Former Bihar Chief Minister Attacks INDI Alliance, Accuses Them Of Separatism

Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Chief Minister of Bihar and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Gaya seat has accused the Indian National Developmental Inclusive (INDI) Alliance of harbouring separatist sentiment.

On 28 April 2024, Manjhi was campaigning for Dileshwar Kamait, Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) candidate from Supaul. Manjhi said that a poor person is poor, no matter which caste, religion or any other community he belongs to. He appealed to people from every community to work in unison for a developed country.

Praising Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Manjhi said that he has brought a lot of schemes for benefit of the poor.

“If we think of people in blocs, then the way these people helped in the formation of Pakistan, Bangladesh — whose consequences we are still bearing, will we see another country formed out of India?” said Manjhi.

“If they come, perhaps they will do the same, that is why I am warning. PM Modi says that we have diversity, but when it comes to patriotism, Indians are united, will remain united and work for the country. Only then our Hindustan will develop. Its sovereignty will remain intact.” added Manjhi.

Manjhi’s statement seems to be mainly targeted towards Congress, but its INDI Alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) was the first to respond to it.

Tejashwi Yadav said that it is very quick on Manjhi’s part to change his colours. “I wish him well, but, strangely, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has influenced him so much in such a short time,” said Yadav.

Responding to Yadav, Manjhi said that Tejashwi is not in control of his head.

Supaul is going for election, in the third phase on 7 May 2024. Dileshwar Kamait is an incumbent member of Parliament (MP), who beat Congress leader and Pappu Yadav’s wife Ranjeet Ranjan in 2019. 

In 2024, the seat went to its alliance partner RJD, which has fielded Chandrahas Chaupal from the seat.