Uproar in Bihar assembly over law and order, women’s safety

The legislators from the Opposition, led by the RJD, cornered the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government on rising crime, specifically increased atrocities on women, with major protests at the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Council on Friday.

Leading the protesting legislators at the Bihar Legislative Council, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi strongly attacked the government over rising crime, violence against women, and issues concerning students. She said Bihar has an arrogant government that threatens people and does not even allow them to speak.

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Rabri Devi questioned the government’s claim of women empowerment saying that girls are being raped and murdered in Bihar. She claimed such incidents are happening across the state. Citing figures, she said that 36 such incidents occurred in February alone.

At the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the protest was led by Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav who launched a sharp attack on the Nitish government over law and order. He alleged that crime is at its peak in the state and that the government is protecting criminals.

Speaking to journalists, he strongly criticised the state’s law-and-order situation and the functioning of the government.

Tejashwi Yadav said that extortion, murder, rape, and other criminal incidents are increasing in Bihar. He alleged that criminals’ morale is high as the government is shielding them.

The RJD leader also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that states governed by the BJP have the highest crime rates.

Meanwhile, JD(U) leader and Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary said, “Incidents of crime against women have occurred. The government is sensitive to such incidents. During their (RJD) tenure, the government used to protect criminals, but our government does not do that. Our government punishes such criminals.”

JD(U) spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar said that Rabri Devi has presented wrong figures. He acknowledged that 14 incidents had occurred and stated that the police had taken action in all cases. He said there is a complete record available for anyone to see.