Dalit Politics Heat Up: Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi Clash Over Sub-Quota Demand
Patna: A fresh political rift has emerged within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar as Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi find themselves at odds over the proposal for a separate sub-category for the most marginalized Dalit communities.
The contention revolves around the demand for “quota within quota”—a move favored by Manjhi, the former Bihar Chief Minister and founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), but vehemently opposed by Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan.
A Divisive Proposal
Speaking to reporters, Chirag Paswan dismissed the idea of a sub-quota, warning that such a classification would “create a schism within the community.” Paswan, who represents the Hajipur constituency, challenged those pushing for the sub-category to support the “creamy layer” concept and resign from their respective posts.
Paswan’s firm stance echoes that of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who had long resisted the “Mahadalit” category introduced by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a decade ago. Political analysts note that this opposition is often framed by critics as an attempt by the Paswan family to maintain their historical influence over the Dalit vote bank, particularly among the Dusadh community.
Escalating Tensions
The response from the Manjhi camp was swift and sharp. Jitan Ram Manjhi, representing the Musahar community, rebuked Paswan’s comments, suggesting that the LJP (Ram Vilas) chief’s opposition stemmed from a misunderstanding of the systemic vulnerabilities faced by specific sub-castes.
“It is a fact that among the Dalits, there are castes which are relatively more vulnerable and these deserve targeted welfare,” the octogenarian leader stated. “I wonder where the question of creamy layer arises.”
Santosh Kumar Suman, Bihar minister and son of Jitan Ram Manjhi, also took to social media to express his frustration. Without naming Paswan directly, Suman addressed him as a “younger brother,” suggesting that while the LJP has more seats in Parliament, he is willing to resign if Paswan takes the lead, provided the focus remains on the upliftment of the most disadvantaged, such as the Musahar, Bhuia, Nat, and Dom communities.
“Within the SC/ST community, no one should engage in a conversation with a feudal mindset,” Suman wrote on X, emphasizing that he is advocating for social justice rather than opposing the quota system itself.
JD(U) Calls for Unity
As the debate intensifies, the Janata Dal (United)—the second-largest NDA constituent in Bihar—has moved to de-escalate the situation. JD(U) legislature party leader Shrawon Kumar urged caution, stating, “Reservations were introduced through the Constitution by Ambedkar. Now, there must not be any dispute over quotas.”
Common Ground: Condemning Social Inequality
Despite their disagreement on internal classification, Paswan and Manjhi found common ground in criticizing the Congress party’s recent rhetoric. Both leaders took aim at Rahul Gandhi’s accusations regarding the “purification” of a temple following a visit by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Paswan asserted that if social inequality has persisted after decades of Congress rule, the party bears the blame rather than the moral authority to complain. Manjhi echoed this sentiment, recounting the 1978 incident involving the late Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, whose statue in Varanasi was reportedly washed with Gangajal by traditionalists after he visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
As the clash over quota continues to simmer, the incident highlights the complex and often competing interests within India’s Dalit politics, even among allies in the ruling coalition.
