KKN Gurugram Desk | In a key political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, Union MSME Minister and HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss electoral strategies, seat-sharing, and alliance dynamics within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Following the meeting, Manjhi spoke to the media and revealed that the NDA is likely to finalize its seat-sharing formula by the end of June or first week of July. He also reaffirmed that the upcoming Bihar elections will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

NDA Seat-Sharing Talks Expected in Late June

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Amit Shah, Jitan Ram Manjhi confirmed that a joint meeting of NDA allies would be held soon to discuss seat-sharing arrangements.

“There is no specific seat demand from our side at the moment. The meeting in June-end or early July will decide the formula. We expect a respectful and fair allocation for all NDA partners,” Manjhi said.

The announcement dispels speculations about friction within the NDA, projecting an image of unified pre-poll planning and coordination.

Nitish Kumar to Lead the NDA Campaign in Bihar

Responding to questions on leadership within NDA, Manjhi strongly backed Nitish Kumar:

“There is no confusion. NDA will contest the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.”

He further predicted a strong performance by the NDA, stating that the alliance aims to win at least 225 seats and form the government with a comfortable majority.

Why This Meeting Matters for NDA Strategy

With only months left for the Bihar assembly polls, the NDA is under pressure to:

• Avoid internal rifts between allies.

• Finalize candidates and constituencies in time.

• Present a clear leadership and development agenda to voters.

Manjhi’s meeting with Amit Shah indicates:

• Ongoing alliance coordination.

• Reaffirmation of Nitish Kumar’s central role in Bihar politics.

• Attempt to address smaller allies’ grievances before campaign momentum picks up.

Discontent Over 20-Point Programme Exclusion

While aligning firmly with the NDA, Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed displeasure over his party’s exclusion from the 20-Point Programme during the last Lok Sabha election cycle.

“We were ignored in the last election. Our names were not included in the 20-point implementation bodies. This was disappointing,” Manjhi said.

He added that BJP leaders including Sanjay Jaiswal and Dilip Jaiswal acknowledged the oversight. The BJP leadership has assured that names suggested by HAM would be included in the upcoming revisions.

What Is the 20-Point Programme?

The 20-Point Programme (TPP) is a government scheme initiated to monitor and implement development schemes, especially in rural and backward areas. Representation in the TPP committees is often seen as a symbol of political inclusion and recognition within ruling coalitions.

Being left out of such programmes can be perceived as marginalization, especially by smaller or regional parties. Manjhi’s demand to be reinstated reflects his effort to secure administrative participation for HAM leaders.

HAM’s Position in the NDA Alliance

HAM is a relatively smaller ally in the NDA but holds:

• Key influence in Dalit-dominated constituencies.

• Ground presence in south and central Bihar.

Manjhi, a former Chief Minister of Bihar, commands respect within Mahadalit voter groups, making his support crucial in tight contests.

By engaging directly with Amit Shah, Manjhi is reinforcing:

• HAM’s commitment to the NDA fold.

• His expectation of being treated as an equal partner, both electorally and administratively.Nitish Kumar’s Return to NDA and Its Significance

Nitish Kumar, currently the Chief Minister, returned to the NDA in early 2024 after a brief stint with the opposition bloc. His return reshaped Bihar’s political dynamics, and NDA partners have since rallied around his leadership.

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s statement reiterates the NDA’s unified front under Nitish, who:

• Brings administrative experience.

• Has support among women, EBCs, and Mahadalits.

• Offers a centrist image that balances BJP’s core support base.

Opposition Reaction and Emerging Challenges

The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD and Congress, has criticized the NDA’s delay in finalizing seat-sharing and accused the alliance of ignoring smaller allies.

A senior RJD leader stated:

“This is just a show. The BJP dominates the alliance and smaller parties are only taken seriously during elections.”

The opposition is also banking on anti-incumbency, unemployment, and agrarian distress to build its narrative ahead of the polls.

Election Timeline: What to Expect Ahead

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are expected to be held in October–November 2025. The next few months will witness:

• Political rallies and public outreach campaigns.

• Finalization of alliances and candidate lists.

• Focus on development, caste dynamics, and welfare schemes.

Key factors that could influence the election:

• Performance of Nitish Kumar government.

• BJP’s popularity in the central leadership.

• Unity among NDA allies.

• Voter turnout in rural and urban segments.

Can NDA Replicate Its Previous Success?

In 2020, the NDA secured 125 out of 243 seats, narrowly returning to power. However, internal conflicts and defections have since altered the political landscape.

This time, the NDA is targeting a much larger victory margin (225+ seats). Whether it can achieve that depends on:

• Early seat-sharing resolution.

• Unified campaign strategy.

• Managing grassroots level coordination among alliance workers.

The meeting between Jitan Ram Manjhi and Amit Shah marks a significant step in NDA’s preparations for Bihar 2025. It underscores:

• The strategic importance of smaller allies like HAM.

• The central role of Nitish Kumar as the CM face.

• NDA’s intent to go into elections with a united front and settled agenda.