Jitan Ram Manjhi takes a u-turn on 'political sanyas', to pursue Ekla Chalo policy in Bihar

GAYA  Apr 24, 2015 (Agencies) :Former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi took a u-turn on his earlier announcement to renounce politics if the rally turn out at his Patna show was less than five lakhs. The rally in fact attracted a very sparse crowd thereby pushing Manjhi towards political irrelevance in the somewhat bipolar state politics.Talking to media persons at his Gaya residence on Friday morning, the ex CM said that his earlier statement on renouncing politics should not be taken literally and though the rally response was below his expectations and the bench mark set by him, it was enough to propel him in Bihar politics and as such the question of taking Sanyas simply did not arise. Putting up a brave face, Manjhi said that he will continue with Ekla Chalo approach to politics.Though no political party has extended olive branch to the Manjhi outfit, the ex CM has been unilaterally discussing his political options and Manjhi told media persons in Gaya that but for Nitish all his options were open. Much will, however depend on how the NDA perceives Manjhi's worth in the political share market.During his virtual monologue with media persons, Manjhi extensively indulged in self praise and explained how the decisions taken by



him at the fag end of his tenure would effect a sea change in the quality of life of a large number of people in the state. He explained in detail how the 34 decisions taken by his govt would have transformed the Bihar scene.The ex CM repeated his charges against Nitish Kumar and vowed never to trust his predecessor cum successor. Manjhi also said that everything was yet not lost and he would show his hidden strength during the assembly elections.Meanwhile, Manjhi suffered a set back as Sharim Ali, HAM's Muslim face in the Magadh region and former administrator of the Bihar State Sunni Wakf Board signalled a shift in gear and welcomed the performance of Asaduddin Owaisi led Majils Ittihad Muslamin in the local body elections in Maharashtra. Sharim through his FB posts appreciated Owaisi party performance. Owaisi, it may be recalled has developed national ambitions and is reportedly eying the political turf in UP and Bihar having significant Muslim votes.Asked if he was going to join Asaduddin Owaisi, Sharim Ali said that though he was impressed by Owaisi's performance in the local body election in Maharashtra, he has not yet made up his mind and would take a decision only after assessing the pros and cons of such a move.