Did Sanjay Jha Justify Nitish Kumar Against Lalu Yadav's Critique on Bihar's Law and Order?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Jha defends Nitish Kumar against Lalu Yadav's criticism.
- The term 'Jungle Raj' refers to a history of lawlessness in Bihar.
- JD(U) leaders cite historical massacres to highlight past failures.
- Nitish Kumar is credited with improving women's roles in law enforcement.
- The debate reflects ongoing tensions in Bihar's political landscape.
Patna, June 10 (NationPress) Following Lalu Prasad Yadav's criticism of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar regarding the rising crime rates in Bihar, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Jha, countered by accusing the Lalu-Rabri government, which governed the state from 1990 to 2005, of establishing a 'Jungle Raj', a phrase commonly associated with lawlessness.
While speaking to the media in Patna, Jha stated, “Professionals, including industrialists, doctors, and engineers, abandoned Bihar during Lalu’s rule due to rampant crime and the political protection of criminals. Nitish Kumar has reinstated the rule of law in the state.”
He defended the current law and order landscape by asserting that criminals today do not enjoy political protection.
JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar further escalated the discourse by referencing notorious massacres that occurred during Lalu’s governance, such as the Laxmanpur Bathe (1997), Senari (1999), Bathani Tola (1996), among others.
He remarked, "During Lalu’s administration, there were a staggering 118 massacres in Bihar. Who can forget how furniture from shops on Nala Road was confiscated for his daughter's wedding?"
Kumar commended Nitish Kumar for his efforts in women's empowerment, particularly through recruitment initiatives within the police department.
“Nitish Kumar is celebrated for championing women’s rights. Currently, girls are being recruited into the Bihar Police, contributing to the state’s safety. Lalu Prasad should refrain from making political statements; he is nearing the end of his political journey,” Kumar asserted.
BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishnan also defended Nitish Kumar, stating that he should not be held accountable for every crime in Bihar.
“Organized crime was prevalent during Lalu’s era, yet no one held Nitish Kumar responsible at that time,” Krishnan pointed out, emphasizing that crime can never be completely eradicated from any state.
Earlier today, Lalu Yadav mockingly questioned Nitish Kumar’s long-standing jab about 'Jungle Raj' from the Lalu-Rabri period, where Nitish often claimed that citizens were fearful of leaving their homes post-5 PM.
In response, Lalu inquired, “Are all these crimes occurring after 5 PM? Can Nitish Kumar specify how many crimes take place before 5 PM?”
Referencing official statistics, Lalu Yadav mentioned that the state has recorded over 65,000 murders during Nitish Kumar's administration.