Ashamed of being part of government, says Chirag Paswan over rising molestation cases in Bihar

Patna ( The Indian View team) : Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, an alliance partner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar and the Centre, has attacked the State government over rising crime against women.

Referring to the recent molestation cases of minor girls in Jamui, Samastipur, Banka and other districts, Mr. Paswan said these incidents brought shame to Bihar.Mr. Paswan said the government should set such a precedent that “the hands of criminals should shake” before committing any crime against girls.

He questioned the failure of the local police in stopping such incidents and suggested that strict action be taken against police officers who are not performing their duties.“There is no fear of the police, and if there would be no fear, what kind of law and order is it? As an alliance partner, you can send me a notice; you can remove me from the government; it makes no difference to me, but I will raise this question,” Mr. Paswan said at a private event on September 26.

In the present scenario, no one is feeling safe. As part of the government and alliance partner, I cannot run away from this fact. I feel ashamed when I think about the fact that I am part of a government under which such incidents are taking place. This is a matter of concern,” he said.

After the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United), LJP (RV) is the third-largest constituent of the Samrat Choudhary-led NDA government in Bihar, with 19 MLAs. It also has five MPs.

Mr. Paswan said he was “outraged with one incident following another”“What kind of image is my Bihar projecting on the national level? An atmosphere of fear and insecurity must have taken hold among our daughters. Tell me, is there a single girl today who doesn’t think 100 times before stepping out of the house? Where is the sense of security? I will not accept this.”

He said criminals have become emboldened and there is a need to establish the rule of law and fear of the law.“Today, I bear a greater responsibility because I am part of the government and our people serve as Ministers within it. In such a situation, I will certainly not remain silent — nor will I simply enjoy the perks of power while turning a blind eye. I will raise questions and demand answers over all these issues,” Mr. Paswan said.Rohini Acharya, daughter of the Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad, asked Mr. Paswan to resign from the Union Cabinet if he felt “ashamed”.

Which auspicious muhurat are you waiting for to resign, Chirag Paswan ji? Even while carrying the burden of ‘shame,’ staying on as part of the government is something to learn from Chirag Paswan ji. When being part of the government already fills them with ‘embarrassment’ due to Bihar, which has become completely unsafe for the protection of sisters and daughters, then what courage is holding back the resolve to resign, waiting for which muhurat,” Ms. Acharya wrote on September 27. “Expressing sorrow only in statements and shedding crocodile tears is Chirag Paswan ji’s old pastime — a drama. When everything is already uncomfortable, unbearable, and steeped in shame, then are you waiting for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to be issued by someone to sign the resignation letter, Chirag Paswan ji?”