Paswan challenges Gandhi over caste remarks, demands minister's ouster

Chirag Paswan escalated his political offensive on Wednesday, responding sharply to remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding caste discrimination while targeting an ally within the National Democratic Alliance over reservation-related statements.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president demanded the resignation of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Santosh Kumar Suman, who holds a Cabinet position in the Bihar government. The demand comes after HAM(S), an NDA coalition partner, called for a review of the existing reservation policy and sub-categorisation framework for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Paswan's dual attack reflects mounting tensions within Bihar's political landscape, where caste-based reservations and social justice policies remain highly sensitive issues. The LJP(Ram Vilas) has traditionally positioned itself as a champion of backward castes and minority interests, making such policy discussions a matter of significant concern for the party.

The timing of Paswan's intervention underscores the fragility of coalition politics in the state, where partners within the broader NDA framework hold divergent positions on crucial welfare and affirmative action policies. HAM(S)'s move to revisit reservation frameworks has proven controversial, prompting sharp reactions from political stakeholders across the spectrum.