Gaya: As the Bihar Assembly elections draw closer, discontent is brewing within the Grand Alliance over seat distribution. Bhagirath Manjhi, son of the legendary “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi, has voiced strong resentment after being denied a Congress ticket from Barachatti constituency in Gaya district, despite assurances reportedly given by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi had visited Bhagirath Manjhi’s residence in Gaya, sparking speculation that the Congress would nominate him from Barachatti. However, the final list of candidates tells a different story — the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a key Grand Alliance partner, has fielded Tanushree Manjhi from the seat instead.
According to reports, the Manjhi family is deeply disappointed with the decision. Bhagirath’s son-in-law, Mithun Manjhi, criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Political parties remember Mahadalits only during elections.”
Sources reveal that Bhagirath Manjhi had been camping in Delhi for several days, awaiting confirmation of his candidacy. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi personally promised him a ticket. Now, denied a Congress nomination, he has indicated that he may contest the election as an independent candidate.
The Barachatti seat has become a battleground within the Grand Alliance. While the RJD contested it last time, the CPI(ML) had also staked claim this year for its leader Dhananjay, a former JNU students’ union president. The seat is currently held by a relative of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.
The RJD’s decision to field Tanushree Manjhi, a member of the same community, is seen as a strategic attempt to consolidate Manjhi votes, which hold significant sway in Gaya district. However, the sidelining of Dashrath Manjhi’s family — still revered among Mahadalits — could have symbolic and electoral repercussions for the Grand Alliance.
