Chirag Paswan, a Union Minister, has requested the resignation of his colleague Jitan Ram Manjhi amidst a contentious debate regarding reservation policies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. This request has emerged following the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) calling for a review of the existing reservation framework.

The tensions between the two Bihar leaders intensified earlier this week when Manjhi’s party, HAM, advocated for sub-quotas specifically for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within the prevailing reservation structure. The call for review comes in the context of ongoing anti-quota demonstrations being held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Manjhi’s son, Santosh Kumar Suman, who also holds a ministerial position in Bihar, emphasised the necessity for a reassessment of the reservation system. He argued that the current policy needs to ensure benefits reach the most vulnerable and historically marginalised groups in society.

Underlying Issues and Political Alliances

Both Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and HAM maintain alliance within the NDA in Bihar and at the national level. The HAM party represents the Mushahar community, which is one of the more backward Dalit groups. The party alleges that the advantages of reservation intended for Dalits have been disproportionately concentrated among certain communities, notably the Paswans and Ravidas, marginalising other groups.

Suman highlighted a significant concern, noting that no individual from the Mushahar community has yet attained the status of an IAS officer, which reflects the inequity within the reservation benefits. The controversy links back to a judgment by the Supreme Court in 2024 which permitted states to classify SCs and STs into subcategories to better allocate quota benefits to less advantaged castes within these groups.

A legal petition was recently submitted to the Supreme Court seeking to exclude wealthy individuals from caste-based reservation benefits. The petition cited findings from the 2024 ruling, suggesting that higher income families within the SC and ST classifications are monopolising existing advantages. It noted that four out of seven judges in the constitutional bench recommended the extension of the creamy layer principle to these groups.

Chirag Paswan’s Rebuttal

In response to HAM’s position, Chirag Paswan stated that if the party desires to establish sub-quotas and implement a creamy layer within SC reservation, then both Manjhi and Suman should resign from their ministerial roles. He asserted that those advocating for a creamy layer should first relinquish their reservation benefits.

Paswan, whose political stance has consistently opposed the notion of sub-quotas, reiterated that all communities within the SC category have remained unified. He referenced constitutional stipulations which do not support the idea of determining SC reservation based on economic criteria.

Furthermore, Paswan cautioned that introducing sub-quotas or a creamy layer could undermine the fundamental goals of social justice, arguing that such measures would fracture society and diminish the ongoing fight for equality. He challenged Manjhi, suggesting that if he supports the creamy layer based on economic attributes, he should lead by example and step down.

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