Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi clash over reservation policy

Internal disagreements have emerged within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar regarding the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation system. Union Minister Chirag Paswan has strongly opposed calls for a review of the policy, specifically targeting demands for sub-categorisation and the introduction of a “creamy layer” provision.

The dispute involves Jitan Ram Manjhi and his son, state minister Santosh Kumar Suman of the Hindustan Awam Morcha (secular). Suman has advocated for a “quota within a quota,” arguing that the current system has failed to ensure benefits reach all deprived groups equally and that the gap among beneficiaries remains too wide.

Chirag Paswan countered these arguments by stating that reservation is designed to address social discrimination and untouchability rather than economic status. He suggested that those advocating for changes to the framework should resign and maintained that such sensitive matters should be debated in Parliament. The exchange has sparked speculation regarding potential rifts between the NDA's constituent allies.