
Manjhi’s remarks stir caste pot in Bihar
The Hindu
Coalition allies maintain silence
Former Bihar Chief Minister and president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) [HAM-S] Jitan Ram Manjhi, has hit headlines recently because of his remarks allegedly offending upper castes. In caste-ridden Bihar, Mr. Manjhi’s comments have evoked condemnation from Opposition parties for his “uncalled for utterances” but a curious silence from coalition allies.
Coming from the Dalit community, which comprises about 16% of the population in the State, Mr. Manjhi while addressing a gathering of his own Musahar caste on December 19, took on the upper caste Brahmin community. Members of the Brahmin community later protested against his remarks, with some sitting outside his residence to perform puja.

The sun is already high in the sky, beating down fiercely on our heads, when we reach Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Chamrajpet, Bengaluru. But inside the beautiful high-ceilinged structure, it is surprisingly pleasant, the interiors airy and light-filled. According to a plaque outside the two-storied edifice made out of wood, stone, mortar and plaster, construction here was started by Hyder Ali Khan in 1781 and completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, in 1791, eight years before the Tiger of Mysore would be killed by the British in 1799.