Manjhi counters Passwan, calls for broader SC classification

Patna, August 30 – Jitan Ram Manjhi, head of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), pushed back against Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s demand for his resignation over the SC creamy‑layer and sub‑quota debate. Manjhi said he would elaborate on his position at a scheduled gathering in Motihari, emphasizing that many Scheduled Caste groups remain on the fringes despite decades of constitutional safeguards.

He referenced the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision that allows states to implement intra‑SC classification, pointing out that Punjab and a handful of other states have already begun such exercises. Manjhi clarified that his aim is not to abolish reservations but to redistribute benefits within the existing quota so that historically neglected SC sub‑castes obtain a fair share.

Manjhi also questioned Paswan’s insistence that he resign, arguing that the decision to leave office rests with the individual, not with political opponents. He highlighted that his son, Santosh Kumar Suman, continues to serve in the Bihar government and suggested that any call for his resignation should be based on performance, not on a difference of opinion over reservation policy.

The leader appealed to the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for clear, nationwide guidelines on intra‑SC classification, asserting that a uniform policy would prevent further political wrangling. He assured that his party will continue to fight for the rights of SC communities that have been left out of the reservation benefits.

The episode underscores a simmering rift within the NDA on how to balance constitutional provisions with the demand for more nuanced reservation structures.