Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav has hit back at critics over his controversial “dance or be suspended” remark, accusing the BJP, RSS, and media of politicizing the Holi festival and spreading hatred.
“Don’t mind, it’s Holi… Even this festival of mutual brotherhood has been given a new color of hatred by the BJP, RSS, and their lapdog media…,” Yadav posted on X in Hindi, along with a cartoon mocking media organizations.
His statement comes in response to the backlash following a viral video in which he was seen telling a policeman, “Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge” (If you don’t dance, you will be suspended), during Holi celebrations at his residence in Patna on March 14.
The video sparked outrage, with BJP leaders criticizing Yadav for disrespecting the police force.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma slammed Yadav, stating, “He will never get the right to suspend anyone. His family has always insulted the police and the uniform. Inka gharana natak nautanki ke liye theek hai (his family is only fit for drama), they are unfit to run a government.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also lashed out, saying, “Like father, like son. During his father’s rule, Bihar was kept in jungle raj. Even now, Tej Pratap wants to make the law dance to his tunes. This mindset of jungle raj and disrespect for the uniform shows he has not changed, but Bihar has.”
Former senior police officers have also criticized Yadav, calling his behavior an “insult to the uniform” and demanding action against him.
Ajay Kumar Singh, a retired Delhi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), condemned the remarks, urging authorities to take action against Yadav while defending the officer caught in the controversy.
“The uniform has dignity, and we have a code of conduct. The police manual clearly states that personnel must not act against the code of conduct. Tej Pratap is behaving like an imposter; saying such things to his own security personnel is an insult to the police,” Singh told ANI.
He further added, “We are hurt by this act. The policeman is not at fault—he was just following orders. Punishing him would be unfair and unacceptable.”
As the controversy unfolds, Yadav remains defiant, dismissing the criticism as political propaganda. However, demands for accountability continue to grow, with opposition leaders and law enforcement officials calling for strict action.
