Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) functionaries on Tuesday strongly countered Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) working president Tejashwi Prasad Yadav over his allegations of selective caste-based police encounters in Bihar, accusing the opposition party of shielding criminals and misleading the people.
BJP Spokesperson's Response
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel said maintaining law and order remained the government's top priority and asserted that strict action would be taken against criminals irrespective of political affiliation.
"Establishing the rule of law is the government's priority. Our policy of zero tolerance against crime has been there before, and it is still there today. Criminals may belong to any party, but the police will take strict action against them," Patel said.
Referring to the alleged attack on Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) MLA Jyoti Devi, Patel asked Tejashwi to clarify the role of his supporters in the incident.
Another BJP Leader's Statement
Another BJP spokesperson, Preeti Shekhar, said Bihar was no longer under the influence of criminals and mafia groups.
"This is no longer the era when criminals and the mafia held sway. Now, strict action is taken under the law against those who commit crimes, and they are not spared at any cost," she said.
JD(U) State President's Criticism
Janata Dal (United) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha also criticised Tejashwi and questioned the RJD's record on women's safety during the tenure of former chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.
"Tejashwi should look within himself before speaking on sensitive issues such as the dignity and safety of women," Umesh said.
HAM(S) National President's Reaction
Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) national president Santosh Kumar Suman also reacted sharply, referring to the alleged assault on party MLA Jyoti Devi, who is Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's 'samdhan' (daughter-in-law's father).
"Tejashwi Ji, keep your supporters in check. Bihar has changed. The Dalit community is no longer one to be intimidated; it knows how to defend its dignity," Suman posted on X.
Jyoti alleged she was physically assaulted and subjected to casteist abuse during the incident.
