Ousted Janata Dal (United) leader and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday floated a new party, the 'Hindustan Awaam Morcha'.
According to reports, the HAM has been formed to counter the JD (U) ahead of Bihar assembly polls to be held later this year. Manjhi's supporters are said to be predominantly Mahadalits and other backward castes.
Last week, the 70-year-old Manjhi had resigned from the top post in Bihar ahead of a crucial trust vote in the state assembly. While tendering his resignation to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, he also recommended dissolution of the assembly, a suggestion that was not taken into consideration.
On February 22, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar took over as Chief Minister for the fourth time in his political career.
