Bihar minister asks Chirag Paswan to visit State over crime concerns

Bihar Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Lakhendra Paswan has criticised Union Minister Chirag Paswan after the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader raised concerns about crime against women in the State. Chirag Paswan, an alliance partner in the National Democratic Alliance governments in Bihar and at the Centre, said on September 26 that he felt ashamed to be part of the Bihar government. Speaking at a private event, he referred to molestation cases involving minor girls in Jamui, Samastipur, Banka and other districts.

Responding to the remarks, Lakhendra Paswan said the Union minister should visit Bihar and offer suggestions directly to the State government. He also said issues concerning Bihar should be discussed with the government rather than communicated through the media. The minister defended the administration led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, saying strict action was being taken in criminal cases.

Janata Dal (United) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary also defended the government, while acknowledging that recent incidents were a matter of concern. Mr. Choudhary said criminals had been arrested in every case after the culprits were identified.

He added that the NDA followed a policy of zero tolerance towards crime and said the current government was continuing the rule-of-law approach associated with former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav attacked Chirag Paswan, saying that as a member of the government he should accept responsibility or resign. Mr.

Yadav also shared remarks by BJP Rajya Sabha member Shambhu Saran Patel, who alleged that law and order had collapsed and policing had weakened in Bihar. Those allegations were included in Mr. Yadav’s criticism of the government.