Patna: Former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) founder, Jitan Ram Manjhi, announced on Saturday that the party has issued a whip to its four MLAs directing them to vote in favor of the NDA government during the upcoming trust vote in the state, scheduled for February 12.

Addressing media persons, Manjhi emphasized, "We might be poor but we are not dishonest." He reiterated that all four MLAs of the party will be present and voting for the NDA coalition, and will publicly express support for the ruling government. Ahead of the trust vote, the Janata Dal-United (JDU) also issued a three-line whip to all its MLAs, instructing them to be present and vote for the ruling alliance during the floor test. In a move to ensure unity within the ruling coalition and preempt any poaching attempts by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), MLAs were summoned to the residence of JDU leader and Bihar minister, Shrawon Kumar, in Patna.

Responding to rumors about missing legislators, a JDU MLA clarified, "They informed us that they wouldn't be present here. It is not that they are out of the country." Another JDU leader expressed confidence that the Nitish Kumar-led coalition would secure a majority during the floor test. Following the return of JDU to the NDA fold last month, RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav remarked, "The game has just started and a lot is left to play for." He predicted that JD(U) would face defeat in 2024.

Meanwhile, a meeting of RJD MLAs and MLAs of the Mahagathbandhan was held on Saturday evening ahead of the floor test. Leaders were reportedly expected to remain at the meeting venue afterward. The baggage of RJD MLAs was being transported to the official residence of former deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in Patna. Earlier this month, Nitish Kumar broke ties with the Mahagathbandhan and the INDIA bloc to form a new government with BJP's support in Bihar.

Currently, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by BJP holds 128 seats in the Bihar assembly, with BJP having 78 seats, JD(U) 45, and HAM 4. An Independent MLA holds the remaining lone seat. The Opposition commands 114 seats in the Bihar House, requiring 122 for a majority.

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