By Mahmood Asim, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is of the opinion that in the complicated and sophisticated game of politics, the race against prevalent casteism can be won only if people coming from non-elite background are united. Manjhi was speaking at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University on the topic of ‘Caste, Politics and Discrimination: Experiences of a Dalit Chief Minister’ at a programm organized by Dalit students’ body Birsa Ambedkar Phule Student Association (BAPSA).
He described caste and Varan system as biggest threat for India and warned that without breaking this powerful and dangerous chain the problems of all deprived sections cannot be solved. “There can be a divide of class on the basis of profession but on the ground of caste” Manjhi proclaimed.
Citing the incidents of discrimination in politics on the basis of caste he lamented over Brahmanism and Manuwad. “We hate Brahmanism and Manuwad but not Brahmans,” former CM of Bihar declared. He, however, refrained from directly taking name or mentioning anything about BJP in his whole speech.
While describing his experiences of discrimination as Dalit in details, Manjhi fulminated against Nitish Kumar. Adding that ‘Na khata Na Bahi, Nitish jo kahain whi sahi’ (no record, no maintenance, what Nitish said is right), he reiterated his allegations that the sole purpose of his designation was to follow Nitish Kumar’s dictate initially and I was forced to work as stamp for him.
“But thanks to media persons when they started terming my government as remote control I realized the fact, that is when I wanted to draw a line,” he said, adding, “But this was unbearable for Nitish ji”.
He said that increasingly he became determined and started working for Dalit, minorities, SC /ST, Aadiwasis, poor and farmers and took initiatives in social sectors. He said that he also took several steps for women empowerment. “I extended many schemes of Nitish government for poor people,” he said. Pointing that that he had also increased the grants for Madrasas and Urdu teachers, he accused his “opponents” in the party of sidelining him for fear that he may merge as bigger leader.