Ruckus in NDA over Dalit reservation: Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi face off, demand each other’s resignation

August 30, 2026

New Delhi: Differences within the NDA have surfaced over the issue of Dalit reservation and sub-categorization within the SC quota. Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are at loggerheads on the issue, with both leaders questioning each other’s stance and even demanding each other’s resignation.

Chirag Paswan opposes ‘quota within quota’

Chirag Paswan has opposed the proposal to sub-categorize Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation. He says reservation is a safeguard provided by the Constitution to address historical discrimination and social inequality. It should not be viewed solely on economic grounds.

Paswan also questioned the continuation in office of ministers who, he believes, are demanding changes to the existing reservation system. He demanded the resignation of such leaders.

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Counterattack

Jitan Ram Manjhi, meanwhile, supported the “quota within quota” system. He argued that the benefits of reservation should also reach the most deprived and backward sections of the Dalit community.

Countering Paswan’s statement, Manjhi said that if Chirag Paswan does not agree with the demand for greater representation for the most deprived communities, he should resign.

Increased Tension Within the NDA

This exchange of words between two prominent Dalit leaders has exposed differences within the NDA regarding reservation. Manjhi’s son and Bihar government minister Santosh Kumar Suman has also expressed his support for a review and sub-categorization of SC/ST reservations.

Following this controversy, the issue of Dalit reservation and “quota within quota” has once again become the focus of political debate. Furthermore, differing opinions have emerged within the NDA regarding the extent of reservation benefits for different sections.

New Delhi: Differences within the NDA have surfaced over the issue of Dalit reservation and sub-categorization within the SC quota. Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are at loggerheads on the issue, with both leaders questioning each other’s stance and even demanding each other’s resignation.

Chirag Paswan opposes ‘quota within quota’

Chirag Paswan has opposed the proposal to sub-categorize Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation. He says reservation is a safeguard provided by the Constitution to address historical discrimination and social inequality. It should not be viewed solely on economic grounds.

Paswan also questioned the continuation in office of ministers who, he believes, are demanding changes to the existing reservation system. He demanded the resignation of such leaders.

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Counterattack

Jitan Ram Manjhi, meanwhile, supported the “quota within quota” system. He argued that the benefits of reservation should also reach the most deprived and backward sections of the Dalit community.

Countering Paswan’s statement, Manjhi said that if Chirag Paswan does not agree with the demand for greater representation for the most deprived communities, he should resign.

Increased Tension Within the NDA

This exchange of words between two prominent Dalit leaders has exposed differences within the NDA regarding reservation. Manjhi’s son and Bihar government minister Santosh Kumar Suman has also expressed his support for a review and sub-categorization of SC/ST reservations.

Following this controversy, the issue of Dalit reservation and “quota within quota” has once again become the focus of political debate. Furthermore, differing opinions have emerged within the NDA regarding the extent of reservation benefits for different sections.