The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), popularly referred to as HAM(S), is a pivotal regional political party with a profound impact on the socio-political fabric of Bihar. Known for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged, HAM(S) stands as a symbol of inclusivity and empowerment. A trusted ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the party’s evolution reflects its enduring vision for justice and equality. Its distinct election symbol, the wok, resonates with its grassroots appeal and simplicity.
Formation and Early Days
The party came into existence on 8 May 2015, under the leadership of Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former Chief Minister of Bihar. Manjhi’s decision to form Hindustani Awam Morcha was driven by ideological differences with the Janata Dal (United) (JDU). Dissatisfied with the policies of his erstwhile party, he led 18 members out of JDU to establish a new political entity that would prioritise the welfare of marginalised communities. To underscore its commitment to secularism, the party added “Secular” to its name later that year.
In July 2015, the Election Commission of India formally recognised HAM(S) as a regional political party and assigned the wok as its election symbol. This marked a new beginning for the party, enabling it to participate in Bihar’s dynamic political landscape with a distinct identity.
Key Milestones of Hindustani Awam Morcha
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Formation by Jitan Ram Manjhi after splitting from JDU. |
| July 2015 | Recognised as a regional party by the Election Commission. |
| 2015 | Joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). |
| 2020 | Rejoined NDA and contested elections, winning 4 assembly seats. |
| 2024 | Gained one Lok Sabha seat with Jitan Ram Manjhi representing Gaya. |
Hindustani Awam Morcha Electoral Journey
Bihar Vidhan Sabha Elections
The journey of HAM(S) in electoral politics has been marked by resilience and strategic alliances. Despite initial setbacks, the party has managed to secure its position as a significant player in Bihar. Here is a summary of its performance in Vidhan Sabha elections:
| Year | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Votes Polled | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 21 | 1 | 8,64,856 | 2.3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 4 | 3,75,564 | 0.89% |
Lok Sabha Elections
In the national political arena, HAM(S) has also left its mark, albeit modestly. The following table provides a glimpse of its performance in Lok Sabha elections:
| Year | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 0.2% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | Significant |
Historical Background
HAM(S) entered the political fray with a clear vision: to champion the causes of the oppressed and bring about transformative change. Its journey began with the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, where it contested 21 seats as part of the NDA. However, the results were a mix of hope and disappointment, as the party won only 1 seat – Imamganj, represented by Jitan Ram Manjhi himself.
The party’s fortunes improved in the 2020 elections, where it rejoined the NDA and contested 7 seats. This strategic move paid off, with HAM(S) winning 4 seats. Its growing influence was further cemented when Santosh Suman Manjhi, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s son, was appointed as a Cabinet Minister in the Bihar government.
Prominent Leaders of Hindustani Awam Morcha (S)
Leadership plays a crucial role in defining the vision and trajectory of any political party. HAM(S) is no exception. Here are some of its prominent leaders:
- Jitan Ram Manjhi: Founder and former Chief Minister of Bihar. He currently represents Gaya in the Lok Sabha. A seasoned politician, Manjhi is known for his relentless advocacy for the rights of the Dalit community.
- Santosh Suman Manjhi: The party’s current President and a Cabinet Minister in Bihar, handling the portfolios of Irrigation and SC/ST Welfare. He has emerged as a dynamic leader, continuing his father’s legacy.
- Ramesh Singh: Serving as the National Vice President since 2021, Singh has been instrumental in strengthening the party’s organisational structure.
Strategic Alliances
HAM(S) has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in forming alliances to advance its political objectives. In 2015, it joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and contested elections alongside prominent parties like the BJP. Despite limited success initially, the alliance provided HAM(S) with a platform to amplify its voice.
The party’s relationship with the NDA has not been without challenges. In 2018, HAM(S) briefly parted ways with the alliance, only to rejoin it in 2020. This decision proved fruitful, as the party’s electoral performance improved significantly in subsequent elections.
Impact on Bihar’s Political Landscape
HAM(S) has carved a niche for itself in Bihar’s highly competitive political arena. By addressing the issues faced by marginalized communities, the party has built a loyal support base. Its consistent focus on social justice, inclusive development, and empowerment resonates with voters across the state.
Vision for the Future
As Bihar moves towards the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, HAM(S) aims to expand its influence and secure more representation at both state and national levels. The party’s vision revolves around the following priorities:
- Empowering Marginalized Communities: Continuing its efforts to uplift the oppressed and underprivileged.
- Strengthening Grassroots Connections: Building stronger ties with voters through community engagement and development initiatives.
- Enhancing Political Alliances: Leveraging strategic partnerships to amplify its voice and impact.
Conclusion
The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) stands as a beacon of hope for Bihar’s marginalized communities. Under the leadership of Jitan Ram Manjhi and Santosh Suman Manjhi, the party has made significant strides in its journey. With its unwavering commitment to social justice and development, HAM(S) is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Bihar’s political and socio-economic future.
