A sharp political exchange has erupted within the NDA alliance over Dalit reservation, with Bihar Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) National President Santosh Kumar Suman (Santosh Manjhi) responding strongly to Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s call for his resignation. Suman stated that Paswan should step down first, while clarifying that his advocacy is strictly for sub-quotas within SC/ST reservations, not the implementation of a creamy layer. Clarification on Sub-Categorization vs. Creamy Layer Distinct Concepts: Suman emphasized that a “quota within a quota” and the “creamy layer” concept are entirely different issues. Conflating the two misleadingly distorts the public debate. No Abolition of SC/ST Quotas: He reaffirmed that he does not support eliminating Dalit reservations or excluding anyone based on creamy layer parameters, but rather seeks affirmative sub-classification to uplift the most marginalized. Support for Left-Behind Communities: Suman pointed out that extremely vulnerable groups—such as Musahar, Bhuiyan, Halkhor, Nat, and Dom—remain deeply disadvantaged socially, economically, and educationally, often facing discrimination even within the broader Dalit community. Resignation Challenge & Sharp Retorts The Resignation Standoff: Responding to Paswan’s demand for the resignations of both Jitan Ram Manjhi and himself, Suman remarked that since Paswan leads a larger party with greater legislative strength and a multi-generational political legacy, Paswan should lead by example and resign first. Field Reality vs. Feudal Mindset: Suman advised Paswan against adopting a detached political stance, urging him to visit grassroots settlements to see firsthand how government welfare and reservation benefits have yet to reach the most deprived sections. Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Stand: HAM supremo and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi reiterated his support for his son’s remarks, stating that Chirag Paswan misunderstood their core position and should surrender his own ministerial berth before asking others to do so. Chirag Paswan’s Core Objections Opposition to Sub-Categorization: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan voiced strict opposition to sub-classification within SC/ST quotas, arguing it undermines constitutional provisions and could weaken overall reservation protections. Political Impact: The standoff between the two Union Ministers and key NDA partners has escalated political tension across Bihar and New Delhi. Post navigation State police fully capable, no need for central agencies: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
