The political temperature in Bihar has climbed sharply, and Jitan Ram Manjhi former Chief Minister and HAM(S) leader is adding his voice in poetic fashion. On social media, he posted a cryptic verse from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s epic Rashmirathi, in which Krishna pleads for peace and fairness

Ho nyaay agar to aadha do, yadi usme bhi koi baadha ho, to de do kewal 15 gram…

Roughly, it urges that if justice demands “half,” one must concede that; if even that is difficult, then at least a small portion. Manjhi’s use of this verse seemed aimed at the BJP, suggesting the saffron party was like “Duryodhana” unwilling to compromise reasonably in seat-sharing talks within the NDA.

The message, though poetic, carries sharp political intent Manjhi is signaling discontent with how the BJP is negotiating alliance seats in Bihar. He appears to feel squeezed by BJP’s dominance and unwillingness to yield space to smaller allies like his. His words triggered immediate reactions across party lines.

Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition and prominent face of the INDIA bloc, responded sharply. He said that Manjhi’s anger or disappointment is not RJD’s concern but that people of Bihar are deeply dissatisfied with the current regime. He asserted that this election cycle is about change, a fresh government, and that all opposition forces will unite to oust the current administration. In short, he spun Manjhi’s dissatisfaction as affirmation that the anti-incumbent mood is real.

At the core, the political arithmetic in Bihar is becoming more complex than just BJP + JD(U) alliances. Smaller parties like HAM(S), LJP (RV) under Chirag Paswan, and even new fronts backed by strategists like Prashant Kishor are vying to amplify their relevance. Together, they challenge whether dominance by one partner (usually BJP) can dictate terms unilaterally.

Seat-sharing talks reportedly are nearing a resolution, but the friction is evident. Manjhi’s poetic jab is symbolic he’s saying he will not be silenced into oblivion. With vocal dissent even within NDA ranks, the opposition senses opportunity.

In this high-stakes Bihar game, politics is as much about narrative as numbers. By invoking revered poetic verse, Manjhi is positioning himself as moral and principled, attacking perceived arrogance. His tactic is subtle but potent: rallying respect, signaling dissent, and staking claim to dignity even in alliance politics.

As the campaign unfolds, such symbolic gestures could matter as much as seat counts or vote banks. And in Bihar’s fractured political terrain, a poetic dig might echo louder than a promise.