Jitan Ram Manjhi

Jitan Ram Manjhi, a prominent figure in Bihar's political landscape, rose to prominence through a series of strategic moves and unexpected appointments. Born in the modest village of Mahkar in Khijrasarai of Gaya, Manjhi embarked on his political journey early in life. His entry into politics was facilitated by the support of his brother, a member of the Bihar Police, who provided him with financial backing.

Manjhi's political career took off when he secured a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Congress party in 1980. His astuteness and dedication to public service quickly propelled him into ministerial positions by 1985. However, as Bihar's political landscape underwent significant transformations with the ascent of leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Manjhi transitioned his allegiance to various parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and later the Janata Dal (United).

In 2014, Manjhi's trajectory took a pivotal turn when he was unexpectedly appointed as the Chief Minister of Bihar by then-JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. This decision was influenced by both Manjhi's relatively low profile and his belonging to the Mushahar community, which constitutes a marginalised segment within the state's caste hierarchy, comprising approximately two per cent of Bihar's electorate. His tenure marked a significant moment for his community, as he became only the third Scheduled Caste leader to hold the position of Chief Minister in Bihar's history, following in the footsteps of Bhola Paswan Shastri and Ram Sunder Das.

Despite his earlier obscurity, Manjhi's term as Chief Minister brought him into the spotlight of Bihar's political arena. However, his tenure was short-lived, serving as a transitional figure following Nitish Kumar's resignation in the aftermath of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

In February 2024, Manjhi once again made headlines when he declared his support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. This alliance signaled a significant shift in Manjhi's political alliances, aligning himself with the ruling party after a series of political affiliations over the years.

Following the NDA's victory in the 2024 general elections, he was inducted into the Modi 3.0 cabinet. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

On a personal note, he married Shanti Devi and his net worth stands at Rs 30,20,578.