BJP taunts Bihar CM, says Manjhi trying to renew his application

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken strong exception to Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's remark that the next chief minister should come from the Scheduled Caste.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said, "I think Manjhi is actually sort of renewing his application for a renewal, he is only seeking his party's support. I think it's for his party to decide. And there is no preference for any particular caste or religion when it comes to selecting somebody for the office of Chief Minister."

"I think Manjhi has been making similar comments before. I think it will only put some kind of pressure on his own party leadership," he added.

Speaking at a civic reception at Banshidhar High School premises under Adapur Block in Bihar's East Champaran district yesterday, Manjhi had said he would seriously wish that the state's next chief minister is from the Scheduled Caste.

"I have become chief minister by fate and blessings of my predecessor Nitish Kumar, but I would seriously wish that the next chief minister should come from the Scheduled Castes (SC)," he said.

The Bihar Chief Minister had earlier last month stirred a controversy with his remark that the upper caste people are foreigners and tribals and dalits are indigenous people.

Manjhi, who drew sharp criticism from various political parties over his remark, had later clarified and said that he made the statement to encourage tribals to become a part of mainstream society and contribute towards development of the nation.