In a recent parliamentary discourse concerning the Women’s Reservation Bill, Member of Parliament Manoj Jha, representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stirred a controversy when he recited Omprakash Valmiki’s poem titled ‘Thakur Ka Kuan.’ This poem, which delves into the issue of caste inequality and the concentration of economic power within a particular group, was met with criticism from RJD MLA Chetan Anand and his father, Anand Mohan, a former gangster turned politician. They perceived it as an attack on Thakurs, an upper-caste Rajput community.

In response to this controversy, Tejashwi Yadav, a senior leader of the RJD and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, came to Manoj Jha’s defense. Yadav emphasized that Jha’s recitation was not intended to offend any specific community but rather aimed at highlighting the pressing need for societal equality. He pointed out that the poem was a part of Jha’s impassioned plea to ensure adequate representation for women from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in parliament and state legislatures, as the Women’s Reservation Bill became law. Notably, the bill included provisions for quotas for SC and ST women but lacked a similar provision for OBCs.

Tejashwi Yadav further underscored that differences and concerns within the RJD should be addressed within the party’s internal forums rather than being aired publicly. He defended Manoj Jha’s credentials as a professor at Delhi University and a recipient of the ‘Best Parliamentarian’ award. Yadav criticized the selective outrage, pointing out that while Manoj Jha faced criticism, no action had been taken against BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for his use of communal and objectionable language in parliament.

Yadav also highlighted that the RJD boasted a substantial number of Rajput MLAs and MLCs, demonstrating the party’s inclusiveness. He cautioned against inflammatory statements from individuals within his party, asserting that such rhetoric would not be tolerated.

RJD Chief Lalu Yadav also weighed in on the matter, accusing Chetan Anand and his father of trying to exploit the controversy for personal gain and stoking caste-based divisions. He urged them to refrain from such actions.

In the face of accusations of “Brahmin chauvinism” leveled against Manoj Jha, Lalu Yadav quipped about the intelligence of those making such allegations.

This incident underscores the intersection of caste and politics in India and the challenges associated with discussing sensitive topics in the public sphere. It also highlights the importance of maintaining decorum within political parties when addressing internal differences.