"Nitishji talks about zero-tolerance model in Bihar, but he doesn't take action just so that he can save his post and the Grand Alliance. Then isn't that model a farce?" the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader asked.
"Tejashwi, I believe, should have resigned after the corruption charge and lodging of an FIR. But, when he didn't, the CM should have sacked and dismissed him. But, Nitishji is trying to find a middle ground," he said, when asked by a few reporters, if the deputy chief minister should have resigned.
Tejashwi has termed the FIR, lodged in connection with a land-for-hotels case, "farzi" (fake) and part of a "political vendetta".
"BJP president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are conspiring against me and family members out of political reasons," he had told reporters in Patna yesterday.
To a question on the condition of the Grand Alliance in Bihar, Manjhi alleged, "The Dalits and women are being attacked and crime cases are rising. What is happening in Bihar is unfortunate."
Manjhi, a Dalit leader, was made the Bihar chief minister for nine months, starting May 2014, before being having a fallout with Kumar and ultimately being expelled from the JD (U).
He later formed the Hindustani Awam Morcha, which is now an ally of the BJP.
"During my nine-month-rule as the chief minister, we worked for all sections of the society, for women and Dalits. Our aim was bringing about systemic change ('vywastha parivartan') and not just administrative change ('satta parivartan'). But, unfortunately, some people just want to have administrative change," he said.
He also emphasised that "common schooling system" needs to be developed so that an ethos of equality can be built.
Manjhi said if the government education is done through common schooling system, where people of all strata study together, then the "bogey of reservation" can also be dealt with.
"We believe, as of now, the reservation system should be based on economic status and not seen on caste lines. So, if someone, belonging to an upper caste, is poor, we feel, he should also benefit from it," he said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
