Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari on Thursday, 24 September sharply criticised Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani over his incendiary remarks targeting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that such language is incompatible with democratic values and betrays the frustration of those who have faced electoral defeat.

What Sahani Said and Tiwari's Response

Sahani had made a deeply controversial remark against the CEC, stating that he would have shot him if he were permitted to get away with one murder. The remarks drew immediate condemnation and sparked a wider political debate in Bihar.

Responding to the controversy, Tiwari said, 'Defeated people speak like this. It is their frustration. Such language has no place in a democracy. I am surprised.' The BJP MP did not mince words, framing Sahani's statement as emblematic of a pattern among Opposition leaders who resort to extreme rhetoric when electoral outcomes do not go in their favour.

Election Commission Under Fire Over SIR Exercise

The controversy erupted in the backdrop of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, a process that has drawn sustained criticism from several Opposition parties. Tiwari argued that attacking the poll body during elections has become a recurring Opposition tactic.

'Defeated people keep raising questions. What is new about this? I have been an MP since 2014, and every year during elections, I see these Opposition people attacking EVMs and banging their heads over them,' Tiwari said. He further added that Opposition leaders are repeatedly challenged to substantiate their allegations with evidence but have consistently failed to do so. 'Instead of making such allegations and counter-allegations, they are repeatedly told to come with authenticity and prove their claims, but they do not prove anything,' he said.

Tiwari on the Jamui Molestation Case

The BJP MP also commented on the Jamui molestation case, expressing profound distress over the nature of the crime. 'To be honest, I was deeply pained after seeing the incident in Jamui. I am at a loss for words to say what we should say. What kind of people are they? How horrifying is their mindset,' he said.

While acknowledging the Bihar government's swift action, Tiwari called for far more stringent punishment. 'I am somewhat relieved by the action taken by the Bihar government. However, stricter action should be taken. These people are beasts and predators, and they should be given such punishment that it sets an example in society,' he added.

Arrests Welcomed, Exemplary Punishment Demanded

Tiwari welcomed the arrest of the accused in the Jamui case and underlined its importance in preventing further offences. 'Thank God they were caught. Otherwise, if someone had escaped after committing such a heinous crime, just imagine what kind of a dangerous person would have remained at large. So, I am very relieved that they were arrested, and now they should be punished,' he said.

The remarks reflect mounting political tensions in Bihar as the SIR controversy continues to roil the state's Opposition ranks, with multiple parties weighing their next moves ahead of potential electoral contests.