Patna – In a recent turn of events, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has responded to the allegations made by former Chief Minister of the state and Hindustan Awam Morcha leader, Jitan Ram Manjhi. The political landscape in Bihar has been heated as accusations and counter-accusations are exchanged between the ruling coalition and opposition parties.
Tejashwi Yadav, addressing the media, stated, “We have not heard what he has to say. He is big and can say anything. We used to respect him. If it is done, then everything will become clear about how much work is being done. You will see that work is being done on every subject in every field.” Yadav’s remarks suggest a dismissive stance towards Manjhi’s claims.
वे बड़े हैं, वे कुछ भी कह सकते हैं। अब राज्य में काम हो रहा है या नहीं हो रहा है इसका अगर ठीक से आंकलन किया जाए तो पता चल जाएगा कि कितना काम हो रहा है: बिहार के उपमुख्यमंत्री तेजस्वी यादव, पटना https://t.co/1I1z5ybuUd pic.twitter.com/xMojGlKcMc
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) June 14, 2023
Earlier, Jitan Ram Manjhi had accused the ruling coalition of failing to undertake any substantial work for the benefit of the state. Speaking in Patna on Wednesday, Manjhi said, “We observed them for so many days and then decided that we will have to part ways. This was the voice of the public. We conveyed our concerns to Nitish Kumar, who asked him to either join the party or leave. Whether it is Lalan Singh, Tejashwi Yadav, or Nitish Kumar, I have no personal issues with anyone, but there will be no compromise when it comes to public interest.”
The tension between Manjhi and the Nitish government seemed to escalate further when Santosh Suman, son of Jitan Ram Manjhi, resigned from his position as the Minister of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Affairs in the Government of Bihar. In a conversation with journalists, Suman explained that he took this step to protect the existence of his party.
“The existence of our party was in danger. We received a proposal to merge our party with JDU, which we rejected. Our ideology aligns with the Grand Alliance, and our leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has clearly stated that as long as we are welcomed, we stand with the Grand Alliance,” expressed Suman.
The series of events has led to speculation that Jitan Ram Manjhi is dissatisfied with the Nitish government. Moreover, his absence from the Grand Alliance meeting in Patna on June 23 has added fuel to the growing rift within the alliance. There are whispers in Bihar’s political circles about the possibility of Manjhi joining the NDA, further complicating the state’s political landscape.
Responding to Santosh Suman’s resignation, Lacey Singh, JDU MLA and minister in the Bihar government, stated that it would not adversely affect the stability of the government. “Our leader has appointed him as Chief Minister. What greater honor can there be? Such leaders come and go,” remarked Singh during a conversation with reporters.
As the political climate intensifies in Bihar, the state’s future hangs in the balance. With allegations, resignations, and shifting alliances, the power dynamics may witness significant changes in the coming days. The political parties involved are gearing up for the challenges ahead, hoping to secure their positions and consolidate support amidst the growing uncertainty.