Jitan Ram Manjhi unveils ancestors' statues in Gaya, breaks down at ceremony
Synopsis
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi broke down at his ancestral home in Gaya's Mahkar village while unveiling statues of his parents and ancestors — a rare public display of emotion from the veteran Bihar leader. Beyond the personal tribute, he used the occasion to announce a Son-Falgu river diversion project to tackle South Bihar's chronic drought and a Marine Drive for Gaya modelled on Patna's riverfront.
Key Takeaways
Jitan Ram Manjhi unveiled statues of his parents and ancestors at Mahkar village , Gaya , on 18 July .
Manjhi became emotional during the ceremony, crediting every political milestone to his family's sacrifices.
His son and Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman attended alongside HAM leaders, MLAs, and local residents.
Manjhi expressed confidence in an NDA victory in the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election .
He announced a Union government plan to divert water from the Son river to the Falgu river , including a barrage near Gaya and a canal network.
A Marine Drive in Gaya , inspired by Patna's Ganga riverfront, is also planned to boost tourism and urban infrastructure.
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday, 18 July unveiled statues of his parents and ancestors at his ancestral home in Mahkar village, under the Atri Assembly constituency in Gaya district, Bihar. The veteran leader became visibly emotional during the ceremony, breaking down as he paid tribute to his family.
The Ceremony and Who Attended
The event drew Santosh Kumar Suman, Manjhi's son and a Bihar Cabinet Minister, alongside senior leaders of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), sitting MLAs, party workers, and a large gathering of local residents and social activists. Addressing the crowd after unveiling the statues, Manjhi said parents represent the highest form of God in a person's life.
'No one has seen God, but parents are the living form of God before us,' he said.
What Manjhi Said About His Family
Recalling his early years, Manjhi described how his parents endured hard manual labour to educate him and open doors of opportunity. He credited every milestone of his political career — from serving as Chief Minister of Bihar to his current role as a Union Minister — to the sacrifices and blessings of his parents and ancestors. He also acknowledged the steadfast support of his younger brother during the difficult early years of his political life, when he frequently faced criticism and ridicule.
Manjhi said the statues were installed so that future generations could draw inspiration from the values, sacrifices, and commitment of those who came before them.
Political Remarks: NDA, Bihar By-Election, and RJD Leader's Exit
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Manjhi expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would win the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election. He said the NDA government — led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary — remains committed to Bihar's overall development.
Reacting to the resignation of senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mrityunjay Tiwari, Manjhi described him as an honest and dedicated politician and wished him well in his future political journey.
Development Plans: Son-Falgu Water Link and Marine Drive in Gaya
Manjhi also addressed the recurring drought situation in South Bihar, calling it a serious natural challenge. He said the Union government is working on a long-term plan to divert water from the Son river to the Falgu river, which would include the construction of a barrage near Gaya and an extensive canal network to provide a permanent solution to water scarcity in the region.
In a separate announcement, Manjhi said the state government plans to develop a Marine Drive in Gaya, modelled on the riverfront road along the Ganga in Patna. The project is intended to improve urban infrastructure, boost tourism, and support the city's long-term development.
Point of View
Where drought is a recurring crisis, will be watching whether these announcements translate into tenders and ground-breaking, or remain campaign-season talking points.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Jitan Ram Manjhi unveil his ancestors' statues?
Manjhi unveiled the statues at his ancestral residence in Mahkar village, under the Atri Assembly constituency in Gaya district, Bihar, on 18 July. The ceremony was attended by his son Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman, HAM leaders, MLAs, and local residents.
Why did Jitan Ram Manjhi become emotional at the ceremony?
Manjhi broke down while paying tribute to his parents, ancestors, and younger brother, recalling how his parents endured hard manual labour to educate him. He credited every milestone of his political career — including becoming Chief Minister of Bihar and a Union Minister — to their sacrifices and blessings.
What did Manjhi say about the Bankipur Assembly by-election?
Manjhi expressed confidence that the NDA would win the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election. He said the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary remains committed to Bihar's development.
What is the Son-Falgu river water diversion plan Manjhi announced?
Manjhi said the Union government is working on a long-term plan to divert water from the Son river to the Falgu river to address chronic drought in South Bihar. The project reportedly includes the construction of a barrage near Gaya and an extensive canal network, though no timeline or budget figure was announced.
What is the proposed Marine Drive project for Gaya?
Manjhi announced plans to develop a Marine Drive in Gaya modelled on the riverfront road along the Ganga in Patna. The project is aimed at improving urban infrastructure, boosting tourism, and supporting long-term city development.
