Jitan Ram Manjhi, a prominent figure in Bihar’s political landscape, rose to prominence through a series of strategic moves and unexpected appointments. Born in the modest village of Mahkar in Khijrasarai of Gaya, Manjhi embarked on his political journey early in life. His entry into politics was facilitated by the support of his brother, a member of the Bihar Police, who provided him with financial backing.
Jitan Ram Manjhi Biography
| Full Name | Jitan Ram Manjhi |
| Date of Birth | 06 Oct 1944 (Age 79) |
| Place of Birth | Mahkar Village in Khijrasarai of the Gaya district, Bihar |
| Party Name | Hindustani Awam Morcha |
| Education | Graduate |
| Profession | Social Activist |
| Father’s Name | Late Ramjit Ram Manjhi |
| Mother’s Name | Sukumari Devi |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Mushahar (Dalit) |
Manjhi’s political career took off when he secured a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Congress party in 1980. His astuteness and dedication to public service quickly propelled him into ministerial positions by 1985. However, as Bihar’s political landscape underwent significant transformations with the ascent of leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Manjhi transitioned his allegiance to various parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and later the Janata Dal (United). Advertisement In 2014, Manjhi’s trajectory took a pivotal turn when he was unexpectedly appointed as the Chief Minister of Bihar by then-JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar.
This decision was influenced by both Manjhi’s relatively low profile and his belonging to the Mushahar community, which constitutes a marginalised segment within the state’s caste hierarchy, comprising approximately two per cent of Bihar’s electorate. His tenure marked a significant moment for his community, as he became only the third Scheduled Caste leader to hold the position of Chief Minister in Bihar’s history, following in the footsteps of Bhola Paswan Shastri and Ram Sunder Das. Despite his earlier obscurity, Manjhi’s term as Chief Minister brought him into the spotlight of Bihar’s political arena. However, his tenure was short-lived, serving as a transitional figure following Nitish Kumar’s resignation in the aftermath of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
In February 2024, Manjhi once again made headlines when he declared his support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. This alliance signalled a significant shift in Manjhi’s political alliances, aligning himself with the ruling party after a series of political affiliations over the years.
Following the NDA’s victory in the 2024 general elections, he was inducted into the Modi 3.0 cabinet. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. On a personal note, he married Shanti Devi and his net worth stands at Rs 30,20,578.
Jitan Ram Manjhi Political Timeline
2024
He won the 18th Lok Sabha election from the Gaya constituency. Subsequently, he was appointed as a Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
2015
After ten months, the party requested his resignation to allow Nitish Kumar to resume his role as Chief Minister. He declined and was subsequently expelled from the party on 9th February 2015. The governor instructed Manjhi to seek a vote of confidence on 20th February 2015. Despite BJP’s announced support, Manjhi lacked the necessary majority. Consequently, on 20th February 2015, Manjhi resigned from the Chief Minister’s post prior to the vote. Following his resignation as Chief Minister, Manjhi parted ways and established his own political party, the Hindustan Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S), and subsequently aligned with the BJP-led NDA coalition.
2014
After the JDU performed poorly in the 2014 general election, Nitish Kumar took accountability for the loss and stepped down. Jitan Ram Manjhi, who served as the minister for SC and ST welfare in Nitish’s cabinet, was appointed as the 23rd Chief Minister of Bihar, succeeding Kumar.
2010
He was elected to the Bihar legislative assembly from Makhdumpur in Jehanabad district on the JDU ticket.
2005
He won the election from Barachatti for the third time but on the Janta Dal United (JDU) ticket. After Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD lost the October 2005 elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal (United) NDA coalition, Manjhi changed his allegiance to the JDU. Nevertheless, Manjhi was requested to step down promptly the following day after allegations of his involvement in a corruption scandal emerged. He was implicated in a counterfeit B.Ed. degree scheme in Bihar while serving as the state education minister in the RJD government during the 1990s.
2000
He was re-elected from the same region.
1996
He won the Barachatti seat on the RJD ticket in the 1996 bye-election. 1990 He lost the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. Immediately, he joined the Janata Dal. However, when the Janata Dal divided in 1996 and Laloo Prasad Yadav established his party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Manjhi switched his allegiance to the RJD.
1985
He won the seat from the same constituency for the second time. 1980 Jitan Ram Manjhi became a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) from the Fatehpur segment of the Gaya district on the Congress ticket.
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