Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has raised concerns over the limited speaking opportunities given to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) MPs during parliamentary debates.
In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Manjhi said lawmakers from marginalised communities are not “given adequate time” to present their views on important Bills. He stressed that equal participation is essential to ensure inclusivity and representation in India’s democratic process.
Manjhi, who heads an ally party within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), highlighted that the issue was first flagged by a BJP MP during a meeting of NDA parliamentarians. He urged the Speaker to take corrective measures so that SC/ST voices are not sidelined in legislative discussions.
The minister’s intervention comes at a time when debates around representation and inclusivity in Parliament are gaining momentum. Political observers note that his remarks could spark wider discussions on how parliamentary procedures can be reformed to guarantee fair speaking opportunities for MPs from diverse backgrounds.
By formally raising the issue, Manjhi has positioned himself as a strong advocate for empowering marginalised voices within the legislative framework.
