Patna, Nov 19 (IANS): Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Wednesday said he could become the prime minister one day.

"I may become the prime minister of the country like I became the chief minister," Manjhi said at an official function here.

Manjhi said he was being targeted by everyone because he belonged to the economically backward Mahadalit community.

"Powerful people laugh at me and they make fun of me as to how I became the chief minister," he said.

"If they continue to target me, I may become the prime minister one day," he added.

Manjhi, who succeeded Nitish Kumar after the Janata Dal-United was mauled in the Lok Sabha polls, has repeatedly claimed that unlike others he speaks from the heart -- and has nothing to hide in public life.

On an emotional note, Manjhi asked if it was his fault he was born into a poor Dalit family.

The 68-year-old Manjhi began his working life as a shepherd for an upper caste farmer.

He has said he funded his education with his own earnings. His father Ramjeet Ram Manjhi was a landless labourer.