Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi is a prominent Indian politician from Bihar, known for his contributions to the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits. He is the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and has served as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Here’s a detailed overview of his life, education, and political career:
Early Life and Background
- Date of Birth: October 6, 1944
- Place of Birth: Mahkar village, Gaya district, Bihar, India
- Family Background: Jitan Ram Manjhi was born into the Musahar community, a Dalit sub-caste considered among the most deprived and marginalized in Bihar. His humble beginnings and early life in poverty shaped his perspective and commitment to social justice and the rights of the underprivileged.
Education
Jitan Ram Manjhi completed his early education amidst considerable challenges due to his socio-economic background. He pursued his schooling in local government institutions in Gaya, Bihar. Despite his community’s struggles with access to education, Manjhi managed to attain a basic education, which laid the foundation for his entry into public service.
- School Education: He completed his schooling in the Gaya district.
- Further Studies: There is limited detailed information available about his higher education. However, his life has been largely focused on activism and political service rather than formal academic achievements.
Early Career
Before entering politics, Jitan Ram Manjhi worked in various capacities, including in the postal department and as a government clerk. His early life in a backward region of Bihar and his experiences as a Dalit motivated him to enter public service with a focus on social justice, caste-based inequality, and poverty alleviation.
Political Career
Manjhi’s political career began in the 1980s when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC). He switched between various political parties during his long career but consistently worked for the welfare of marginalized communities.
Key Milestones in Politics:
- Early Political Involvement:
- Jitan Ram Manjhi started his political career in 1980 by joining the Indian National Congress. He contested from the Fatehpur constituency in Gaya but faced an initial defeat.
- Legislative Assembly and Ministerial Roles:
- He first became a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1980 from the Khizarsarai constituency in Gaya district. He served as an MLA multiple times, representing different constituencies, including Barachatti (SC) and Makhdumpur (SC).
- He served as a minister in the Bihar government under various Chief Ministers, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, holding portfolios such as Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare, Revenue, and Transport.
- Association with Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)):
- In the 2000s, Manjhi became a key figure in the Janata Dal (United) party under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. He held several ministerial portfolios, including Minister of SC/ST Welfare and Minister of Excise.
- Chief Minister of Bihar (2014–2015):
- Jitan Ram Manjhi’s most notable political achievement came in 2014 when Nitish Kumar resigned from the post of Chief Minister following the JD(U)’s poor performance in the 2014 general elections. Nitish chose Manjhi as his successor, making him the 23rd Chief Minister of Bihar.
- His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by several attempts to improve the conditions of Dalits and other backward classes. However, his tenure was marred by controversies and internal party conflicts with Nitish Kumar, leading to his resignation in February 2015.
- Formation of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAM(S)):
- After his resignation, Manjhi formed the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) in 2015, a political party aimed at representing the interests of Dalits and backward communities. He aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the 2015 Bihar assembly elections but was unable to make a significant impact.
- Continued Political Involvement:
- In subsequent years, Manjhi has played a critical role in Bihar politics, particularly in representing Dalit issues. His party, HAM(S), has aligned with both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) at various times.
Personal Life
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi is married to Shanti Devi, and they have several children, including Santosh Suman, who is also actively involved in politics. Despite his rise to prominence, Manjhi has remained connected to his roots, often advocating for the rights of the Musahar community and other downtrodden groups.
Social Work and Advocacy
Throughout his political career, Jitan Ram Manjhi has been vocal about caste-based inequalities, focusing on providing education, employment, and social benefits to Dalits and backward castes. His personal experiences of poverty and social exclusion have influenced his policies and initiatives.
Legacy
Jitan Ram Manjhi’s legacy in Bihar politics is that of a leader who rose from an extremely marginalized background to the highest office in the state. His journey symbolizes the changing political landscape of Bihar, where caste dynamics play a crucial role. Despite criticisms of his short tenure as Chief Minister, his focus on the upliftment of Dalits and backward classes has been widely acknowledged.
Key Positions Held
- Chief Minister of Bihar (2014–2015)
- Minister in various Bihar state governments
- MLA from several constituencies, including Khizarsarai, Barachatti, and Makhdumpur
Current Role
As of the latest updates, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi continues to be an influential political figure in Bihar. His party, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), remains active in state politics, often playing a crucial role in coalition formations.
Conclusion
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi’s life is an inspirational story of overcoming social barriers to achieve political success. He has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and remains a key figure in Bihar’s political and social landscape.