Bihar Government's Bulldozer Drive Triggers Political Storm
The state of Bihar witnessed intense political confrontation on Friday as a widespread demolition drive targeting illegally constructed and encroached properties left numerous poor residents in severe distress. The controversial operation, which spanned multiple districts, prompted sharp reactions from opposition leaders who condemned it as a "Hitler Raj" while the ruling BJP defended it as standard enforcement procedure.
Widespread Demolitions Across Multiple Districts
The bulldozer action extended across several districts including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Araria, East Champaran, Nalanda, Sitamarhi and Bhojpur. The scale of the demolitions generated widespread shock and triggered protests from affected communities and political leaders alike.
One of the most heart-wrenching incidents occurred in Nalanda's Rahui block, where several homes were demolished, including that of Puja Kumari. The young woman, whose wedding was scheduled to take place soon, expressed her anguish: "My wedding was to take place, but the house was demolished. Now, where will the wedding procession go?" Her desperate question highlighted the human cost of the demolition drive.
Political Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, strongly condemned the government's actions and promised to raise the issue in Parliament. "Poor people's homes are being ruthlessly demolished. Is this the Hitler Raj?" he questioned, criticizing the administration for leaving families homeless during the harsh winter conditions.
Adding to the criticism, former minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad's elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, targeted home minister Samrat Choudhary for what he called "over-enthusiasm" in executing the drive. "The minister appears a bit overly enthusiastic. The man who was profusely praising the masses till earlier this month is now destroying their homes," he stated.
Yadav emphasized the human suffering caused by the demolitions, noting that several houses were pulled down in Nalanda, Sitamarhi, Patna and Ara over the past two days. "We all can understand the pain of someone's house being destroyed in this cold weather, but the new home minister of Nitish govt is not able to understand this," he lamented.
BJP Defends Demolition Drive
Defending the government's actions, state BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma asserted that demolitions of encroached properties were routine and not influenced by upcoming elections. "Till two months before the poll dates were announced, the bulldozers were in action," he clarified.
Sharma dismissed arguments about the cold weather being a reason to halt enforcement, stating: "There is no logic behind it. After the cold, they will say heatwaves and rain have arrived. Then when will this drive go?" His comments underscored the government's determination to continue the anti-encroachment campaign regardless of seasonal conditions.
The ongoing demolition drive has highlighted the tension between urban development enforcement and the welfare of economically disadvantaged citizens, creating a significant political challenge for the state administration during the winter months.
