Gaya (Bihar) [India], July 27 : Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday defended the law and order situation in Bihar, saying that while some incidents do happen, conditions were far worse in the past.
His remarks came amid rising political criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led government, especially following reports of increasing crime in the state.
Speaking to ANI, Manjhi said, "These people want to stir up Bihar with their words. We should also remember the period before 2005. I have been in politics since 1980. I have witnessed an era when all kinds of crimes occurred, and our people were killed mercilessly. The state has a population of 14 crore, and some incidents do happen..."
He added, "At that time, the court even said that there was a jungle raj, which is no ordinary thing. Today, the court is not making such comments. Those craving power just say all this to mislead the public."
Earlier in the day, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the current state of law and order, saying it had turned into "criminal disorder."
"We have been consistently saying that law and order in Bihar has turned into criminal disorder. Criminals have become 'Vijay' and 'Samrat'...," Yadav said, mocking Bihar's two deputy chief ministers -- Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary.
Taking a dig at Chirag Paswan, the RJD leader added, "Chirag Paswan is only expressing regret over this (rising crimes), which means he acknowledges that he is part of the government, but apart from expressing regret, he can do nothing." He also described Paswan as a "weak minister" and a "weak ally," saying his silence and inaction revealed his priorities.