Jitan Ram Manjhi takes a dig at the error in Tejashwi Yadav’s name; raises questions regarding alcohol.
Patna. A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar politics over a specific statement. Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi made remarks regarding Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav that have sparked intense discussion in political circles. Manjhi’s statement raised questions about whether Tejashwi Yadav consumes alcohol and whether such a thing is even possible in Bihar, a state where alcohol is prohibited.
The incident stems from a program held on August 17 to commemorate the death anniversary of Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the “Mountain Man.” While delivering a speech at the event, Tejashwi Yadav had a slip of the tongue and mentioned Jitan Ram Manjhi’s name instead of Dashrath Manjhi’s.
Although Tejashwi Yadav immediately corrected his mistake after the audience pointed it out—repeating Dashrath Manjhi’s name—Jitan Ram Manjhi turned this minor error into a political issue and took a dig at him.
Questions Raised by Jitan Ram Manjhi
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi targeted Tejashwi Yadav through social media and public statements. He remarked that the way Tejashwi Yadav uttered his name instead of Dashrath Manjhi’s raised several questions.
In this context, Manjhi also commented on the issue of alcohol consumption, questioning whether Tejashwi Yadav drinks alcohol. Citing the liquor ban in force in Bihar, he stated that if a person consumes alcohol, it constitutes a violation of the law.
Following Manjhi’s statement, a round of accusations and counter-accusations has begun in Bihar politics.
RJD Leaders Hit Back
RJD leaders also responded to Jitan Ram Manjhi’s statement. Party leaders argue that a simple slip of the tongue during a speech by Tejashwi Yadav is being given a political spin.
RJD leaders alleged that leaders from the ruling parties are making such statements to divert public attention from genuine issues facing the people. The party maintains that Tejashwi Yadav immediately corrected his mistake, making it unnecessary to escalate the matter.
Prohibition Becomes a Political Issue in Bihar
Alcohol prohibition has long been a major political issue in Bihar. A ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol is in force in the state. While the government claims that prohibition has brought about social change, the opposition frequently raises questions regarding its implementation and incidents involving illicit liquor.
Consequently, any question regarding alcohol consumption by a prominent political leader instantly becomes a topic of discussion in Bihar’s political landscape.
Incident Occurred at a Dashrath Manjhi Event
During an event held on August 17, Tejashwi Yadav paid tribute to Dashrath Manjhi, highlighting his struggles and contributions. He immediately corrected a slip of the tongue that occurred while mentioning the name during his speech.
Dashrath Manjhi gained nationwide recognition for carving a path through a mountain. Events commemorating his life and struggles are organized annually on his death anniversary.
Intensifying Political Rhetoric
Tejashwi Yadav and Jitan Ram Manjhi are two prominent figures in Bihar politics. The two leaders have previously engaged in political exchanges over various issues. This time, a minor error during a speech has sparked a war of words between the two camps.
While Jitan Ram Manjhi has raised questions about the incident, the RJD dismisses it as an unnecessary controversy. This issue could potentially heat up further in Bihar politics in the coming days.
Currently, the most discussed aspect of the entire affair is Jitan Ram Manjhi’s statement linking Tejashwi Yadav’s slip of the tongue to alcohol consumption. However, there has been no direct response from Tejashwi Yadav or the RJD regarding the allegations concerning alcohol consumption.