The political temperature is soaring high in Bihar as RJD president Lalu Prasad and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi engaged in a spat questioning their respective caste identity. The exchange commenced as and when Manjhi responded to accusations from Lalu Prasad about his political alignment with the RSS, asserting he had abandoned his Dalit identity as a Mushar and adopted an upper-caste surname, Sharma. In retaliation, Manjhi questioned Lalu’s true caste, suggesting he should clarify whether he is a Yadav or a Gaderia (shepherd). Lalu, in his characteristic style, seemed to dismiss the enquiry, questioning Manjhi’s identification as a Mushar. Manjhi then took to social media to assert his identity, declaring, “I am a Mushar-Bhuiyan,” emphasising pride in his ancestry. Leaders from Manjhi’s party Hindustani Awam Morcha Secular (HAMS) also challenged Lalu to come forward with his family tree for the past three generations.
