Chirag Paswan Slams Bihar Govt Over Rising Crime: “Sad and Ashamed to Support This Administration”

 Patna, July 26 – Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan delivered a sharp rebuke to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday, expressing deep dissatisfaction over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Speaking to the press in Patna, Paswan stated he feels "sad and ashamed" to be supporting the current government under such circumstances.

With assembly elections in Bihar on the horizon, Paswan’s forthright remarks have triggered political tremors within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He accused the Nitish Kumar-led administration of failing to curb the surge in violent crimes, including murders, rapes, kidnappings, and robberies.

"It saddens me to support a government that has clearly lost control," Paswan said, according to ANI. "If this lawlessness continues unchecked, the consequences will be catastrophic." He further claimed that the state machinery has "completely surrendered" to criminal elements.

Paswan acknowledged speculation that the rising crime wave may be part of a conspiracy to defame the government ahead of elections. However, he emphasized that "regardless of the motive, it remains the administration’s duty to enforce law and order."

In a scathing critique, the LJP (Ram Vilas) leader added, "Either the government is complicit in this breakdown, or it is completely ineffective. In both cases, the safety of Bihar and its citizens is in grave jeopardy." Urging urgent corrective measures, Paswan appealed to the state government to act decisively: "I request the Bihar government to take action before it’s too late."

NDA Allies React

Following Paswan’s comments, NDA ally and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi offered a conciliatory note, emphasizing the need to maintain unity within the alliance.

“We are part of the NDA and must strengthen it,” Manjhi said. “If someone deviates from the 2020 policy, it’s not ideal. Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are driving development. Opposing them is akin to going against the interest of the people and the country.”

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (United) hit back at Paswan, defending its governance record. A senior JDU spokesperson stated, “Before raising questions about law and order, Paswan should ensure that criminal elements do not enter his own party.” The spokesperson asserted that Bihar’s crime rate, though concerning, remains better controlled than in several other Indian states.

“The Bihar police are committed to identifying perpetrators and ensuring swift justice. We are also establishing 100 fast-track courts across the state to expedite the legal process,” the leader added.

Recent Crime Surge Fuels Concerns

Paswan’s criticism comes amid a string of high-profile crimes that have shaken public confidence. In recent weeks, Bihar has witnessed several brutal incidents:

• On July 24, a female Home Guard aspirant was allegedly gang-raped by two men in an ambulance in Gaya.
  
  
• Notorious gangster Chandan Mishra was shot dead inside Patna’s Paras Hospital.
  
  
• Prominent industrialist Gopal Khemka was killed outside his residence in Patna.
  
  
• Sand trader Ramakant Yadav and grocery merchant Vikram Jha were also murdered in separate incidents.

These cases have sparked widespread outrage, prompting renewed debate about the state's law enforcement capabilities.

Paswan Eyes Political Realignment

Despite being a junior partner in the NDA, Chirag Paswan has recently escalated his criticism of the ruling coalition. On July 6, during a public rally in Saran district, he announced that his party would contest all 243 assembly seats independently.

"I envision a Bihar where our youth no longer need to migrate for education or jobs. Instead, people from other states should look to Bihar for opportunity," he declared.

Paswan’s bold rhetoric signals a potential realignment within Bihar’s political landscape, as the countdown to the assembly elections begins.