Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on MPs and MLAs
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and representative of the Gaya Lok Sabha seat, has sparked debate with remarks made at a public event in Gaya on Sunday. Manjhi said that “every MP and MLA takes commission” from allocated development funds and suggested that if representatives cannot secure 10 per cent, they should take at least 5 per cent to manage party work and expenses. His comments highlighted long-standing public concerns about political corruption and misuse of funds by elected officials.
Controversial Comments and Reactions
Manjhi also said he himself had taken such commission in the past and contributed part of it to his party’s funds, adding that smaller parties need resources to operate effectively. He directed his remarks particularly to members of his own party, including his son, Santosh Kumar Suman, who is a member of the Bihar Legislative Council and a minister in the state government. Manjhi’s statement was met with criticism from opposition parties, which accused him of normalising corruption and undermining ethical standards in public office.
Political Context in Bihar
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Bihar following the November 2025 assembly elections, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive victory and began forming the new government. Manjhi, a Union Minister in the NDA government, has recently also publicly demanded a Rajya Sabha seat for his party, warning that HAM may reconsider its alliance with the BJP if its demands are not met. There is no legal or official basis for the claim that MPs and MLAs are permitted to take commission; allegations of corruption must be investigated through proper legal channels, and constructive political discourse emphasises transparency and accountability.
