The ongoing conflict between Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, both significant figures within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from Bihar, over the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations has unsettled the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The friction has led to an exchange of demands for each other’s resignation, escalating a situation that the BJP finds increasingly delicate.

Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) faction, has called for the resignation of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and his son Santosh Kumar Suman, who is a state minister. According to Paswan, if they advocate for a creamy layer within Scheduled Caste reservations, they should relinquish their posts on moral grounds, as they have already benefitted from the existing reservation system.

The concept of a creamy layer currently applies only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), not to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. This has heightened the stakes for Manjhi’s faction, which feels cornered by Paswan’s assertions and has responded by demanding Paswan’s resignation in return.

BJP’s Appeal for Unity Among Coalition Partners

The BJP has taken a proactive approach to mediate between the two leaders. Sources indicate that the party has urged both Paswan and Manjhi to halt their public disagreements and focus on collaboration to fortify the NDA. The BJP, as the predominant party in the alliance, emphasises the need for unity to advance the coalition’s interests.

Manjhi has articulated concerns about the distribution of benefits from Scheduled Caste reservations, claiming that only certain segments of the Dalit community have reaped rewards. He argues that marginalised groups, specifically Musahar and Musahar-Bhuiyan from the Mahadalit category, remain significantly disadvantaged and deserving of attention. He advocates for a comprehensive review of reservation policies to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Contrarily, Chirag Paswan maintains a firm stance against any proposed segmentation within the Scheduled Caste community, asserting that the foundation of reservations relies on historic social discrimination. He expresses worry that dividing the SC community could undermine their unity and calls for those advocating for a creamy layer to reconsider their positions.

Historical Context and Political Implications in Bihar

The tension between the Pasi or Paswan community and the Mahadalit community is not new in Bihar’s socio-political landscape. With Dalits constituting approximately twenty per cent of the state’s population, the existing divide has been shaped historically by differing social and economic advancements among various Dalit groups.

During Nitish Kumar’s administration, 18 to 22 Dalit communities were designated as ‘Mahadalit,’ excluding the Paswan caste, which remains socio-economically ahead in terms of government representation. This distinction continues to fuel the rivalry between Paswan and Manjhi, with each leader attempting to strengthen their claims to legitimacy within the political arena.

Both leaders represent factions within the NDA and are keenly aware of the potential impact on the Dalit vote bank in future elections. Their push for dominance is indicative of broader political strategies, especially as Bihar remains a crucial battleground for various parties.

Following events in the Lok Sabha, where seating arrangements became a point of contention, Paswan was granted a prominent position after initially objecting to Manjhi sitting in the front row. This tactical move signifies the ongoing minimisation of conflicts that the BJP hopes to oversee amidst the strife between the two leaders.

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