Is NDA Right to Slam Rahul Gandhi for His ‘Crime Capital’ Comments?

New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, faced backlash from the ruling NDA coalition after his pointed critique of the law and order situation in Bihar, labeling the state as the 'crime capital of India'.

The remarks from the LoP provoked strong responses from BJP and JD-U leaders, who accused him of 'maligning' the state and 'disregarding' the developmental achievements made under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's administration.

In a post on X, LoP Rahul Gandhi condemned the state government for a recent surge in murders, alleging that the administration is neglecting its responsibilities while prioritizing political survival and corruption.

“Bihar has become the 'crime capital of India' -- fear lurks in every corner, and unease pervades every household! Unemployed youth are being transformed into criminals due to the dominance of goons. The CM is preoccupied with preserving his position, while BJP ministers are accumulating commissions. I reiterate -- this vote is not merely about changing the government; it is about saving Bihar,” posted LoP Rahul Gandhi.

In a strong rebuttal, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha accused LoP Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy, emphasizing Congress's alliance with the RJD, a party he described as one that 'endorses criminals and mafias.'

“You were in power alongside the criminal RJD regime. You support individuals who back terrorists and criminals. Bihar will not tolerate crime. Criminals will face justice, and Bihar will become crime-free,” Sinha stated.

Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai reminded LoP Rahul Gandhi of the period from 1990 to 2005, when Bihar was governed by the RJD and was notorious for lawlessness.

“During that time, Bihar gained notoriety for kidnappings and violence. Professionals, including doctors and lawyers, fled the state. Today, Bihar is on a different trajectory under Nitish Kumar. Rahul Gandhi should recognize the progress instead of making unfounded allegations,” Rai asserted.

JD-U MP Sanjay Jha accused LoP Rahul Gandhi of ignorance and intentional defamation, stating, “Rahul Gandhi has consistently been disparaging and lacks understanding of Bihar. When there was chaos, the best minds and entrepreneurs exited. Presently, Bihar's law and order situation is superior to that of many states. He is merely attempting to tarnish the state's image.”

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal dismissed LoP Rahul Gandhi’s comments as election-related negativity.

“Opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi have only engaged in negativity. They sense impending defeat and are now crafting a narrative to evade blame. However, the people of Bihar will hold them accountable,” he remarked.

The Congress party, however, stood resolutely behind LoP Rahul Gandhi’s assertions.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar stated that LoP Rahul Gandhi’s concerns mirror the reality on the ground.

“He is completely justified. Murders occur in broad daylight -- crimes involving industrialists, common citizens, and the sand mafia. It feels as though there is no government in Bihar,” Anwar informed.

He further claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's health has declined and that retired bureaucrats are effectively running the government, leading to administrative inefficiency.

“This is why such circumstances are escalating in Bihar. There is a lack of control and accountability,” he added.