Jitan Ram Manjhi Critiques Chirag Paswan’s Views on Bihar’s Law and Order

Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has expressed his concerns regarding the remarks made by Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), in relation to the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. Manjhi, who has served both as a chief minister and a Union Minister, acknowledged Paswan as a “good leader” within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) but criticized his understanding of Bihar’s complexities.

Manjhi’s comments came after Paswan repeatedly targeted current Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a spate of murders in Bihar, including the recent high-profile case of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna. “Sometimes, even trustworthy people are unable to understand the situation and make statements on it,” Manjhi stated. He emphasized the importance of grasping the broader context before making public statements.

Political Context and Criticism

Paswan, who is part of the NDA government at the national level and serves as a junior partner in Kumar’s government, has voiced his intention to contest in the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. His increasing criticism of Kumar stems from a series of violent incidents that have raised public concern about safety in the state.

On March 10, 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the issue, claiming that Bihar has become the “crime capital of India.” He suggested that Kumar is more focused on maintaining his political position than addressing the state’s escalating crime rates. Gandhi cited alarming statistics, pointing to 31 murders occurring within just 11 days, and drew attention to the emergence of a “contract killing industry” in Bihar.

In a post shared on the platform X, Gandhi commented, “Bihar has become the ‘crime capital of India’ — fear in every alley, unease in every home! Unemployed youth are being turned into killers by ‘GuNDA raj’.” He reiterated the urgency of voting in the upcoming elections, stating that the goal is not merely to change the government but to “save Bihar.”

Implications for Bihar’s Political Landscape

The ongoing discourse about law and order in Bihar has significant implications for the political landscape as the state approaches the assembly elections. As Paswan and his allies ramp up their criticism of the Kumar administration, the NDA may face challenges in maintaining its coalition. The public’s perception of safety and governance will likely play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes.

Manjhi’s remarks, combined with Gandhi’s assertions, reflect a growing discontent among citizens regarding the state’s governance. As both sides prepare for the electoral battle, the focus will undoubtedly remain on law and order, with leaders scrutinizing each other’s responses to the unfolding situation in Bihar.

With the political climate heating up, the actions and statements of key figures like Manjhi, Paswan, and Kumar will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike as they navigate this pivotal moment in Bihar’s history.