Caste Identity Row: Lalu Prasad and Jitan Ram Manjhi Lock Horns

RJD president Lalu Prasad and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi clashed over each other's caste identities. Manjhi accused Lalu of misrepresenting his Yadav identity, while Lalu dismissed Manjhi's claim of being a true Mushar. Manjhi asserted his Mushar heritage on social media, amidst Bihar's recent caste survey data.

RJD president Lalu Prasad and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi engaged in a heated exchange on Thursday over each other's caste identities.

The confrontation began when Manjhi rebutted accusations from Lalu about his political affiliations with the RSS, alleging that Manjhi had forsaken his Dalit identity as a Mushar to adopt an upper-caste surname, Sharma.

In response, Manjhi challenged Lalu to clarify his own caste status, questioning if he was a Yadav or a Gaderia (shepherd). Lalu, known for his distinctive style, seemed to dismiss the allegation, questioning Manjhi's identification as a Mushar.

(With inputs from agencies.)