Jitanram Manjhi's HAM withdraws support from the Bihar government

Patna, Jun 20: Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) on Monday withdrew its support for the Nitish Kumar government in the state. Manjhi's son Santosh Suman, the party's national president, said he has sought an appointment with Bihar Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support.

 

 

 

Suman, who resigned from the cabinet last week alleging pressure from Nitish Kumar's JD(U) to merge his party, was addressing a press conference after the national executive body of HAM "authorized" him to take a decision on the future course of action.

 

 

 

Suman said he will visit Delhi later in the day to "explore options" and he is "willing to consider" an invitation from the NDA if the same is extended by the BJP-led coalition. "We are also keeping the option open for setting up a third front", said the HAM president, whose party has switched allies many times since it was founded eight years ago. He also ducked queries about unconfirmed reports of a meeting scheduled in Delhi with BJP president JP Nadda. The HAM, with four MLAs, had joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' last year, in solidarity with Nitish Kumar's move to dump the BJP, which was accused of trying to break the JD(U).

 

Also Read: Jitanram Manjhi was a BJP spy in our alliance: Nitish Kumar 

 

In the 243-strong assembly, the ruling coalition has close to 160 MLAs. It comprises JD(U), RJD, and Congress besides three Left parties which are supporting the government from outside.