In a fresh political crisis for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, its key constituent Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has threatened to quit the coalition. This dramatic move comes as the latest in a series of grievances, primarily centered on the denial of a Rajya Sabha seat for his party.
A Trio of Grievances: From Seat Denial to Rigging Claims
The veteran leader's discontent is not a sudden outburst but the culmination of three consecutive issues. First and foremost is the perceived snub in the allocation of Rajya Sabha berths. Manjhi had reportedly been seeking a seat for his party from the NDA quota, a demand that remained unfulfilled when the nominations were finalized.
This disappointment was compounded by his recent allegation of poll rigging during the recent assembly elections. Manjhi had publicly claimed that irregularities marred the electoral process, a statement that directly embarrassed his allies, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and the BJP at the center led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Adding to the list is the issue of MPLAD fund cuts. Manjhi has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the reduction in the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme funds, which he views as a hindrance to his constituency work. This trifecta of issues has pushed the alliance to a breaking point from Manjhi's perspective.
Embarrassment for Modi and Nitish Kumar
The public airing of grievances and the subsequent threat to exit the NDA has caused significant political embarrassment for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA government in Bihar relies on a delicate balance of coalition partners, and HAM's support is a part of that arithmetic.
Manjhi's actions, especially the poll rigging claim, have put the leadership in a defensive position, forcing them to manage internal dissent while presenting a united front publicly. The threat, made on 22 December 2025, signals deep-seated unrest within the coalition's smaller partners over resource and representation sharing.
Potential Fallout and Political Implications
If Jitan Ram Manjhi follows through on his threat, it could have tangible consequences for the stability of the Bihar government. While the NDA may still hold a majority, the exit of a scheduled caste leader like Manjhi could alter the social coalition and public perception.
The situation presents a critical test for the alliance's crisis management skills. The leadership must now navigate between appeasing a disgruntled ally and maintaining discipline within the coalition. The outcome will be closely watched as a indicator of the NDA's cohesion in Bihar ahead of future electoral challenges.
The ball is now in the court of the BJP and JD(U) leadership to either negotiate a resolution or brace for another round of political realignment in the state's volatile landscape.
