Prosperous Dalits should voluntarily give up quota: Chirag Paswan

New Delhi: In comments that are likely to spark a debate, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan proposed that prosperous Dalits should stop availing benefits of reservations.

In an interview to TOI, Chirag, son of LJP chief and union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, said that people from 'decent' financial background should voluntarily stop availing quota. Such a move by them will help others, the more needy, from their communities “to grow and do better”

The first-time MP from Bihar have the example of the success of the union government's appeal to rich to give up gas subsidy to add that the decision to stop availing quota benefits should be prompted by self-realisation and not rule of law.

Chirag said that his ultimate aim is to see the emergence of a casteless society.

The TOI quotes him as saying: "That will be my ultimate goal. I come from Bihar where caste scenario dominates politics. UP and Bihar will have to play a key role to achieve this goal."