Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the killing of a 23-year-old Khagaria resident in Delhi, alleging that being Bihari has become the biggest crime and act of treason under the BJP government.
Tejashwi's Allegations
In a strongly worded statement, Tejashwi said Pandav Kumar, a native of Khagaria, was shot dead in New Delhi simply because he was Bihari, while his friend Krishan was battling for life after allegedly being targeted for the same reason. He accused the BJP of becoming the death knell for Biharis, noting that the area where the shooting took place was represented by BJP leaders. He added that the Delhi Chief Minister, Bihar Chief Minister, Union Home Minister, and the Prime Minister were all linked to the ruling party.
Tejashwi questioned whether BJP leaders had the courage to ensure punishment for the policeman accused in the killing of what he described as a poor, hardworking Bihari. He also blamed the failed policies of 21 years of Nitish Kumar-BJP rule in Bihar for large-scale migration from the state. According to him, migrant workers from Bihar face suspicion, hatred, and discrimination in other states and often become victims of atrocities.
Targeting the Delhi Police, which functions under the Union Home Ministry, Tejashwi said it was deeply condemnable that those entrusted with protecting citizens had allegedly treated someone as a criminal merely for being Bihari and opened fire. He accused NDA leaders of remaining silent over the incident and demanded a prompt and thorough investigation, strict action against those responsible, adequate compensation for the victim's family, and immediate justice. Calling the incident an assault on the dignity of Bihar and its people, he said justice must be delivered without delay.
BJP's Response
State BJP media head Danish Eqbal said the BJP was sensitive and stood with the victim's family. We all are sorry for what has happened and strongly condemn it. The cop who shot the victim was in an inebriated condition. The case has been lodged and he will be caught, Danish said, hitting out at Tejashwi for politicizing the issue. Tejashwi should stop doing politics over such sensitive matters, he added.
