"Our leader, Narendra Modi is very attentive to this issue": Jitan Manjhi on possibility of a Dalit CM in Bihar

Speaking to reporters, Manjhi emphasised the NDA's commitment to inclusive representation, citing past appointments of a Dalit and a tribal as President of India.

"Our leader, Narendra Modi, is very attentive to this issue. You saw how a Dalit was previously made President, and then a tribal was also appointed President... This will be decided in the NDA. I think the selection of the Dalit CM and the number of Dalits in the Rajya Sabha are matters in PM Modi's mind. When the time comes, he will make the right decision...," he said.

Meanwhile, a fierce battle has unfolded as the Congress party recently concluded its 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra, protesting alleged irregularities in the voter list.

Last week, derogatory remarks were reportedly made against the Prime Minister and his late mother during the yatra, sparking controversy.

Earlier on Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers led protests in Bihar's Gaya and Danapur as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) observed a five-hour Bihar Bandh over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar.

Bihar elections are expected to be held in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to continue its tenure in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, seeks to oust Nitish Kumar..

In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates.

The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI)