Will not invite NDA leaders to HAM functions: Manjhi

Striking a discordant note, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) President and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Wednesday said he will not invite any NDA leader to a party function since he was not extended the same courtesy.

Manjhi accused the National Democratic Alliance allies Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party and the Lok Janshakti Party of neglecting HAM and discriminating against it.

"As our NDA allies never invite me to their party functions, HAM will also not invite them if it holds a big rally," Manjhi told the media here.

Manjhi is reportedly unhappy with the BJP after the ruling JD-U was asked to field a candidate for the Jehanabad Assembly seat bypoll in Bihar even though the HAM had expressed its wish to contest.

Last week, Manjhi said HAM will fight the Jehanabad byelection "at any cost".

Manjhi, a Dalit leader, said HAM should be given priority treatment in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar.

--IANS

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