Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to denounce dynastic politics as a “threat to democracy,” his message seems to have been selectively heard within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The ongoing Bihar Assembly election has exposed a clear divide inside the coalition: while the BJP and JD(U) under Nitish Kumar have largely resisted family-based nominations, several of their smaller allies have openly embraced them.

Leading the charge is Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Chief Minister and head of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) who were given six seats by the BJP. His daughter-in-law Deepa Manjhi, her mother Jyoti Manjhi, and son-in-law Praful Manjhi have all been fielded by HAM, while his son Santosh Suman continues to serve as a member of the Legislative Council. The he

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