Bihar BJP MLA Maithili Thakur denies land grabbing charges, threatens defamation suit
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Maithili Thakur, who represents the Alinagar Assembly constituency in Bihar, has categorically denied allegations that her family illegally occupied public and private land, warning that those making unsubstantiated claims could face a defamation case. The controversy surfaced after residents in her village in Darbhanga district accused Thakur and her father, Ramesh Thakur, of encroaching on government and private properties.
What the Allegations Claim
Locals from Thakur's home village in Darbhanga alleged that the MLA and her father had illegally occupied land belonging to both the government and private individuals. The accusations spread rapidly on social media, with some users labelling the family as 'land mafia' and accusing them of 'grabbing land from the poor.' Maithili Thakur, reportedly the youngest sitting MLA in the state, said she was unable to identify who was behind the campaign.
MLA's Response: 'Baseless Rumours'
Thakur firmly rejected every aspect of the charges. 'Neither my family nor I have anything to do with any government land,' she said, describing the claims as 'baseless rumours.' She invited anyone with doubts to independently verify all land registrations and related documents at the Circle Officer's office or the DCLR office. The MLA said those spreading such allegations risk misleading the general public and must come forward with concrete proof.
On Defamation and Legal Action
Thakur did not rule out pursuing legal remedies. She stated that the allegations constitute defamation and amount to using her family as a 'public relations stunt.' 'This is a democracy, and everyone has the freedom to express their views, which I respect. But if someone is making allegations, they should support them with facts. Otherwise, these are baseless accusations against me and my family,' she said. She added that she would consider her options 'at the appropriate time,' though no formal case has been filed as yet.
Family Background and Context
Thakur emphasised that her family's reputation predates her entry into electoral politics and that constituents and well-wishers have known them for years. She said her father would 'never think along such lines' and that she could not tolerate what she termed 'cheap allegations.' Notably, the controversy has also been linked to the ongoing construction of her house, which critics have flagged as a potential flashpoint, though Thakur dismissed this framing as an attempt to 'target' her.
What Happens Next
No official complaint or police case has been reported in connection with the land encroachment allegations. The matter currently rests on Thakur's public denial and her open challenge to accusers to produce documentary evidence. Whether she pursues defamation proceedings, and whether local authorities take any independent cognisance of the original allegations, will determine how the controversy unfolds in the coming days.