Overview

• Jitan Ram Manjhi publicly demanded at least 15 seats for HAM(S) and said the party could sit out the polls if not accommodated, though it would still back the NDA.
• Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) is pressing for a larger share, with reports placing demands between 30 and 40 seats against a BJP willingness nearer 22 to 25.
• Manjhi signaled pressure with a poetic post invoking Dinkar’s Rashmirathi, recasting a plea for ‘five villages’ as a call for ‘15’ to underline his target.
• The BJP held internal meetings on Wednesday and maintained the alliance remains intact, with party figures considering compensatory offers such as Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council seats.
• LJP(RV) called an emergency meeting in Patna on Thursday, and party sources hinted at exploring Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party if demands are not met, a prospect not confirmed publicly.