Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Saturday sharply criticised the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, expressing deep concern over the state’s deteriorating law and order. He said he feels “ashamed to support such a government” that has failed to curb the escalating crime rate.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Paswan said the rising incidents of murder, loot, dacoity, and rape across Bihar reflect either administrative collusion or total administrative failure.
“I also believe that these incidents may be part of a conspiracy to defame the government before the elections, but even then, the responsibility lies with the administration. Either the system is in collusion with criminals or it has become completely ineffective,” he said.
The LJP (Ram Vilas) chief, whose party is part of the ruling NDA alliance in Bihar, expressed frustration and sorrow at supporting a government he believes has “bowed its head before criminals.” He cited a recent incident in Gaya where a retired health official was shot at as an example of the state’s breakdown in law and order.
“If these crimes are not controlled, Bihar could face a frightening situation. The government seems completely helpless,” he warned.
Paswan also hit out at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) over its threat to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections, dismissing it as political posturing.
“If they have the courage, let them boycott the elections. These are the same parties that don’t have the guts to contest alone. RJD is aligned with Congress because neither can face the electorate independently. I contested alone in 2020, and they are just trying to create fear now,” he said.
Reiterating his political ambition, Paswan announced that his party is preparing to contest all 243 assembly seats in Bihar.
The comments come amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, which the opposition INDIA bloc has alleged is an attempt to delete a large number of voters from the lists.