Is Bihar Now a Criminal Haven Under NDA Government?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bihar's crime rate has significantly surged.
- Recent murder highlights law and order failures.
- Congress demands immediate action from the Governor.
- Calls for a special Assembly session to address concerns.
- Criticism directed at the Election Commission over voter disenfranchisement.
New Delhi, July 5 (NationPress) The Congress party has launched a fierce critique of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar, claiming it has transformed the state into a sanctuary for criminals and plunged it into a climate of "lawlessness".
During a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh asserted that under the NDA governance, Bihar has shifted from a region known for peace and education to one where “bullets speak louder than law”.
His comments were made in light of the recent murder of Gopal Khemka, a notable business figure in Bihar, who was killed outside his home in Patna by an assailant on a motorcycle.
Singh stated, “This wasn’t merely a murder; it was a blatant challenge to the state machinery.” He criticized the administration for its slow response and lack of action.
“Khemka lived right in front of Gandhi Maidan, near Maurya Hotel. Just yesterday, after returning at 11:00 PM, he fell victim to notorious criminals immediately after exiting his vehicle. The SSP Sahab resides there, as does the entire police department,”
Singh elaborated.
Referencing statistics from the NCRB and Bihar Police Headquarters, Singh claimed that Bihar has experienced a staggering 323 percent increase in total crimes since 2005, with over 53,000 murders and nearly 5.6 lakh serious crimes reported in the past 17 years. Incidents of rape, child crimes, and attacks on Dalits have surged alarmingly, prompting him to label the state a "free zone for criminals."
He also took aim at the Election Commission regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, alleging a conspiracy to disenfranchise 2 crore voters, predominantly from marginalized communities.
Referring to the current situation in Bihar as "a tragedy", he urged the Governor to convene a two-day special Assembly session to address the worsening law and order climate and scrutinize the controversial SIR procedure.
When questioned about a potential demand for President's Rule, Singh clarified, “We are not seeking President’s Rule, but rather accountability and immediate corrective actions.”
He accused the BJP of reducing CM Nitish Kumar to a “puppet”, stating, “If this were the old Nitish Kumar, he would have resigned on moral grounds by now.”