Patna: In a Patna significant development has unfolded regarding the impact of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on NDA politics. This development was instigated by Arun Bharti, the LJP (R) MP from Jamui and brother-in-law of Chirag Paswan. It appears that the strategic move orchestrated by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has met with initial success. It is essential to understand the underlying motives of Jitan Ram Manjhi's maneuver and the statements made by MP Arun Bharti in response.

Pashupati Paras has no qualities - Arun Bharti

In response to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's remarks, Jamui MP Arun Bharti stated that Pashupati Paras lacks the necessary qualities. He emphasized that only Chirag Paswan is capable of upholding the objectives and political legacy of Ram Vilas Paswan and that Chirag Paswan is the only one who can fill the void left by the departure of Ram Vilas Paswan as a Dalit leader in the country. Arun Bharti also questioned Jitan Ram Manjhi's motivations for making such statements.

What does Manjhi want to do?

The current political landscape in Bihar has seen a surge in Dalit politics, with two prominent platforms emerging: the Lok Janshakti Party and the Hindustani Awam Morcha Secular. The Lok Janshakti Party is currently divided into two factions, with LJP (R) led by Chirag and LJP National led by Pashupati Paras both vying for influence. This division within the LJP has the potential to weaken its overall power. In this context, Jitan Ram Manjhi's endorsement of Pashupati Paras as the political heir to Ram Vilas Paswan is perceived as a strategic move.

Is this Manjhi's strategy?

It is speculated that Jitan Ram Manjhi is strategically working to deepen the divide between Chirag and Pashupati's family. This move is believed to be part of a larger plan to secure the space of Dalit politics in Bihar, left vacant by the late Ram Vilas Paswan. Chirag Paswan, known for his influence in Bihar's Dalit politics, demonstrated his strength in the Lok Sabha elections through the LJP (R), which achieved a 100 percent strike rate. With the LJP potentially splitting, there is an opportunity for the Hindustani Awam Morcha to strengthen its position, potentially aligning with the BJP. In this scenario, Jitan Ram Manjhi could elevate his son, Santosh Suman, as a prominent figure in Dalit politics. Santosh Suman, who is well-educated and currently serving as a minister in the state government, could play a pivotal role in this strategy.

Even the uncle-nephew are not in touch

The relationship between Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan remains strained, with no ongoing communication. Following the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan, familial discord led to the division of the political parties RLJP, led by Paras, and LJP Ram Vilas, led by Chirag. Notably, Paras was not allocated any seats in the NDA during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while Chirag secured and won five seats, subsequently being appointed as a Union Minister. This development has raised questions regarding the motive behind Manjhi's statement and whether it was intended to exert influence over Chirag.