Chirag targets Nitish over Muzaffarpur case, flags ‘breakdown' in Bihar law & order, healthcare
In the letter, a copy of which is with ThePrint, Paswan urged Kumar to take 'strict action' in the 'heart-rending' gang rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur, and highlighted what he called 'gross negligence' on the part of the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
Both Kumar and Paswan are allies in the NDA, and the letter assumes political significance ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly elections. According to sources, Paswan's intervention also underscores the internal complexities of the alliance and signals his intent to 'carve a larger role for himself in the state'.
New Delhi: Union Minister Chirag Paswan has written to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the Muzaffarpur rape-murder case, expressing concern about the 'profound failure' of law and order and the public health system in the state.
Criticising the PMCH, Paswan wrote: 'Instead of providing the necessary treatment to save the girl, the hospital left her in the ambulance, wasting precious time. This is not just negligence, but a crime against humanity.'
'The incident of gang rape and the subsequent attempted murder of a nine-year-old Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur's Kudhni area on 26 May has shaken the entire state. This horrific crime is not only the brutal killing of an innocent life but also highlights a deep breakdown in law and order, social consciousness, and the public health system of Bihar,' he added.
The victim succumbed to her injuries at the PMCH on 1 June. Paswan alleged that she had to wait for over six hours in the ambulance before being admitted, severely affecting her chances of survival.
This isn't the first time Paswan has positioned himself in opposition to Kumar. In the 2020 assembly elections, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)—before the split between Chirag Paswan and his uncle Pashupati Paras—had contested solo, despite being part of the NDA at the Centre. The party won just one of the 137 seats it contested, but inflicted significant damage on JD(U), which saw its tally drop to 43 from 71 in 2015. LJP's 5.7 percent vote share reportedly affected JD(U)'s fortunes in at least 28 constituencies.
'Nitish Kumar ji was once synonymous with good governance—that situation has changed drastically. Chirag Paswan is only reflecting the reality on the ground. Issues of lawlessness and crumbling healthcare must be urgently addressed ahead of the elections,' said a senior LJP (Ram Vilas) leader.
Also read: 'Bihar First, Bihari First'—Chirag Paswan says will contest Bihar polls, backs Nitish for CM
Speculation after posters go up projecting Paswan as CM face
During his 2020 campaign, Chirag had openly targeted Kumar and JD(U), while carefully maintaining his support for the BJP. His recent statement indicating willingness to contest the upcoming assembly polls has once again stirred political speculation. Posters projecting him as a potential chief ministerial face have surfaced across Bihar, though in an interview with ThePrint, Paswan reiterated that Kumar remains the NDA's CM candidate.
Paswan further stated that the perpetrators of the gang rape were 'as guilty as the doctors and administrators at PMCH who failed to provide immediate care'. He called this 'a crime against humanity'.
The union minister has urged the CM to arrest the accused immediately and ensure they receive the 'harshest' punishment. He has also called for a high-level judicial inquiry into the conduct of the PMCH hospital staff, demanding that 'criminal charges be filed against those who deliberately delayed treatment' and that 'immediate suspension and departmental action' follow.
Representatives of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have visited the victim's family and assured them of 'every possible effort to ensure justice.' 'But until firm and transparent action is taken against all responsible—both within the government and the administration—justice will remain incomplete and unacceptable,' Paswan concluded.
The Opposition has also slammed the Bihar government over the case.
ThePrint has sought a comment from the JD(U). This report will be updated if and when a response is received.
However, a senior JD(U) leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said this was not the first time that Paswan had publicly criticised the Bihar government.
'He is part of the NDA, but from time to time he raises issues to distinguish himself as a different kind of leader. He is trying to carve his own path. But such tactics may not help him in the long run. He could have communicated these issues without going public,' said the JDU leader.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Father always wanted to be part of Centre, my reason to enter politics was Bihar & Biharis—Chirag Paswan
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