Union Minister Jitan Ram Majhi on Sunday accused fellow Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan of “indulging in unconstitutional work” amid ongoing disputes within the National Democratic Alliance over Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) reservation policies. Majhi made the remarks a day after Paswan rejected proposals to introduce a “creamy layer” provision in SC/ST quotas, insisting that advocates of such a change should resign from their posts.
Paswan argued that reservation benefits are intended to redress centuries of social discrimination, exclusion and untouchability, not to be based on economic status. He warned that framing the debate in economic terms could dilute the original purpose of the reservation system and called for a broader constitutional and parliamentary discussion before any amendment.
Responding to Paswan, Majhi said the demand for a “quota within a quota” is unconstitutional, despite a Supreme Court majority verdict directing states to implement it. He noted that several states have already applied the ruling and questioned why anyone should resign for demanding a measure that has been legally sanctioned. Majhi added that anyone speaking against the Constitution should step down.
The exchange also saw Paswan turning criticism toward the Congress party, questioning the responsibility of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the party for persisting social discrimination during its long tenure in power. He urged accountability and a comprehensive debate on any changes to reservation policy.
