manjhi-s-perseverance-seals-central-minister-role

Jitan Ram Manjhi's perseverance has finally borne fruit as the seasoned politician was inducted as a central minister on Sunday.

 

The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder, who has been a significant figure in Bihar's political landscape, achieved this milestone after a relentless pursuit of the Gaya Lok Sabha seat.

Manjhi's political ascent is a tale of remarkable tenacity. Since 2014, he had his eyes set on the Gaya seat, facing multiple defeats before emerging victorious this time.

 

In 2014, running as a JD(U) candidate, he finished third. Undeterred, he contested again in 2019 under the HAM(S) banner, only to be defeated by the JD(U).

 

This year, his persistence paid off, and at nearly 80, Manjhi has defied the odds once again.

The veteran politician's career witnessed a dramatic turn in 2014 when Nitish Kumar, following a dismal Lok Sabha election result, resigned as Chief Minister and unexpectedly appointed Manjhi as his successor.

 

Manjhi was seen as a caretaker, but within two months, he asserted his independence, surprising many. His defiance led to his ousting in February 2015 when Nitish Kumar reclaimed the CM position ahead of the Assembly polls.

Refusing to be sidelined, Manjhi broke away from the JD(U) to form his own party, HAM(S), and aligned with the BJP-led NDA.

 

However, the 2015 Assembly elections were a setback, with his party winning just one seat, diminishing his influence within the BJP.

 

In an unexpected move, Manjhi joined the Mahagathbandhan, but the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, dominated by the Modi wave, offered him little room to expand his political clout.

Before this turbulent period, Manjhi represented the Imamganj constituency in the Gaya district, part of the Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency, and later secured his seat as an MP. His earlier political career included serving as the minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare in Nitish Kumar's cabinet.

 

From 1996 to 2005, he was a minister under the RJD government led by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, demonstrating his political adaptability.

Manjhi's political affiliations have spanned the spectrum, from Congress (1980–1990) to Janata Dal (1990–1996), Rashtriya Janata Dal (1996–2005), and JD(U) (2005–2015).

 

With each shift marked by strategic decisions, he has solidified his reputation as a resilient political survivor and a staunch advocate for the Dalit community.