Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi over his remarks on the killing of a Bihar youth in Delhi, accusing NDA leaders of being “insensitive and inhuman”.
The political row erupted after Manjhi reacted to the death of Pandav Kumar, a resident of Khagaria in Bihar, who was allegedly shot by a Delhi Police constable. Referring to the incident, Manjhi said, “If he was killed, he was killed... what is the big deal?”
Tejashwi targets NDA
Targeting the NDA, Tejashwi said leaders who come to power through “manipulation” display exactly such behaviour. Tejashwi also took a swipe at deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary, saying he remained unaware of the circumstances surrounding the killing. He said Choudhary did not know when, where, why and how the youth was killed.
The RJD leader questioned whether Manjhi and Choudhary would have reacted in the same manner had the victim been a member of their own families. He also accused voters of enabling such “insensitive people” by accepting cash during elections.
Manjhi defended by party spokesperson
Responding to the allegations, HAM(S) state spokesperson Vijay Yadav defended Manjhi and accused Tejashwi of twisting his statement to defame the NDA government and its leaders. “Manjhi Ji clearly said the matter will be investigated and anyone found guilty will be punished. What is wrong in that? The thing is Tejashwi hardly understands anything and keeps putting allegation on the NDA,” Vijay Yadav said.
Compensation announced
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday announced an ex gratia of Rs 8 lakh for the deceased’s dependent. While expressing deep condolences over the death of the youth, he directed that Rs 4 lakh be provided from the labour resources department and another Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, taking the total compensation to Rs 8 lakh.
This incident has sparked a fresh political controversy in Bihar, with opposition parties accusing the ruling NDA of insensitivity towards the common man. The Delhi Police have said that an investigation is underway, and the constable involved has been arrested.
