Gaya (Bihar) [India], October 27 : After Congress shared a post calling Rahul Gandhi "Jan Nayak", a title historically linked to Bihar's socialist icon Karpuri Thakur, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said on Monday that the title of "Jan-Nayak" cannot be self-assumed but must be bestowed by the people.
Speaking to ANI, Manjhi emphasised, "The title of 'Jan-Nayak' is given by the people of the country; it can't be self-claimed."
Slamming RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Manjhi said that if he too is being referred to as "Jan-Nayak," it would demean the legacy of the title once associated with the revered socialist leader Karpoori Thakur.
"I was told people referred to Tejashwi Yadav as 'Jan-Nayak'. Then, this is an insult to the word 'Jan-Nayak'. Karpoori Thakur ji was called 'Jan-Nayak'. What has Tejaswi done in the state?" Manjhi remarked.
Earlier, Union Minister and BJP's Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur remains the only true Jana Nayak of Bihar, emphasising that any attempt to imitate the revered socialist leader would fail to gain public acceptance.
"There is only one Jana Nayak in Bihar, and that is Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur Ji. If anyone makes a failed attempt to copy him, the people will not accept that," Pradhan said.
Further, speaking on the IRCTC case against RJD chief Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav, the HAM chief said that a speedy trial should happen.
"A speedy trial should happen, it is good that the court is hearing the case," Jitan Ram Manjhi said.
Recently, the Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in criminal conspiracy and sections related to other offences in the IRCTC hotel corruption case.
The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy.