Jitan Ram Manjhi and Lalu Prasad Clash Over Caste Identity in Bihar

Patna: RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday engaged in a spat questioning each other's caste identity.

The exchange began when Jitan Ram Manjhi reacted to accusations from the RJD chief about his political alignment with the RSS, asserting he had abandoned his Dalit identity as a Mushar and adopted an upper-caste surname, Sharma.

In retaliation, Manjhi responded to the accusations and questioned Lalu’s true caste, suggesting he should clarify whether he is a Yadav or a Gaderia (shepherd).

Lalu seemed to dismiss the enquiry in his characteristic style, and questioned Manjhi's identification as a Mushar.

Manjhi then took to social media to assert his identity, declaring, "I am a Mushar—Bhuiyan," emphasising pride in his ancestry.

As per the recent caste survey in Bihar , Mushars represent about 3.1 per cent of the state's population, while Yadavs, to which Lalu belongs, make up approximately 14.3 per cent. 

(With PTI inputs)