How RJD MP Manoj Jha's Rajya Sabha poem sparked a political storm in Bihar

A poem recited by RJD MP Manoj Jha during the debate on the women's reservation bill in the Rajya Sabha has ignited a political controversy in Bihar. As per a TOI report, the poem, referring to 'Thakurs', has stirred heated debates and raised concerns about the use of caste-related references in public discourse.

During his speech, Jha recited a poem composed by Om Prakash Valmiki, and among its verses were the lines: "Chulha mitti ka, mitti talaab ki, talaab Thakur ka...bael Thakur ka, hal Thakur ka, hal ki mooth par hatheli apni, fasal Thakur ka..."

This recitation has led to accusations from some local politicians, including Grand Alliance leader and former MP Anand Mohan, who declared that he would not tolerate the perceived humiliation of his community, the Rajputs. Anand Mohan expressed his strong disapproval of the poem, asserting, "They wouldn't tolerate such insult (of his community)...Ham zinda kaum ke log hain (we are a living community)." He emphasised that Thakurs have a presence in various aspects of Indian culture, from the Ramayan and Mahabharata to temples, and questioned the intent behind targeting them.


Anand Mohan's son, RJD MLA Chetan Anand, also voiced his concerns on social media, warning against making derogatory remarks about their community and expressing his readiness to oppose such statements, even if they come from within his own party.

While the RJD defended Jha, arguing that the poem was a critique of people with a "feudal mindset" across all castes and not a direct attack on Thakurs, JD(U) leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Sunil Kumar Singh, strongly condemned Jha's statement. Sanjay Singh warned against provoking the Thakur community, while Sunil Kumar Singh demanded an immediate apology from the RJD MP.

JD(U) MP Sunil Kumar Pintu urged the RJD to rein in its leaders, referencing a previous instance where Rabri Devi had made comments about the Baniya community. Meanwhile, the BJP has threatened to launch protests if the RJD does not take action against Jha.

In response to the controversy, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav clarified that the poem's intent was to criticize a feudal mindset that transcends castes, emphasizing that even Jan Nayak Karpoori ji was a Thakur.