‘Chirag Paswan indulging in unconstitutional work’: Jitan Ram Majhi on SC/ST ‘quota within quota’ row

New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS) Amid ongoing differences within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservation issue, Union Minister Jitan Ram Majhi on Sunday accused Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan of indulging in “unconstitutional work”.

Majhi’s sharp response came a day after Paswan objected to calls for introducing a “creamy layer” provision in SC/ST reservations, insisting that those advocating such a move should first resign from their positions. Paswan also stressed that the reservation policy was not based on economic status but was designed to address centuries of social discrimination, exclusion and untouchability.

Speaking to IANS, Jitan Ram Majhi said: “Whatever Chirag Paswan is doing is unconstitutional.”

Majhi went on to explain, saying: “It is unconstitutional because we are demanding ‘quota within a quota’ which has been supported even by the Supreme Court of India. It has given a majority verdict, directing states to implement it, and on the basis of this ruling, around half a dozen states in India have already implemented the same.”

“So what is there to resign for demanding what has already been implemented? One who is speaking against the Constitution should resign,” he said.

Majhi’s retort came in response to the LJP (Ram Vilas) chief’s remarks. Referring to Jitan Ram Manjhi and his son, Bihar Minister Santosh Suman, Chirag Paswan told reporters: “Let them support the concept of creamy layer and give up their respective posts.”

Manjhi and Santosh Suman have been pressing for sub‑categorisation and a “quota within a quota” in SC/ST reservations, arguing that benefits have not reached all communities equally. Santosh Suman said their demand was not aimed at ending reservations but at ensuring deprived groups received their share.

Chirag Paswan countered that viewing reservation through the lens of economic status could dilute its original purpose. He called for a broader constitutional and parliamentary debate before any changes are made.

Turning his criticism towards the Congress party, the Hajipur MP also questioned the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and his party’s responsibility, given its long tenure in power, arguing that if social discrimination persisted, Congress must also answer for it.

–IANS

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