for households.
NDA Faces Pressure Over Seat-Sharing
Manjhi’s warning comes at a crucial time as NDA partners race to finalise seat-sharing before nominations begin. His sharp tone and poetic protest show growing discontent among smaller allies who feel neglected by bigger coalition partners.