Jitan Ram Manjhi said on Sunday that the BJP is not “untouchable,” on the eve of a fast by his Hindustani Awam Morcha workers here to protest the cancellation of decisions he took as Chief Minister.
The BJP has extended support to the daylong protest on Gandhi Maidan here.
He said the immediate aim of his party, whose name is likely to be announced on Monday, would be to contest at least 125 of the 243 seats in the Assembly elections. “The BJP is not untouchable for us, and to form a government, we may join hands with other parties, including the BJP,” said Mr. Manjhi, whom the ruling JD(U) has accused of working at the behest of the BJP.
“Annulling my Cabinet decisions taken for the welfare of the people will amount to an injustice to them, and I want the people to be aware of it,” he said.
Mr. Manjhi and HAM leaders will hold a series of public meetings from March 16 to April 10.
“On April 20, we’ll organise a rally on Gandhi Maidan here and expose the real face of Nitish Kumar and his government,” he said.
“Instead of working for the welfare of the people, Mr. Nitish Kumar is creating an impression that Bihar is shining.”
The ongoing projects, such as the construction of an international museum, a convention hall and new houses for legislators, were not required. “The money could be better spent for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, JD(U) State president Basistha Narayan Singh has said the party will observe a 24-hour fast across the State on March 14 to protest the NDA government’s land acquisition Bill and other policies.
“Mr. Nitish Kumar will also participate in the fast at the party headquarters,” he said.
