Chirag Paswan Vs Jitan Ram Manjhi: Union Ministers Clash Over Quota Row, Seek Each Other’s Resignation

A heated exchange erupted on Saturday between Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan and his fellow cabinet member Jitan Ram Manjhi over the contentious issue of reservation. The dispute was sparked by comments made by Manjhi's son and Bihar government minister, Santosh Kumar Suman, who called for a review of the reservation system and advocated for the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within the current framework.

Suman questioned the effectiveness of the existing reservation policies, arguing that the creation of the Mahadalit category, which includes 18 of the 22 Dalit caste groups, has been undermined by significant disparities among beneficiaries. He further posed questions about the beneficiaries of the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) category, created from the Other Backward Castes (OBCs), and the economically weaker sections (EWS) among upper castes.

Paswan responded by urging Manjhi and his son to resign if they advocate for the implementation of sub-quotas and a creamy layer within SC reservation. He contended that if Jitan Ram Manjhi supports these measures, he should be the one to step down, as he would fall under the proposed creamy layer category. Paswan also called for his son, who was present at the event, to resign as well.

In retaliation, Manjhi argued that Paswan's stance could lead to the deprivation of benefits for those who rely on reservation. He maintained that the division of groups within reservation policies is necessary for the greater public good. Despite Paswan's criticism, Manjhi reiterated that this differentiation is essential to ensure that the most disadvantaged individuals receive the necessary support.