Patna, Aug 27 Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi met Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar on Thursday after leaving the Opposition grand alliance ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. After this meeting, it is speculated that Manjhi's HAM will now be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, both the parties have not officially announced it till now.
Manjhi reached the Chief Minister's residence on Thursday and met Nitish Kumar. There was a long conversation between the two leaders. Manjhi did not reveal his political plans after meeting Nitish but it is believed that he might join the NDA.
After meeting Nitish, Manjhi said that he had a meeting with the Chief Minister regarding issues in his constituency. He has dismissed that there were any political talks with Nitish Kumar. However, he said that everything will be clear in a couple of days.
On joining the NDA, Manjhi said, "The decision will be finalised by August 30 and the people will come to know about it.
However, according to close sources, there were talks about seat sharing between the two leaders. It is being said that JD-U president Nitish Kumar had agreed to give Manjhi nine to 10 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Manjhi had distanced himself from the Opposition grand alliance a few days back. From that time there was speculation that Manjhi would likely join the NDA again.
Several opposition parties have expressed concern over Manjhi leaving the grand alliance. RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday said it is unfortunate for Jitan Ram Manjhi to leave the Opposition grand alliance.
( With inputs from IANS )
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