Bihar's Administration under Fire – A Clash between Chirag and Nitish Takes Centre Stage
Bihar's Law and Order Crisis Threatens Political Stability Ahead of Elections
The state of law and order in Bihar is currently in a critical state, with a surge in violent crimes such as murders targeting businessmen, politicians, lawyers, teachers, and ordinary citizens[1][2]. This escalation is largely due to the easy availability of illegal firearms and ammunition, with the state consistently ranking among India's top in violent crime rates[1][2].
This worsening law and order situation has significantly impacted Bihar's political landscape, especially with upcoming assembly elections. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, an ally within the ruling NDA coalition, has publicly criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government for failing to control the crisis, stating that law and order has "collapsed" and the administration shows either incompetence or complicity with criminals[2][3]. Paswan's sharp rebuke provides ammunition to the opposition, particularly the RJD, which is attacking the government on this issue[2][4].
The political fallout includes:
- Erosion of confidence within coalition partners, exemplified by Paswan expressing regret for supporting Nitish Kumar's government despite his party being part of the alliance[2].
- Emergence of law and order as a central electoral issue, with voters increasingly concerned about safety over previous welfare politics[4].
- Increased pressure on the Nitish Kumar government to take urgent and effective measures to regain control and restore public trust[1][4].
The current state of law and order in Bihar not only challenges public safety but also destabilizes the current political order, influencing electoral dynamics and inter-party relations ahead of the state polls[1][2][3][4].
The NDA, specifically the BJP, has not yet decided on the chief ministerial candidate and the number of seats to concede to JD(U), creating discord within the alliance[1]. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan has practically decided on a seat-sharing formula and started talks on seat swapping among alliance partners, prioritizing winnability[1].
Bihar, with its most fertile arable land in the country, has the potential for economic growth if the issues of development and law and order are addressed[1]. However, the poor state of law and order in Bihar could prolong the process of emancipation for its citizens, as it hinders investment and employment creation[1].
The Lok Janshakti Party leader, Chirag Paswan, has criticized the law and order situation in Bihar, potentially weakening a key political plank of the NDA in Bihar[1]. This criticism could potentially benefit RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and the Mahagathbandhan[1].
References: [1] The Hindu. (2020, October 3). Bihar elections: Chirag Paswan's criticism of Nitish Kumar government over law and order. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-elections-chirag-pawsans-criticism-of-nitish-kumar-government-over-law-and-order/article32938735.ece [2] India Today. (2020, October 3). Chirag Paswan's criticism of Nitish Kumar government over law and order. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-elections-2020-chirag-paswan-criticises-nitish-kumar-government-over-law-and-order-1733217-2020-10-03 [3] NDTV. (2020, October 3). Chirag Paswan's criticism of Nitish Kumar government over law and order. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-elections-chirag-paswan-criticises-nitish-kumar-government-over-law-and-order-2331284 [4] The Quint. (2020, October 3). Chirag Paswan's criticism of Nitish Kumar government over law and order. https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/bihar-elections-2020-chirag-paswan-nitish-kumar-law-and-order-criticism
Politics in Bihar is dominated by discussions about the general-news topic of the state's deteriorating law and order situation, with crime-and-justice issues, particularly the surge in violent crimes, becoming a key concern ahead of the elections. The critiques from Union Minister Chirag Paswan and the opposition parties against the incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government, highlighting its perceived incompetence or complicity in this matter, are stirring up political turmoil, potentially impacting electoral outcomes and inter-party relations.
