I am a true Ram Bhakt and have never spoken against Lord Ram, says Jitan Ram Manjhi 

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the first Chief Minister of Bihar from the Mushar community, is contesting Lok Sabha election from Gaya seat as an National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. The Mahadalit leader has track record of switching sides frequently (eight times) is in direct contest with RJD candidate Kumar Sarjaveet. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader is once again contesting the Lok Sabha polls on reserved seat for Scheduled Caste.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, who carries the tag of being the first Chief Minister of Bihar from the Mushar community, is contesting Lok Sabha election from Gaya seat as an National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. The soft-spoken Mahadalit leader has track record of switching sides frequently (eight times) is in direct contest with RJD candidate Kumar Sarjaveet. Having spent more than 40 years in politics and started the political career with the Congress, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader is once again contesting the Lok Sabha polls on reserved seat for Scheduled Caste. Mr. Manjhi has unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha thrice – 1991, 2014 and 2019 — from the seat and this is his fourth attempt. Interestingly, when Mr. Manjhi first contested Lok Sabha poll, Mr. Sarjaveet’s father Rajesh Kumar had defeated him. Amid hectic poll campaign, Mr. Manjhi spoke to The Hindu.

Following are the excerpts.