Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) president Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday scotched rumours of his quitting the “mahagathbandhan” (Grand Alliance) and returning to the NDA, terming such unverified reports as a “conspiracy” to malign his and his party’s image. The erstwhile Janata Dal (United) leader, who was made Chief Minister by Nitish Kumar in 2014, later fell out with his mentor and formed the HAM(S). Seat-sharing talksThe 74-year-old leader said the seat-sharing issue in the Opposition coalition will be finalised in consultation with all the constituents of the Grand Alliance. In reply to a query, Mr. Manjhi reiterated that the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister of any State should not hold or participate in sit-ins and demonstrations. Mr. Manjhi said that the new State unit chief and other prominent posts, which are currently lying vacant, will be filled within a week.

Source: The Hindu February 08, 2019 19:37 UTC