Have Chirag Paswan's Comments on Law and Order Shaken the NDA in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chirag Paswan openly criticized the Nitish Kumar government.
- The remarks have caused unrest within the NDA.
- Jitan Ram Manjhi defended the current law and order situation.
- The upcoming elections add urgency to these discussions.
- The BJP's silence is notable in light of the controversy.
Patna, July 26 (NationPress) The chief of LJP (Ram Vilas) and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has ignited a political uproar within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar by candidly expressing his regret about backing the government led by Nitish Kumar, pointing to its inability to manage increasing crime rates.
His comments have elicited sharp responses from coalition partners, while the BJP has opted for silence.
Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Union Minister, swiftly labeled Chirag Paswan as “politically inexperienced.”
“Chirag’s political journey is still immature. His father, Ram Vilas Paswan, held significant political influence, whereas Chirag lacks the same level of experience and speaks without full knowledge,” Manjhi stated.
He further challenged Chirag Paswan’s assertions regarding law and order, claiming that the current landscape is significantly improved compared to pre-2005 Bihar.
“During that era, criminals could enter the CM’s residence unchecked. Kidnapping negotiations occurred from the Chief Minister's residence before 2005. Today, accountability prevails. No individual can breach 1 Anne Marg, the Chief Minister’s residence now,” Manjhi added.
Reflecting on the 2020 Assembly elections, Jitan Ram Manjhi recalled that Chirag Paswan had attempted to undermine the NDA from within.
“If he has concerns, he should voice them during NDA meetings instead of airing them to the media,” Manjhi suggested.
Earlier, while addressing the media in Patna, Chirag Paswan remarked: “I feel disheartened to support a government in Bihar that is failing to combat crime.”
This direct critique of the state administration, particularly targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has generated considerable discomfort within the ruling coalition, especially with the upcoming vital Assembly elections.
The Janata Dal-United (JD-U), the party at the forefront of the state government, has conveyed its serious dissatisfaction with Chirag’s remarks, albeit indirectly.
Neeraj Kumar, JD-U's chief spokesperson and MLC, stated: “If someone is distressed and restless, they are welcome to seek peace elsewhere. However, crossing boundaries will not be tolerated.”
He criticized Chirag Paswan for questioning the Bihar Police while simultaneously benefiting from its protection.
“You receive security from the Bihar Police and yet question its credibility? That won’t fly,” he emphasized, adding: “Is Chirag now adopting the rhetoric of Tejashwi Yadav? Is he challenging the Home Ministry and the NCRB?”
Interestingly, the BJP, the leading partner in the NDA in Bihar, has remained silent regarding the ongoing controversy.
This is not the first instance of Chirag Paswan targeting Nitish Kumar.
His 2020 strategy of “Bihar First, Bihari First” and fielding candidates against JD-U had strained relations within the alliance, although he later rejoined the NDA.