Bihar Politics: Jitan Manjhi's Son Affirms NDA Alliance, Dismisses Lalu Yadav's Deputy CM Offer Amid JDU-RJD U

Amidst reports of the political crisis in Bihar intensifying, an offer for the post of Deputy Chief Minister was extended to Jitan Ram Manjhi's son, Santosh Manjhi, by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav.

Heightened activity at the residence of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna was reported, with sources indicating that the offer included some Lok Sabha seats if Santosh Manjhi joined the Mahagathbandhan, reported India Today.

Photo Credit: PTI

Bihar In Turmoil

However, it has been stated by Santosh Manjhi that he is aligned with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and no offer has been received from the RJD camp. He expressed the view that if Nitish Kumar were to join the NDA, it would be beneficial for the state's development, and such a move would be welcomed.

However, in an exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak, it was stated by Santosh Manjhi that he was not swayed by such offers, noting, "We are with the NDA; such offers keep coming."

Calculations to attain the 122-mark for maintaining power in the state have been initiated by the Lalu Yadav camp.
According to sources, in a scenario where JD(U) is withdrawn by Nitish Kumar from the ruling alliance, eight additional MLAs would be required by the RJD to reach the 122-mark and sustain its dominance in the state assembly.

Expressions of dissatisfaction with the Opposition INDIA bloc have been made by Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, who cited a lack of a position in the alliance commensurate with his stature. An early assembly poll alongside the Lok Sabha elections has been advocated by him, a suggestion that has been met with resistance from the RJD, the largest party in the state's ruling alliance.

Escalating tensions between JD(U) and RJD leaders have been observed, with mutual criticisms and concerns among Kumar's supporters that he may be undermined by their ally both in governance and politics.

As the Bihar alliance faces the possibility of a split, here is the current seat distribution in the 243-seat Assembly:

RJD: 79
BJP: 78
JD(U): 45
CONGRESS: 19
LEFT PARTIES: 16
HAM (S): 4
AIMIM: 1
IND: 1

The decision by Nitish Kumar to assume the role of party president, thereby cutting short Lalan Singh's tenure, was perceived as a determined effort to assert control over the organization. Suggestions had been made by some JD(U) leaders that the chief minister's confidant might be growing too close to the RJD or pursuing an independent agenda.

To ease tensions, an agreement was reached by the RJD to demote Education Minister Chandra Shekhar to the relatively insignificant portfolio of sugarcane industries.

Simultaneously, on Thursday, intensive meetings were held by BJP leaders amidst the possibility of Nitish Kumar rejoining the party. The party's top brass, including Amit Shah, was met by Bihar BJP president Samrat Choudhary, along with senior leaders like Sushil Modi and Vijay Kumar Sinha, in the national capital. Speculation increased that openness existed to welcome Kumar back into the fold.

However, it was maintained by Choudhary that the meeting focused on the BJP's preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Despite this, an indication was given by a BJP ally that the stage is set for the downfall of the Grand Alliance government in Bihar. The support of the BJP-led NDA is poised for Kumar once ties are severed with the RJD, the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc in the state.