Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi clash over a proposed Dalit sub-quota, with both sides demanding resignations.APN Exclusive content
Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi have clashed over the demand for a separate sub-category within the Scheduled Caste quota, with the disagreement escalating into calls for each other’s resignation.Online news platform
The dispute began after Manjhi and his son, Bihar minister Santosh Kumar Suman, backed the idea of a sub-quota aimed at the most deprived sections among Dalits. Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), opposed the proposal, arguing that it could create divisions within the community.
Chirag Paswan opposes sub-quota
Responding to questions about Manjhi and Suman’s position, Paswan said a separate sub-category would create a division within the Dalit community.
He also linked the issue to the debate over the creamy layer and said those supporting the concept should give up their respective posts.
Paswan’s position is also consistent with the stand taken by his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who had opposed the creation of a separate “Mahadalit” category in Bihar during Nitish Kumar’s tenure as chief minister.
Jitan Manjhi demands Paswan’s resignation
Manjhi rejected Paswan’s criticism and said it was Chirag Paswan who should resign.
The former Bihar chief minister argued that some Dalit communities are more vulnerable than others and therefore require targeted welfare measures through a separate sub-category.
Manjhi also questioned the relevance of the creamy-layer issue to the demand for a sub-quota.
Santosh Suman backs father
Santosh Kumar Suman also entered the dispute through posts on X. Without naming Paswan directly, he referred to him as his “younger brother” and said he would resign alongside Paswan if the latter took the lead.
Suman maintained that his position was neither against reservations nor in favour of introducing a creamy layer. He argued that a quota within the existing quota system was different from the creamy-layer concept.
He also cited communities including Musahar, Bhuia, Nat and Dom, saying they continue to face discrimination even within the Scheduled Castes.
JD(U) seeks to end quota controversy
The Janata Dal (United), the second-largest NDA constituent in Bihar after the BJP, sought to defuse the dispute.
JD(U) legislature party leader and state minister Shrawon Kumar said reservations were introduced through the Constitution and that there should be no dispute over quotas.
The disagreement between the two Union ministers comes amid a wider political debate over the distribution of reservation benefits among different Dalit communities
Courtesy : APN News
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