A large-scale demolition drive across Bihar has ignited a fierce political debate, with Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary asserting that the actions are strictly based on court directives and that he should not be identified with the bulldozers used in the operations.
Assembly Echoes with Heated Exchanges
The controversy reached the floor of the Bihar Assembly on Thursday, where RJD chief whip Kumar Sarvjeet launched a sharp attack on the Home Minister. He remarked that while Choudhary's father named him 'Samrat' (emperor), he has now earned an unflattering new tag associated with demolishing the homes of the poor. "Don't let yourself be named after destroying the huts of the poor," Sarvjeet urged, appealing to the minister not to associate himself with actions that hurt the vulnerable sections of society.
In his rebuttal, Samrat Choudhary firmly distanced himself from the imagery. "My name is not bulldozer. I am only known as Samrat Choudhary," he stated. He emphasized that the ongoing operations were not arbitrary but mandatory, following specific directions from the courts to district administrations to act against illegal encroachments.
Widespread Demolitions and Emotional Protests
Over the past week, the drive has seen thousands of structures, ranging from multi-storeyed buildings to brick homes and huts, being pulled down across several districts. The sight of bulldozers razing properties has led to intense emotional outbursts and protests from affected villagers and opposition parties.
Many women were seen crying at demolition sites, accusing the government of rendering families homeless in the harsh winter cold. The scale of the operation has turned it into a major flashpoint, with critics alleging a heavy-handed approach against the poor.
Opposition Rallies Against the Drive
The political reaction has been swift and severe. On Wednesday, CPI-ML leaders staged a dharna in Patna, warning that the drive would backfire on the government. Party leader Mehboob Alam accused Samrat Choudhary of unleashing a "bulldozer regime" since taking charge of the Home Ministry and vowed to continue the struggle for the rights of the poor.
MLA Sandeep Saurabh echoed the sentiment, stating that the poor "will never tolerate it." Adding his voice to the chorus of concern, AIMIM's state president Akhtarul Iman urged the government to refrain from intimidating the poor and to ensure alternative housing arrangements are made before carrying out any eviction.
The situation remains tense as the district administrations continue their court-ordered task, balancing legal mandates with growing public and political pressure. The debate has squarely placed the Bihar government's enforcement strategy under the national spotlight, raising questions about the process and humanitarian impact of such large-scale anti-encroachment operations.
