Galvanizing Dalit Unity: Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Clarion Call at the Dalit Samagam Rally

(Bindu Ammini, Advocate, Writer & Dalit Feminist)

On February 28, 2025, the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna bore witness to a significant political congregation—the Dalit Samagam Rally. Spearheaded by Union Minister and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, the rally aimed to consolidate Dalit political unity ahead of the impending Bihar Assembly elections. The event saw the convergence of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, and other stalwarts of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Manjhi’s impassioned address underscored the imperative of Dalit solidarity to effectuate meaningful socio-political transformation in Bihar.

Invoking Ambedkar: The Nexus of Politics and Development:

Drawing profound inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology, Manjhi elucidated the intrinsic link between political empowerment and developmental progress. He metaphorically portrayed politics as the “key” and development as the “lock,” asserting that without wielding political authority, the Dalit community would remain marginalized in their quest for advancement. This analogy resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing that political clout is indispensable for unlocking avenues of growth and equity.

Demographic Strength: A Catalyst for Political Ascendancy:

Manjhi spotlighted the formidable demographic presence of Dalits in Bihar, asserting that they constitute approximately 30% of the state’s population. He contended that this substantial demographic should naturally translate into proportional political representation and influence. However, the prevailing underrepresentation necessitates a unified electoral strategy to harness this numerical strength effectively. Manjhi’s clarion call for unity was a strategic move to transform demographic advantage into tangible political power.

The 2025 Assembly Elections: A Pivotal Juncture

With the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, Manjhi urged the Dalit community to coalesce and exercise their franchise collectively. He posited that such unity would compel political entities to address Dalit-centric issues earnestly, thereby influencing governance and policy formulation. This electoral solidarity, he argued, is the linchpin for the community to assert its rightful place in the state’s political landscape.

Addressing Bureaucratic Underrepresentation: A Call for Affirmative Action

A critical aspect of Manjhi’s discourse was the glaring underrepresentation of Dalits in higher echelons of the bureaucracy. He advocated for a comprehensive survey to assess Dalit representation in Class I and Class II officer positions within the state administration. Highlighting the scarcity of Dalit officers, Manjhi pressed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to implement affirmative action policies to rectify this imbalance, thereby ensuring inclusivity in governance.

Establishment of the Safai Karamchari Commission: Advocating for Sanitation Workers

Manjhi championed the formation of a Safai Karamchari Commission in Bihar, akin to those operational in other states and at the central level. This commission would specifically address the grievances and challenges faced by sanitation workers, a segment often relegated to the peripheries of policy considerations. By institutionalizing such a body, the state can systematically ameliorate the working conditions and social standing of these essential workers.

Sanitation Initiatives: Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development

In tandem with socio-political mobilization, Bihar has embarked on enhancing sanitation infrastructure, particularly in districts abutting the Ganga River—Buxar, Bhojpur, and Patna. The state government, in collaboration with the Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) and its executing body.

Bihar’s Intensified Pursuit of Sanitation Excellence: Collaborative Endeavors and Behavioral Transformations

The state of Bihar, nestled along the sacred banks of the Ganga River, has embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize its sanitation landscape. In a strategic move, the Bihar state government has augmented its partnership with the Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) to bolster sanitation initiatives in three pivotal districts: Buxar, Bhojpur, and Patna. This collaboration, executed through the Natural Resource Management Consultant (NRMC), has already made significant inroads, reaching 2,000 out of the targeted 5,000 villages and proudly declaring 150 villages free from open defecation.

 A Path Towards Sanitation Excellence

Bihar’s intensified pursuit of sanitation excellence is a testament to the power of collaboration, visionary leadership, and community engagement. While challenges persist, the state’s comprehensive approach, integrating infrastructure development with behavioral change, economic incentives, and environmental sustainability, offers a promising pathway. As Bihar continues to navigate this transformative journey, it not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also sets a benchmark for other regions striving for sanitation excellence.

The collaborative efforts between the Bihar government and organizations like the GSF signify a comprehensive approach to improving sanitation. By integrating infrastructure development with behavioral change initiatives, Bihar aims to create a sustainable model for public health and hygiene, setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges.

The Exodus of Laborers: A Clarion Call for Industrialization

Addressing the economic plight of laborers compelled to migrate due to inadequate employment opportunities within Bihar, Manjhi underscored the urgency of industrialization. He admonished that the state’s failure to generate sufficient employment could precipitate a deterioration in law and order. By advocating for the establishment of industries, Manjhi highlighted the need for sustainable economic development to curb distress-induced migration and its attendant socio-economic ramifications.

The 11-Point Charter of Demands: A Blueprint for Social Justice

The rally culminated in the presentation of an 11-point charter of demands, encapsulating a comprehensive agenda for social justice and equitable development:

1. Erection of a Grand Statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Nagpur: A symbolic gesture to honor the architect of the Indian Constitution and a stalwart of social reform.
2. Provision of a Minimum Pension of ₹2,000: Ensuring financial security for all citizens, with provisions for annual adjustments to mitigate inflationary effects.
3. Implementation of Free Education for Girls: Promoting gender equity and empowering women through unfettered access to education.
4. Regularization of Informal Workers: Integrating workers such as Jeevika Didis, cooks, and Mamta Didis into the formal economy to provide them with dignified wages and job security.
5. Introduction of an Unemployment Allowance: Allocating ₹5,000 to jobless youth aged 21 to 35 as a temporary economic respite.
6. Enforcement of a Uniform Education Policy: Standardizing educational frameworks across the state to ensure equitable learning opportunities.
7. Implementation of Affordable Health Insurance: Offering health coverage up to ₹15 lakh for middle-class families to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses.
8. Posthumous Conferment of the Bharat Ratna: Honoring Shri Krishna Singh and Dashrath Manjhi for their monumental contributions to society.
9. Reservation in Private Sector Jobs: Extending affirmative action policies to the private sector to enhance employment opportunities for marginalized communities.
10. Land Reforms: Implementing equitable land distribution policies to empower landless laborers and marginal farmers.
11. Strengthening of Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensuring the efficient delivery of subsidized food and essentials to economically disadvantaged sections.

The rally occurred amid speculations of tension between Manjhi’s party, the Hindustani Awam Morcha Secular (HAMS), and the BJP-JDU alliance, following the recent cabinet reshuffle in which his son, Santosh Kumar Suman, was divested of two key ministerial portfolios. With the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, Manjhi’s assertions signal a concerted effort towards enhanced Dalit representation and political consolidation.