Debate Over 'Jan Nayak' Title Sparks Political Controversy

In a move igniting political discourse, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi declared that the designation of 'Jan Nayak', a title historically reserved for Bihar's socialist emblem Karpoori Thakur, should not be self-assigned but must emanate from public endorsement. Reacting to Congress's decision to refer to Rahul Gandhi as 'Jan Nayak', Manjhi asserted, 'The title of Jan-Nayak is given by the people of the country; it can't be self-claimed.'

Manjhi further criticized the Redefining Jan Nayak, with particular emphasis on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's reference by this title. 'I was told people referred to Tejashwi Yadav as Jan-Nayak. Then, this is an insult to the word Jan-Nayak. Karpoori Thakur ji was called Jan-Nayak. What has Tejaswi done in the state?' Manjhi firmly questioned.

In a concurrent statement, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted that any effort to emulate Karpoori Thakur, revered as Bihar's singular Jana Nayak, would falter in winning popular acceptance. Meanwhile, Manjhi voiced the necessity of an expedited judicial process in the IRCTC corruption case, involving Lalu Prasad Yadav's family, as charges were officially filed in the scandal.