In a significant stride towards social justice, the Bihar Legislative Assembly has granted approval to a bill proposing an expansion of reservation limits for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The bill suggests elevating the reservation from the existing 50% to an inclusive 65%, with an additional provision to extend it to 75% by incorporating Economic Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation. Notably, even the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has voiced its support for this transformative initiative.
Navigating the Political Landscape
Before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s bold move is considered a high-stakes gamble. The discussions surrounding this decision have intensified, leading to a heated exchange between Nitish Kumar and the former CM, Jitan Ram Manjhi. Simultaneously, the BJP has strategically surrounded Nitish Kumar, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
Nitish Kumar’s Response
Addressing the assembly, Nitish Kumar, in a fiery retort, dismissed Jitan Ram Manjhi’s critique, attributing his elevation to the position of Chief Minister to sheer naivety. In a challenging stance against the BJP, Nitish Kumar suggested why not appoint Manjhi as the Governor if he holds him in such high regard. This triggered a commotion, prompting a temporary halt to the proceedings.
Manjhi’s Countermove
Jitan Ram Manjhi countered Nitish Kumar’s stance, emphasizing that the caste census has been conducted on paper, with no on-ground verification. While hinting at suppressed opinions, he expressed that he wanted to voice his concerns but was stifled. This dynamic exchange exposes the mental jousting within the political arena, with Nitish Kumar’s mental equilibrium questioned by his adversaries.
BJP’s Assertive Demand
During a press conference within the Bihar Legislative Assembly precincts, the BJP intensified its attack on Nitish Kumar. Opposition leader Vijay Sinha claimed that Nitish Kumar disrespected Jitan Ram Manjhi, asserting that Kumar has anti-Dalit sentiments. Sinha urged Nitish Kumar to apologize promptly for his perceived offense.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Congratulatory Note
Former Bihar CM and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav extended his congratulations to the people of Bihar on the passage of the bill. Via social media, he highlighted the elevation of reservation limits for SC/ST, OBCs, and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), culminating in an impressive 75% reservation in Bihar.
Distribution of Reservations
According to PTI, the bill proposes a doubling of reservations for STs and a 4% increase for SCs. Additionally, reservations for EBCs will be elevated from 18% to 25%, while OBCs will witness an increment from 12% to 15%. This comprehensive redistribution aims to address historical imbalances and foster inclusivity in Bihar’s socio-political landscape.