Jitan Ram Manjhi flown to Delhi for treatment after fever returns
Synopsis
Hours after being discharged from Patna's Medanta Hospital, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi developed a fresh fever and was rushed to Delhi for further tests on 3 September. The health scare comes as the HAM chief has been at the centre of a high-profile intra-NDA debate over SC sub-categorisation.
Key Takeaways
Jitan Ram Manjhi was flown to Delhi on 3 September after his health deteriorated again hours after discharge from Medanta Hospital, Patna .
He reportedly developed a fever late Wednesday night , prompting doctors to recommend transfer for further evaluation.
The exact cause of the health recurrence has not been disclosed ; diagnostic tests are underway in Delhi.
Family members and HAM party leaders are awaiting results from doctors in Delhi.
Manjhi had been politically active on SC sub-categorisation , citing the 2024 Supreme Court ruling, and was engaged in a public debate with Union Minister Chirag Paswan on the issue.
Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi was rushed to Delhi on Thursday, 3 September for further medical evaluation after his health deteriorated again, just hours after being discharged from hospital in Patna. Family members accompanied the former Bihar Chief Minister on the journey.
Health Timeline
Manjhi had recently been admitted to Medanta Hospital, Patna following a bout of illness. His condition improved sufficiently for him to be discharged on Wednesday, but he reportedly developed a fever again late that same night. Acting on medical advice, his family and associates decided to transfer him to Delhi for further tests and treatment.
The exact cause of the recurrence has not been disclosed. Doctors in Delhi are expected to conduct a series of diagnostic tests, with results awaited by family members and party leaders.
Concern Across Bihar's Political Circles
News of Manjhi's renewed health setback has prompted an outpouring of concern from political leaders and supporters across Bihar. HAM party workers and well-wishers have been actively enquiring about his condition and sending wishes for a swift recovery. Senior leaders of the party are in contact with his family for updates.
Politically Active Amid Health Troubles
Despite his health challenges, Manjhi had remained politically engaged in the weeks preceding his hospitalisation, particularly on the contentious issue of sub-categorisation within the Scheduled Caste quota. He has cited the 2024 Supreme Court ruling — which held that states may make sub-classifications within the SC quota subject to constitutional requirements — as the basis for his stance.
Manjhi has argued that certain communities have historically received a disproportionate share of reservation benefits, while economically and educationally disadvantaged groups within the SC category remain underrepresented. He pointed to Punjab as an example where sub-categorisation reportedly resulted in a redistribution of reservation benefits among communities.
Divergence With Chirag Paswan
Manjhi's position has drawn him into a public exchange of views with fellow Union Minister Chirag Paswan. While Paswan has opposed any review of the existing reservation framework, Manjhi and HAM have backed sub-categorisation to ensure benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections of the SC community. The divergence is notable given that both leaders are part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
What Comes Next
All eyes are on the medical reports expected from Delhi. Politically, the sub-categorisation debate — in which Manjhi has been a prominent voice — is likely to continue regardless of his health status, given its significance ahead of upcoming state-level political cycles in Bihar.
Point of View
A debate that has real electoral stakes in Bihar. His public divergence from Chirag Paswan on reservation policy is unusual for alliance partners and reflects the growing pressure from Dalit sub-groups who feel left out of existing quotas. Whether his hospitalisation pauses or prolongs that debate depends on how quickly he recovers — and how the NDA manages an increasingly visible internal fault line on caste policy ahead of Bihar's political calendar.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jitan Ram Manjhi rushed to Delhi?
Manjhi was taken to Delhi on 3 September after he reportedly developed a fever again late Wednesday night, just hours after being discharged from Medanta Hospital in Patna. Doctors advised transfer for further evaluation and diagnostic tests.
Which hospital was Jitan Ram Manjhi admitted to in Patna?
Manjhi was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Patna following a bout of illness. He was discharged on Wednesday but his condition deteriorated again the same night.
What is Jitan Ram Manjhi's stance on SC sub-categorisation?
Manjhi and his party HAM support sub-categorisation within the Scheduled Caste quota, arguing that certain communities have received a disproportionate share of reservation benefits. He has cited the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that allows states to make sub-classifications within the SC quota as the legal basis for this position.
How does Manjhi's position differ from Chirag Paswan's on reservation?
While Union Minister Chirag Paswan has opposed any review of the existing reservation system, Manjhi has backed sub-categorisation to ensure benefits reach the most disadvantaged SC communities. Both leaders are part of the NDA, making the divergence politically significant.
What is the current status of Manjhi's health?
As of 3 September, Manjhi is in Delhi undergoing medical tests. The exact cause of his recurring health issues has not been disclosed, and family members and HAM leaders are awaiting results from doctors.
