As we know, the 10% reservation bill to economically weaker upper caste section has got the nod in both the houses of the parliament. But its impact on Bihar’s politics can be felt as allies in Mahagathbandhan are standing poles apart. Except Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) have stood in favour of reservation to upper castes signals a rift within Mahagathbandhan.
Congress said it had the commitment to bring the bill so it supported its passage but party leaders did question the government’s timing in tabling the bill.
Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM also took a similar stand stating that the government though late has taken a good step. The stand of other political parties taken doesn’t affect him.
The new entrant to Mahagathbandhan, Upendra Kushwaha was found falling in the same line as of Congress and HAM. He claimed that in his constituency among young voters, he is popular as ‘Aarakshan wala Mantri’. He conceded the fact reservation doesn’t add to progress but those pursuing school education from government school should be the beneficiaries.
Allies of Mahagtahbandhan known for a joint fight against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar are having differences within, on upper caste reservation. The crack appeared yesterday during Raj Bhavan march which was against Nitish Kumar’s recent usage foul language against leaders of grand alliance.
Leaders of RJD, Congress, Samajwadi Party, Loktantik Janata Dal were present but Jitan Ram Manjhi who seems to be annoyed on seat sharing skipped the event but he did send HAM leader Danish Rizwan. On 7th January HAM chief assured about his presence in the march which did not happen, signals rift within Mahagathbandhan.
A couple of days back one MLA each of Congress and RJD met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence which indicates party hopping just before the commencement of election whereas decision of Modi government to provide 10% reservation to economically weak upper castes is about to show its effect in Bihar politics.
