Jitan Ram Manjhi Lauds His Party's Progress, Takes a Jibe at Nitish Kumar

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi criticized Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for doubting his party's viability in 2015. He affirmed his party, Hindustani Awam Morcha, is now thriving. Manjhi also defended Kumar amidst bridge collapses in Bihar, attributing them to heavy monsoon rains.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recalling how Kumar had doubted the sustainability of Manjhi's party, Hindustani Awam Morcha, after they separated in 2015. Manjhi pointed out that not only is his party functioning, but it is also thriving.

'I want to thank Nitish Kumar ji. When we separated in 2001 and formed the party, he raised doubts- 'Jitan Manjhi se party chalegi? Na paisa hain na kuch.' How will he run the party? Today, I can say with pride that our party is not only functioning but is running at great speed. And you people are behind this, that is why I congratulate you too,' Manjhi said.

Currently, Hindustani Awam Morcha is part of the National Democratic Alliance both at the center and in Bihar. Manjhi, now a Minister in Prime Minister Modi's cabinet, defended Nitish Kumar amidst opposition criticism over recent bridge collapses in Bihar. He attributed the incidents to unusually heavy monsoon rains, mentioning that the Chief Minister is keen on investigating the matter urgently.

'It is monsoon time. There has been an abnormal amount of rain, which is the reason behind the collapse of bridges. But the Chief Minister of the state is very sensitive towards the investigation,' Manjhi told reporters. Five bridges in Araria, Siwan, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Madhubani districts collapsed across the state in June. The series of collapses began with the bridge in Araria on June 18.

(With inputs from agencies.)