Patna

Following the Patna Police’s lathi charge on protesters during the Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav sharply criticized the actions of the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government. Sharing a video of the incident, Tejashwi accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of directing the police to target Dalit and marginalized communities while allowing criminals to act with impunity.

Tejashwi stated that lathi charge was ordered by Nitish Kumar against Dalit and marginalized groups, yet criminals are allowed to operate freely. He said that he has never seen Bihar police use lathi charges on criminals.

The Bharat Bandh saw a large turnout of Bhim Army protesters at Dak Bungalow Chowk in Patna, protesting the Supreme Court’s decision on reservation quotas within the SC and ST categories. In response to the large crowd, the Patna Police used lathi charges and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.

Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, have condemned the government’s handling of the situation. Tejashwi also criticized Nitish Kumar for his ineffective governance and the rising crime rate in Bihar. He pointed out that despite Kumar’s role as Home Minister, crime has surged, with increasing incidents of violence and bombings in Patna.

Tejashwi plans to visit the family of a recent crime victim in Hajipur, underscoring his commitment to addressing the state’s growing crime problem and seeking justice in the face of rising criminal activity under the current administration.