Why no one talks about Manipur? Manoj Jha says real 'jungle raj' exists there

In a wide-ranging interview on India Today's 'UnPolitics' with Preeti Choudhry, RJD Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha discusses his political career, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the future of the RJD. He said that his political opponents often target his party over the alleged 'Jungle Raj' in Bihar, but questioned as to why no one talks about Manipur, saying the real Jungle Raj exists there.

Jha explains his transition from academia to politics, stressing that he did not enter Parliament carrying a dream to become a minister. "I came to Parliament to convey a message."

He addresses the persistent 'Jungle Raj' narrative associated with his party, his response to criticism from political strategist Prashant Kishor, and his personal philosophy of being "anti-establishment."

Jha also details allegations against the Election Commission regarding the Bihar elections, which he terms the "first act of dishonesty." The conversation touches upon his PhD research on the Bhagalpur riots, his personal suffering during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his evolving views on gender issues.