Patna, September 2: Bihar’s Minor Water Resources Minister and the national president of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), Santosh Kumar Suman, has launched a sharp attack on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav regarding the review of reservation policies and the concept of ‘quota within a quota.’ He stated that whenever the topic of reviewing reservations arises, some individuals create a ruckus claiming that “reservations will be abolished.”
Suman clarified that his party is not advocating for the termination of reservations or the deprivation of anyone’s rights. Their goal is to ensure that the actual benefits of reservations reach the most marginalized sections of society. He emphasized the need for serious consideration of a ‘quota within a quota’ for the most disadvantaged communities within Dalit reservations. He raised the question of which castes, families, and social groups are truly benefiting from the reservation system.
He mentioned communities such as the Mahji, Dom, Nat, and Halkhor, stating that these groups are still waiting for their fair share and genuine participation. Suman targeted Tejashwi Yadav, suggesting that before imparting knowledge to Dalits, he should account for the 15 years of governance by his parents and his own political career. He questioned what sustainable measures were established during that time to enhance the security, dignity, education, government jobs, and political representation of Dalits.
Suman pointed out that Dalit candidates receive the opportunity to contest elections on reserved seats due to the Constitution and the reservation system, not as a favor from any political party or family. He challenged Tejashwi to disclose how many Dalits were given tickets on general seats, how many Dalit candidates were fielded from Yadav-dominated areas, and the level of representation afforded to the most marginalized Dalit communities in the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha.
He remarked that viewing Dalits merely as a vote bank is simplistic, and strengthening Dalit leadership is the true measure of social justice. He added that social justice does not merely mean increasing the percentage of reservations but also ensuring that the benefits reach the last individual. He acknowledged the contributions of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi towards social change in Bihar.
Suman reiterated that true social justice will only be achieved when Dalits are given the opportunity to contest elections from general seats and receive equal participation in decision-making roles within the Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha, Cabinet, and organizations. He concluded by affirming that reservations will remain strong, and efforts will continue to ensure a ‘quota within a quota’ for the most marginalized.
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