Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who has been asked to refrain from making controversial statements, on Sunday asserted that he did not fear anyone and would not be silenced, come what may. He declared that he was more qualified than those making comments against him.
“I do not fear anyone ... why should I? Jitan Ram Manjhi tut jayega per jhukega nahi [Jitan Ram Manjhi may fall apart but will not succumb],” he said at a function.
Two days ago, Janata Dal (United) senior leader K.C. Tyagi publicly declared that the Chief Minister had been asked to refrain from making statements that embarrassed party leaders.
UltimatumLater, media reports said Mr. Manjhi had been served an “ultimatum” by the party not to make any “loose statements.”
However, Mr. Manjhi said: “I’ve not received any ultimatum from anyone in the party … you know better from where the news comes.” Addressing a function of medicos, Mr. Manjhi said he would continue to say what he thought was right.
“I’ll continue to say what I like to say … nobody can stop me from speaking my mind. I speak to my people in a language they understand.
“I’ve done my graduation much earlier than those making comments about me and I can, for sure, say that my understanding is better than that of these people who have passed their exams through illegal means.”
Earlier, some party leaders like Masaurhi MLA Arun Manjhi and Minister Manoj Kushwaha had come out in support of Mr. Manjhi saying “the Chief Minister is not alone and all Dalit leaders are solidly behind him.”
“The Chief Minister is raising his voice for the Dalits and this has enthused the weaker sections rallying behind him,” said Mr. Arun Manjhi. Mr. Kushwaha said Mr. Manjhi’s comments had been sending a “good message to Dalits and Mahadalits.”