Chirag Paswan vs Jitan Manjhi: Is the NDA Heading for a New Reservation War?

The reservation debate has suddenly become a battle inside the NDA itself. Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are openly disagreeing over whether Scheduled Castes (SCs) should be further divided so that the most disadvantaged communities receive a larger share of reservation benefits. Manjhi supports the idea of “quota within quota”, arguing that some SC communities have benefited more than others over the decades. Chirag Paswan strongly opposes such changes, saying reservation exists because of social discrimination, not simply economic status.

Manjhi’s Argument: Is Reservation Reaching Everyone?

There is a genuine question behind Manjhi’s position. If some extremely marginalised communities continue to receive very little benefit from existing reservations, should the system be redesigned to ensure a more equal distribution? The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment allowed states to consider sub-classification within SCs, based on adequate data. From this perspective, Manjhi’s supporters can argue that changing the system is not an attack on reservation but an attempt to make it more effective.

Chirag’s Argument: Will “Quota Within Quota” Divide Dalits?

Chirag’s concern is equally significant. He argues that introducing economic or internal classifications could weaken the original purpose of SC reservation and create new divisions among communities that continue to face social discrimination. His response became even sharper when he demanded that Manjhi and his son resign if they believe the creamy-layer principle should apply to SC reservations.

But there is another uncomfortable political question: Is this really only about social justice, or is Bihar’s Dalit leadership also fighting for political space? Both leaders represent different Dalit constituencies and have their own political influence. Their public confrontation, including demands for each other’s resignation, shows how explosive the issue has become inside the NDA.

The biggest challenge now lies with the NDA leadership. Ignoring the debate could frustrate communities demanding greater representation, while rushing into reform could create fear among groups that depend on existing protections. Reservation is not just a political slogan—it affects education, jobs and the future of millions. The real test is whether the NDA can turn this confrontation into a data-based policy debate, rather than another political fight over Dalit votes.