LJP (RV) Chief Chirag Paswan Questions Nitish Government's Handling of Crime in Bihar

Strategic Insights -

In a sharp attack ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan expressed disappointment with the Nitish Kumar-led government for its inability to curb unbridled crimes, which are putting the lives of the state's people at risk. Paswan's remarks come on the heels of his praise for Prashant Kishor, a critic of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for playing an honest role in Bihar politics. The LJP (RV) leader alleged that the administration has become complicit with criminals, or is trying to cover up cases, or has become incapable of checking crimes. He questioned the rationale behind the lack of decrease in criminal incidents despite arrests and actions against criminals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chirag Paswan expressed disappointment with the Nitish government's handling of crime in Bihar, citing unbridled crimes that are putting lives at risk.
  • Paswan alleged that the administration has become complicit with criminals, or is trying to cover up cases, or has become incapable of checking crimes.
  • Despite arrests and actions against criminals, Paswan questioned the lack of decrease in criminal incidents.
  • Paswan's party, LJP (RV), has no MLA in the 243-member Bihar assembly, and their support to the Nitish government is not needed for its survival.
  • JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar countered Paswan's attack, saying that the rule of law prevails in Bihar, and that people have faith in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
  • Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, a Dalit leader and former Bihar chief minister, supported the Nitish government, saying that it does not compromise with crime and criminals.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 243 MLAs is from PASWAN's party.
  • In the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, LJP won only 1 out of 135 seats it contested.
  • LJP candidates forfeited their deposits in 110 constituencies.
  • The Nitish government has arrested criminals and taken actions, but crime incidents have not decreased.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com