“Dalit youths should go for more and more inter-caste marriage. If we have to become a political force, we need to take our population from 16 to 22 per cent,” said CM Manjhi. “Dalit youths should go for more and more inter-caste marriage. If we have to become a political force, we need to take our population from 16 to 22 per cent,” said CM Manjhi.

Bihar Chief Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi has stirred up fresh controversy by asking Dalit youths to marry outside their caste to become a political force in Bihar.

The CM, who was addressing Dalit students at a function at a welfare hostel in the state capital Thursday evening said: “Dalit youths should go for more and more inter-caste marriage. If we have to become a political force, we need to take our population from 16 to 22 per cent”.

The CM’s statement came a fortnight after he had said his predecessor had failed to curb corruption even when Kumar remarkably worked for development of the state.

JD (U), however, did not subscribe to Manjhi’s remarks. JD (U) Rajya Sabha MP and party national spokesperson KC Tyagi told The Indian Express: “Though there is nothing wrong with Manjhi’s statement on inter-caste marriage that should be encouraged to dismantle caste feelings. But it must not be linked to population. Increase as it is against national population control policy”.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.