FORMER MLA OBJECTED TO CM’S GREEN GAMCHHA REMARK

FORMER MLA OBJECTED TO CM’S GREEN GAMCHHA REMARK

24-MAY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------A debate regarding the decorum of language and the standard of political discourse has once again erupted in Bihar's politics. A statement made by the state's Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, concerning the 'green gamcha' (traditional scarf) has created a stir within political circles. Since this controversial remark—made during the inauguration of a two-day workshop for the Bihar AI Summit-2026 at the Urja Auditorium in Patna—sharp reactions have been witnessed among opposition camps and political analysts. In this context, Bhai Dinesh, a former MLA from the Jagdishpur assembly constituency in Bhojpur district, has adopted a firm stance, stating that in politics, the decorum of language and the dignity of one's office constitute the true identity of a public leader.

Former MLA Bhai Dinesh has expressed his strong objection to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's statement, in which the latter questioned how long it would take to apprehend those wearing a green gamcha. Bhai Dinesh believes that in a democracy, such language is not expected from an individual holding a constitutional office. He asserted that a person occupying the pinnacle of power must exercise restraint and maturity in their speech. Such statements made in the public sphere not only sow division within society but also derail the state's development agenda.

Bhai Dinesh further argued that if the discussion concerns the law and order situation in the state, an offender's identity should be determined based on their actions, the gravity of their crime, and the evidence—not on the basis of their attire, the color of their gamcha, or their ideology. He emphasized that the green gamcha is not merely a piece of cloth; rather, it serves as an identifier for the deprived, exploited, impoverished, and struggling sections of society who stand at the forefront of the battle for social justice and equal rights. It is a symbol of farmers and the oppressed, and viewing it through a specific political lens is erroneous.

Reflecting on the ethics of politics, the former MLA remarked that while a political office may exist today and vanish tomorrow, it is an individual's conduct and their style of functioning that ultimately determine their legacy in history. He stated that the public is highly aware and is closely observing the nature of politics currently being practiced in the state. He further clarified that a criminal belongs to no specific religion or political party; rather, political discourse should serve to unite society, not to propagate messages of hatred against any particular community.

Offering counsel to the Chief Minister, Bhai Dinesh asserted that Bihar's priorities must be clearly defined at this juncture. The people of the state are grappling with rising unemployment, rampant corruption, a dysfunctional healthcare system, and a dilapidated education infrastructure. It is the duty of a responsible leadership to focus its attention on these fundamental issues and to take concrete measures to resolve the problems faced by farmers. Development and social harmony constitute the sole path toward the state's progress.