Law and order emerged as a major flashpoint in the Bihar Assembly during Wednesday’s Budget Session, with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav launching a sharp attack on the government over rising crime in the state. He alleged that since Chief Minister Nitish Kumar relinquished the Home portfolio, criminals have become emboldened and the overall law and order situation has deteriorated.
Addressing the House, Tejashwi claimed that incidents of murder, loot, extortion, kidnapping and rape have increased across Bihar. He said the fear of law among criminals appears to be waning, while ordinary citizens are feeling increasingly insecure.
“For the first time in history, the Chief Minister has not retained the Home Department. As soon as the department went out of his hands, crime incidents began to rise,” Tejashwi said. He also termed the incidents of sexual violence against women and minor girls in the state as deeply alarming, urging the government to take stringent measures.
At present, the Home Department is held by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Political observers view Tejashwi’s remarks as a direct attack on the current Home leadership.
The Leader of the Opposition further alleged that the Opposition is not given adequate opportunity to speak in the Assembly. He claimed that whenever Opposition MLAs raise serious issues, members of the ruling party create disruptions to stall the debate, calling it contrary to democratic traditions.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling side dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that the state government remains committed to controlling crime and that the police and administration are taking continuous action.
Speaking to reporters in the Assembly premises, Tejashwi refrained from giving a clear indication regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. On the proposed polls for five seats from Bihar, he said, “A decision will be taken at the appropriate time.”
The law and order issue is expected to remain a key point of contention in the ongoing Budget Session in the days ahead.
