Patna, Sep 3 (IANS) Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi travelled to Delhi on Thursday for further medical treatment after his health condition deteriorated again.

The former Bihar Chief Minister had recently been admitted to Medanta Hospital in Patna after falling ill.

Although his condition improved and he was discharged on Wednesday, he reportedly developed a fever again late Wednesday night.

Following medical advice, a decision was taken to take him to Delhi for further evaluation and treatment. Family members accompanied him during the journey.

Manjhi is expected to undergo several medical tests in Delhi. The exact cause of the recurrence of his health problems has not yet been disclosed.

His family members and party leaders are awaiting the results of the tests and further information from doctors.

The news of Manjhi’s health has caused concern among political leaders and supporters in Bihar.

Party workers and well-wishers have been enquiring about his condition and wishing him a speedy recovery.

Manjhi has remained politically active in recent weeks, particularly on the issue of reservation and the demand for sub-categorisation within the Scheduled Caste quota.

His position has also led to a public exchange of views with Union Minister Chirag Paswan.

While Chirag Paswan has opposed any review of the existing reservation system, Manjhi and HAM have supported sub-categorisation to ensure the benefits of reservation reach communities considered to be among the most disadvantaged.

Manjhi has cited the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that held that states can make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Caste quota, subject to constitutional requirements.

He has argued that the ruling provides a basis for states to examine whether reservation benefits are reaching all sections of the Scheduled Caste community equitably.

He has also argued that certain communities have historically received a disproportionate share of reservation benefits, while economically and educationally disadvantaged groups have remained underrepresented.

Citing Punjab as an example, Manjhi has claimed that sub-categorisation resulted in a redistribution of reservation benefits among different communities.

–IANS

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