LJP demands Bihar CM's resignation over Mahadalits' exodus

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP Friday demanded Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation following the exodus of hundreds of Mahadalits from their village after being threatened by upper caste men.

"It is unfortunate and the chief minister should resign immediately because of his government's failure to protect the Mahadalits, his castemen, in his home district Gaya," Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) state president Pasupati Kumar Paras told media persons here.

Police said nearly 300 Mahadalits fled Pura village Thursday after they were allegedly threatened by upper caste residents.

The Mahadalits were camping in the block office in Tekari over the killing of a Mahadalit, who had filed his nomination for an election, police said.

Meanwhile, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Nishant Kumar Tiwari said police have arrested an accused in the case.

State police chief P.K. Thakur said it is a serious matter and the Mahadalits would be provided full security.

However, the Mahadalits are reluctant to return to their village as they fear for their lives, police official Pradip Kumar said.

Police said Arjun Manjhi of the village was killed after he filed nomination papers for the election to the post of president of the primary agriculture cooperative society.