Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, on Saturday, 17 October launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government, questioning its foreign policy stance toward Nepal and Bangladesh while accusing the Centre of neglecting flood-hit Bihar. Speaking at a press conference in Purnea, Yadav raised multiple allegations — from inadequate disaster relief to the treatment of protesters in New Delhi.

Bihar Floods and Alleged Lack of Central Aid

Yadav alleged that the Prime Minister had extended financial assistance to Nepal during its floods but had not announced any comparable aid for the people of Bihar despite ongoing devastating floods. He further claimed that the Prime Minister had neither issued a public statement nor posted on social media to console the families of flood victims in the state.

'The Prime Minister found time to assist Nepal during floods, but Bihar's flood victims are still waiting,' Yadav said, according to reports from the press conference. His allegations regarding the absence of Central flood assistance were not independently verified.

Questions on Nepal and Bangladesh Policy

Referring to Gen Z-led political upheavals in both Nepal and Bangladesh, Yadav questioned the consistency of India's foreign policy response. He noted that the Modi government had recognised the new government in Nepal following a change of regime triggered by Gen Z protests, but had sheltered former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a similar movement forced her out.

'When the Gen Z protest happened in Nepal, followed by a change of regime, the Narendra Modi government recognised the government of Nepal. When the Gen Z protest happened in Bangladesh, why did it provide shelter to Sheikh Hasina?' he asked.

Yadav also raised the question of whether the Indian government had any role in the political upheaval in Nepal, while specifically clarifying that the question was his own and did not represent the position of the Indian National Congress.

Delhi Protests and Crackdown Allegations

Drawing a contrast with India's recognition of the Balen Shah government in Nepal, Yadav questioned why Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were allegedly using force against Gen Z protesters in New Delhi. He also criticised the alleged treatment of women protesters during demonstrations in the national capital.

'If the Narendra Modi government has recognised the Balen Shah government in Nepal, then why are Delhi Police and other paramilitary forces allegedly using force against our Gen Z protesters in New Delhi?' he asked.

Yadav claimed that over one lakh police and security personnel had been deployed in the capital, effectively turning it into what he described as a 'cantonment.' He further alleged that train and metro services had been suspended, internet access had been restricted in selected areas, and activists had been detained or placed under house arrest for participating in demonstrations and displaying the national flag. These specific claims were not independently verified.

Context and Political Background

Yadav's remarks came amid wider controversy over reported police action against protesters in New Delhi. The Purnea MP has been a vocal critic of the Centre's handling of both domestic and foreign policy matters. Notably, this is not the first time opposition leaders have drawn parallels between India's foreign policy positions and its domestic response to civil unrest.

His comments on Bangladesh also resonate in the broader context of India-Bangladesh relations, which have been under strain following the political transition in Dhaka. How the Centre responds to these multiple allegations — on flood relief, protest management, and foreign policy — will likely shape further political debate as Bihar heads deeper into flood season.