📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Politics
Minister Chirag Paswan condemns ‘oil‑chaat’ slur on youth, defends right to protest in Bihar
✍️ Amar Ujala · Patna
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 03:01 PM
👁 14
Central minister Chirag Paswan criticised Jeetan Ram Manjhi’s remark calling protesters ‘oil‑chaat’ and affirmed that youths have a right to peaceful demonstration.
Patna, Bihar – Union Minister Chirag Paswan publicly rebuked a recent comment by Bihar leader Jeetan Ram Manjhi, who had referred to protesting youths as “oil‑chaat”. Paswan said the term was disrespectful and undermined the dignity of young citizens engaged in democratic action. He emphasized that the right to assemble and voice grievances is enshrined in the Constitution, but it must not be confused with lawlessness.
Speaking at a press briefing, Paswan stressed that legitimate protests are a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, while urging demonstrators to maintain non‑violent discipline. He warned that labeling activists with derogatory names could fuel unnecessary tension and distract from the issues they raise.
The minister’s remarks come amid a series of SIR (Students’ Independent Rights) demonstrations in the state, where students have been demanding greater transparency in educational policies. Paswan called for dialogue between authorities and the youth, urging the government to address their concerns without resorting to intimidation.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect the constitutional freedoms of all citizens, including the right to peaceful protest, while condemning any language that seeks to delegitimize legitimate civic engagement.
Speaking at a press briefing, Paswan stressed that legitimate protests are a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, while urging demonstrators to maintain non‑violent discipline. He warned that labeling activists with derogatory names could fuel unnecessary tension and distract from the issues they raise.
The minister’s remarks come amid a series of SIR (Students’ Independent Rights) demonstrations in the state, where students have been demanding greater transparency in educational policies. Paswan called for dialogue between authorities and the youth, urging the government to address their concerns without resorting to intimidation.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect the constitutional freedoms of all citizens, including the right to peaceful protest, while condemning any language that seeks to delegitimize legitimate civic engagement.