Dalit issues have taken a new turn in Bihar politics. The recent decision of the Supreme Court regarding the classification of reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has stirred up the politics of Bihar. A Bharat Bandh has been called on Wednesday to protest against this decision. Chirag Paswan, who is the head of BJP's ally LJP (R) and a minister in the Modi government, has supported this bandh and along with his party has taken to the streets of Bihar to protest against the system of quota within quota in Dalit reservation.
Chirag Paswan, while supporting the Bharat Bandh, said that as long as there are practices like untouchability against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the society, there should be no need for reservation in sub-categories and provisions like creamy layer for these communities. Earlier also Chirag Paswan had objected to the changes in the Waqf Act and recruitments through lateral entry in the central ministries. He says that there should be a provision for reservation in government appointments and if it is not implemented in the private sector then it is not right.
Chirag Paswan called the Supreme Court's decision divisive between the SC and ST communities and said that this would affect the unity of the Dalit community. He also said that some people want to promote this division because they are afraid of the power of the Dalit community. Political experts believe that Chirag Paswan wants to increase his influence in Dalit politics in view of the upcoming assembly elections and is therefore vocal on this issue.
After the death of Ram Vilas Paswan, there has been a big void in the Dalit politics of Bihar. There are Dalit leaders in Bihar, but they do not have the power to transfer Dalit votes. In the 90s, Lalu Prasad Yadav had a good hold on Dalit politics, but after the arrival of Mayawati's BSP and Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP, there was a change in Dalit politics. According to the caste survey in Bihar, the population of the Dalit community is 19.65 percent.
Chirag Paswan has become a Union Minister in the Modi government by winning five seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He has also defeated his uncle Pashupati Paras politically. Chirag is now trying to make a strong place in Dalit politics and is constantly vocal on Dalit issues. He has proved himself to be the true heir of Ram Vilas Paswan's political legacy and is now trying to establish himself as a Dalit face in Bihar politics.
Nitish Kumar divided the Dalit community into Dalits and Mahadalits in 2007 and formed the Mahadalit Commission. Chirag Paswan is now standing against this division and is angry about the Supreme Court's decision. Political analysts say that Chirag Paswan wants to establish himself as a prominent leader in Dalit politics in Bihar and therefore wants to take both Dalits and Mahadalits along.
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