By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, August 29, 2026: Differences within the NDA over SC-ST reservation have surfaced openly in Bihar politics, with Chirag Paswan, the Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief, strongly objecting to the position taken by Jitan Ram Manjhi and his son, Santosh Suman, on the “creamy layer” concept and other proposed changes to the reservation system.
The Manjhi-Suman camp, meanwhile, has been advocating sub-categorization and a “quota within a quota” for SC-ST reservations.
Chirag Paswan pointed out that SC-ST reservation is based on social aspects:
Chirag Paswan has argued that the basis of SC-ST reservation is not economic status but the social discrimination and exclusion faced by these communities for centuries.
He said any proposal to alter the existing reservation framework must be considered with utmost seriousness and that issues such as the creamy layer should be debated comprehensively in Parliament rather than being used primarily for political rhetoric.
Chirag Paswan further asserted that if Jitan Ram Manjhi and Santosh Suman are seeking the introduction of the creamy layer or other changes to the reservation system, they should first resign from their respective positions.
He maintained that reservation was designed to ensure representation and equal opportunities for communities that have historically faced social discrimination and untouchability, rather than simply to address economic backwardness.
Jitan Ram Manjhi and Santosh Suman advocated for the quota within quota in the SC-ST reservation:
Manjhi and Santosh Suman, on the other hand, have been pushing for measures such as sub-categorization and a “quota within a quota” within the SC-ST reservation framework.
They argue that the benefits of reservation have not reached all communities equally and that the system should be restructured to ensure that the most marginalized sections receive a greater share of its benefits.
Santosh Suman has maintained that their demand is not aimed at abolishing reservation but at ensuring that its benefits reach communities that remain the most deprived.
He has questioned why a similar arrangement based on relative deprivation cannot be considered within the SC category when distinct categories are recognized in other sections of society.
The disagreement between Chirag Paswan and the Manjhi-Suman camp assumes significance in the context of Dalit politics in Bihar.
While both sides claim to represent the interests of marginalized communities, their approaches to the reservation system are increasingly divergent.
The key question now is whether the NDA’s constituent parties will be able to arrive at a common position on the sensitive issue or whether differences over SC-ST reservation will deepen in the days ahead.
Also Read: Chirag Paswan said Bihar gets special benefits through the Union Budget 2025.
EOM.
