HAM to desert NDA in Bihar?

After its humiliating defeat in the Bihar assembly polls, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) is likely to desert the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

HAM state president Brishen Patel on Wednesday told the media here that the HAM was holding discussions within over the issue.

"It is not viable and feasible for HAM to be part of the NDA because our party failed to get the support of Muslims in the assembly polls," he said.

Patel said Muslims were not with the NDA and will never support it. "We strongly feel that support of the Muslims matters in elections."

There was no comment on Patel's remarks from HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former chief minister.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has three allies in Bihar - HAM, the Lok Janshakti Party of union minister Ram Vilas Paswan and the RLSP of union minister Upender Kushwaha.

In last month's assembly election, the BJP won 53 of the 243 assembly seats, the LJP and RLSP got two seats each and the HAM won only one seat.