Bihar Ministers at Odds Over Quota Policy, Call for Resignations

A political row has erupted in Bihar as Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Manjhi traded criticism over the state's reservation policies, escalating tensions within the ruling coalition. The disagreement has prompted calls for resignations from both camps as the two leaders stake out opposing positions on quota-related issues affecting the state.

Chirag Paswan's stance reflects the longstanding opposition of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who had strongly contested the introduction of a separate 'Mahadalit' category in Bihar over a decade ago. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader has maintained continuity with his father's ideological position on the matter, viewing the classification as problematic.

Jitan Manjhi, meanwhile, has championed policies affecting the most marginalized sections, putting him at loggerheads with Paswan's position. The clash between the two senior figures underscores broader divisions within Bihar's political establishment regarding how reservation benefits should be structured and distributed.

The public dispute between ministers serving in the same government has raised questions about coalition stability and policy coherence. Political observers note that the disagreement reflects deeper ideological differences on social welfare policies that have historically divided Bihar's ruling dispensation.