Why Are Citizens in Bihar Being Forced to Prove Their Citizenship While Criminals Roam Freely?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Citizens face undue pressure to prove citizenship.
- Criminal activities are rampant and unchecked.
- Recent attacks on traders raise concerns over safety.
- Accountability in governance is crucial.
- Public safety must be prioritized by authorities.
Patna, July 12 (NationPress) Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate criticized the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Saturday, claiming that ordinary citizens are being compelled to verify their citizenship, while criminals operate without fear across the state.
“The citizens of Bihar are forced to stand in long lines to confirm their citizenship, yet criminals walk the streets of Patna armed with sophisticated weapons,” stated Shrinate regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar.
She noted that the Bihar Police and the state government are at a loss regarding the source of these weapons.
Shrinate also raised concerns about the safety of investments in Bihar, referencing recent brutal assaults on traders, including Ramakant Yadav (a sand trader), Vikram Jha (a grocery trader), and Gopal Khemka (an industrialist), all of whom were tragically shot in Patna within a matter of days.
Highlighting the prevalence of crime against businesspeople, women, and children, she remarked: “Every time we open a newspaper, it’s impossible to avoid reading about murder incidents in Bihar. After seven decades of independence, violent crimes occur in broad daylight. The nation is disturbed by the happenings in Bihar.”
Referring to the Muzaffarpur case where a minor girl died after being sexually assaulted while awaiting treatment in Patna for hours, she questioned: “Is this not a nation for mothers and daughters? Or has Bihar become a state governed by thuggery?”
Shrinate underscored the disparity in police efficiency, stating: “The Bihar police managed to locate the missing dog of LJPRV MP Rajesh Verma within two days, yet they fail to safeguard the lives of everyday citizens with the same level of commitment.”
Addressing allegations of corruption, she accused the NDA government of protecting Urban Development Minister Jivesh Kumar Mishra, who has been convicted for distributing fake medicines in Rajasthan.
“Distributing fake medicines is tantamount to jeopardizing lives. There was a time when leaders would resign out of principle and shame, but today’s NDA leaders remain unrepentant even after being found guilty by the court.”
She mentioned that Mishra, as a director of Alto Healthcare Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd, was convicted under Sections 16 A, 17 A, and 18 of the Drugs Act, facing a possible one to three years in prison and a Rs 20,000 fine.
Despite the Rajasthan court granting him probation, Shrinate questioned: “If anyone had perished after consuming these counterfeit medicines, who would be accountable? Those in public service should have greater accountability. Mishra has no ethical right to retain a constitutional position and must resign without delay.”