PATNA: Apparently spurning RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s invitation to join the broad alliance to take on the BJP in the coming Bihar polls, former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I have written to the Prime Minister seeking time to meet him in between May 25 and May 28, during which I will be in Delhi,” Manjhi told PTI.
Manjhi seeking time from the Prime Minister indicates that he has spurned the invitation of Lalu Prasad to join the “Morcha” front against BJP.
Manjhi has made it clear that he would not be a part of any front or grouping in which Nitish Kumar would be a party.
The Manjhi’s move is important considering the fact that some BJP leaders including Union minister Ravishankar Prasad have indicated of chance of including the former CM with them.
Manjhi, who has floated Hindustani Awam Morcha has also shown inclination towards BJP.
Asked about the agenda of his meeting with the Prime Minister, Manjhi said it was to discuss a host of issues including political situation in Bihar besides agrarian crisis in the state resulting in the suicides of farmers.
Manjhi has met the Prime Minister twice earlier, triggering speculation of their inching closer against common rival Nitish Kumar.
Manjhi has become a potent leader of dalits which constitute a big chunk of about 22 per cent of the total population of Bihar.
The former JD (U) leader today paid a visit to Naubatpur in Patna district where a farmer lost his life after a fortnight’s protest against non-payment of compensation to them.
He also paid a visit to the house of a farmer couple who had consumed poisonous substance on May 19. The farmer died while his wife is still in hospital.
Manjhi said he would visit Khijrisarai in Gaya tomorrow where a farmer jumped to death from roof of his house due to agrarian distress.
Asked if besides agrarian issues, he would discuss political topics with the Prime Minister, Manjhi said, “It’s natural that when two politicians meet there will be talks on politics.”
Asked to react on reports of question mark on merger of Janata Parivar during today’s meeting, Manjhi said he knew from the beginning it was not possible.
“In fact both Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are poles apart one being East than another West…its a matter of research as how they thought to unite,” Manjhi said sarcastically. . Manjhi said he always enjoyed a cordial relation with Lalu Prasad. “Even during my difference with Nitish Kumar he never spoke against me and even today he does not have any complaint against me,” he said.
Manjhi was a junior minister in the RJD government of Prasad in 1990. He also served as a minister in the Rabri Devi ministry later on.
“But I have made it clear to him also that a reunion was possible only if he breaks ties with Nitish Kumar and fight the coming Bihar poll in my leadership,” Manjhi said.
Manjhi, who was handpicked by Nitish Kumar as CM after the JD (U) received a severe drubbing in the last general election, turned rebellious and after a bitter power tussle he was replaced by Kumar on the Chair on February 22 last.
While Lalu Prasad is trying to rope in Manjhi in the fight against the BJP in the coming Bihar poll, JD (U), which expelled him after a bitter fight with Nitish, has not taken it kindly.
In fact, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar skipping today’s crucial meeting called to iron out differences with RJD chief Lalu Prasad was seen in the backdrop of RJD chief mooting the idea of roping in Manjhi, a known Kumar detractor, in the anti-BJP alliance.–PTI
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