Two Union Ministers locking horns over an issue is a rare sight in the NDA government. On Saturday, Union Minister Chirag Paswan sought the resignation of his colleague Jitan Ram Manjhi after the HAM (Secular) sought a review of the reservation policy, sparking buzz of a rift in the NDA. The development comes at a time when the reservation debate is back at the centre of politics amid anti-quota protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The slugfest between the two Bihar leaders erupted earlier this week when Manjhi’s HAM backed sub-quotas for SCs and STs within the existing reservation system. Manjhi’s son and Bihar minister Santosh Kumar Suman said a review was needed to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most vulnerable and historically marginalised communities.
“We are not talking about ending reservation. We are talking about making reservation more just, effective and ensuring that it actually reaches those who are deprived,” Suman said.
WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT?
Both Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) and HAM(S) are allies of the NDA in Bihar as well as at the Centre. Manjhi belongs to the Mushahar group, among the most backward Dalit groups.
The HAM has claimed that the benefits of Dalit reservation have remained concentrated among a few communities, including Paswans and Ravidas, while several other communities remain underrepresented. Suman has pointed out that not a single person from his Mushahar community has become an IAS officer.
The controversy has its roots in a 2024 Supreme Court judgment.
In a big verdict that year, the Supreme Court allowed states to sub-classify SCs and STs to ensure quota benefits to more backward castes in these groups.
Last month, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court demanding exclusion of socially and economically advanced individuals from reservation benefits. It argued that affluent families within the SC and ST categories were monopolising reservation benefits.
Citing the 2024 judgement, the plea said four of the seven judges on the Constitution bench suggested extending the creamy layer principle to these groups.
However, the Centre, in an affidavit before the Supreme Court, said the concept of creamy layer cannot be extended to SCs and STs. The principle has been applied only to OBCs.
‘JITAN RAM MANJHI SHOULD RESIGN FIRST’
Countering HAM, Chirag Paswan asserted that if the party wanted sub-quotas and a creamy layer within SC reservation, then Manjhi and Suman, both being ministers, should resign.
“Those asking why there should not be a creamy layer should first give up the benefits of reservation. If Jitan Ram Manjhi believes in the creamy layer concept, he should first resign. His son should resign too,” Paswan told reporters.
Paswan, whose party has always opposed sub-quotas, underlined that all communities within SCs have remained united. He said the Constitution does not provide for SC reservation to be determined on economic grounds.
Explaining his opposition, Paswan said introducing sub-quotas or a creamy layer within SC reservation could undermine the very purpose of social justice.
“Otherwise, the way society will be divided, the fight for social justice will lose its meaning. Dalits would continue to face discrimination,” Paswan said.
“If they still want a creamy layer based on economic criteria, then he (Manjhi) should be the first to step aside,” he further said.
– Ends
Published By:
Abhishek De
Published On:
Aug 29, 2026 17:35 IST
