Bihar Political Showdown: Tejashwi Yadav's Crime Crackdown Promise Met with Sharp Rebuke from NDA Leaders

Tejashwi Yadav's accusation against the NDA following Anant Singh's arrest has prompted a firm response from Chirag Paswan.

In Patna, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has alleged that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) provides shelter to criminals like Mokama strongman Anant Singh. Yadav declared that within two months of the Opposition's Mahagathbandhan forming government in Bihar, he would take decisive action against all criminals regardless of caste or religion.

Following the arrest of Anant Singh in connection with gangster-turned-politician Dular Singh Yadav's murder, Tejashwi stated this outcome was inevitable. He characterized Bihar as living under "Maha Jungleraj," claiming that gunfire occurs daily throughout the state. He confidently predicted: "Our government is going to be formed. Results will be announced on November 14th, with the oath-taking on the 18th. Between November 26th and January 26th, irrespective of caste or religion, any criminal or fraudster will be sent to jail by Tejashwi."

Anant Singh, JDU's candidate from Mokama constituency, faces 28 criminal cases including murder charges. A five-time MLA, he represented Mokama from 2005 to 2022 until a criminal conviction forced him to vacate the seat. His wife, Neelam Devi, currently serves as the RJD MLA for the constituency. For the upcoming election, Singh has aligned with JDU, while his rival Suraj Bhan's wife, Veena Devi, represents the RJD in Mokama. Throughout his two-decade dominance in the region, Singh has represented both RJD and JDU, and also contested as an Independent candidate.

Tejashwi Yadav's criticism of the NDA prompted a forceful rebuttal from Union Minister and BJP leader Nityanand Rai: "Tejashwi Yadav knows that all his people, including himself, are criminals who protect criminals. During Jungle Raj from 1990 to 2005, criminals received protection everywhere. The crime situation was such that perpetrators of massacres, rapes, murders, and robberies found shelter in RJD ministers' homes. Protecting criminals, practicing nepotism, and seizing land from the poor are inherent to RJD's nature."

"Jungle Raj" is terminology NDA leaders use to describe RJD patriarch Lalu Yadav's governance period in Bihar, characterized by escalating crime rates. The RJD has now introduced the term "Maha Jungle Raj" to describe the NDA's administration.

Responding to Tejashwi's allegations, BJP ally and Union Minister Chirag Paswan emphasized that the NDA government never shields criminals. "If the government protected criminals, last night's action wouldn't have occurred. Our government maintains a clear position, as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar states: we neither frame nor protect anyone. This is simply part of the judicial process," he explained.

Describing Dular Singh Yadav's murder as "sad," Paswan assured that all crimes would face consequences. "The investigation continues. Whoever is responsible won't escape punishment," he stated.

When questioned about Tejashwi's claim regarding taking the Chief Minister's oath on November 18th and subsequently targeting criminals, Paswan responded: "Such arrogance is inappropriate. Who is appointing you as Chief Minister? I believe the NDA will form government with unprecedented support. We have a united NDA this time. Even with a divided NDA previously, we formed government. The Mahagathbandhan has no realistic chance of taking power."