Minister alleges caste bias in Rabri residence row

Bettiah: A political row erupted in West Champaran district on Saturday after state dairy, fisheries and animal husbandry minister Nand Kishore Ram accused former CM Rabri Devi of refusing to vacate a govt-allotted residence, allegedly because he belongs to the Dalit community.Addressing a press conference in Ramnagar, Nand Kishore claimed the state govt had allotted him accommodation on the same premises currently occupied by the RJD leader, as he did not have an official residence earlier. However, he alleged Rabri had publicly stated she would not vacate the house.Nand Kishore said he wanted to draw the attention of people across Bihar and the country to the issue, highlighting his social background and public role.“I request the entire Bihar and the entire country that I come from the Dalit community and was elected from the Ramnagar Assembly constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes,” he said.The minister said he was serving the people of Bihar in his capacity as dairy, fisheries and animal husbandry minister.“I feel she gave the statement ‘she will not vacate the house’ because I am a Dalit. That is the only reason, there is no other reason. My being a Dalit seems like a curse,” he said.