Jitan Ram Manjhi criticized Lalu Yadav, saying he has been the greatest promoter of dynastic politics.

Patna November 4, 2024: In response to criticism over promoting dynastic politics, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi countered the allegations by pointing towards Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family, asserting that true dynastic politics is exemplified by Yadav.

Speaking in Imamganj, Gaya district while campaigning for his daughter-in-law Deepa Manjhi, Jitan Ram Manjhi offered his definition of dynastic politics, suggesting that Prashant Kishor and others should consider the way Lalu Yadav advanced his family members in politics.

Jitan Ram Manjhi criticized Lalu Prasad Yadav:

“Tejashwi Yadav, who initially focused on cricket, was elevated to MLA and later Deputy CM, while Tej Pratap Yadav, involved in kabaddi, was similarly appointed as an MLA and minister. Rabri Devi had no prior political background before becoming CM, and Rohini Acharya and Misa Bharti were offered roles without significant political experience or work within the party, with Misa securing a Rajya Sabha seat despite election losses. What Lalu Yadav is doing is called nepotism,” Manjhi stated.

Jitan Ram Manjhi defended Deepa Manjhi:

Explaining his choice to field Deepa Manjhi, Jitan Ram Manjhi clarified that Deepa had an active political history as a district council member and was known for her hard work and strong public speaking skills.

He defended her candidacy as a merit-based decision rather than a case of nepotism, emphasizing her dedication and struggle within the political landscape.

Prashant Kishor criticized dynastic politics:

The issue of dynastic politics has become a prominent topic in the ongoing Bihar by-elections, with Prashant Kishor pointing out the family-based candidate selections across the four contested seats.

In this by-election, candidates with family political legacies are contesting in each seat: Deepa Manjhi, daughter-in-law of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, is contesting from the Imamganj seat in Gaya, Vishwanath Kumar Singh, son of RJD MP Surendra Yadav, miss running from the Belaganj seat, Vishal Pandey, son of the influential leader Sunil Pandey, is a BJP candidate for the Terari seat, Ajit Singh, son of RJB state president Jagdanand Singh, has been fielded in the Ramgarh constituency.

Prashant Kishor has highlighted this pattern, criticizing the prevalence of dynastic candidates who inherit political responsibilities from their family members, a turn he believes diminishes opportunities for independent and grassroots politicians.

Also Read: Deepa Manjhi, during nomination, was confident to win the Imamganj by-poll.

EOM.