BIHAR MINISTER CLARIFIED REMARS ON YADAV COMMUNITY

BIHAR MINISTER CLARIFIED REMARS ON YADAV COMMUNITY

28-SEP-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------The Bihar government is facing criticism from the opposition regarding incidents involving girls in the state. Following incidents in Jamui, Samastipur, and Banka, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has been continuously attacking the government. Amidst this, a statement made by Bihar Minister Shri Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha sparked a political controversy.

Minister Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha allegedly made an objectionable remark regarding the Yadav community. He stated, "I am not speaking about any specific caste. However, if you look at the Yadav caste, the number of 'luchcha-lafanga' (hooligans/rowdies) is higher."

The Minister maintained that he had said nothing wrong. Citing statistics regarding incarcerated individuals and alleged hooliganism in the state, he claimed that people from the Yadav community were overrepresented in these figures. However, the opposition and various social organizations have expressed strong objections to his statement.

Following the statement, opposition parties, including the RJD, intensified their attacks on the Minister. The opposition argues that a minister holding a constitutional office should not use such language regarding any caste or community.

Bhai Dinesh, a former MLA from the Minister's constituency, reacted sharply to Shri Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha's statement. He remarked that society expects individuals in public life to use responsible, restrained, and dignified language.

Bhai Dinesh alleged that the nature of the Minister's statements suggests he is not conducting himself in a manner befitting his public responsibilities and the dignity of his office. He demanded that the Chief Minister ask the Minister to resign from his post.

Bhai Dinesh further stated that society would not silently accept such remarks, making it clear that the community would not remain quiet.

Minister Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha issued a clarification after the controversy over his alleged "luchcha-lafanga" (hooligan) remark regarding the Yadav community escalated. Refuting his earlier statement, he said, "Look at what I actually said versus the interpretation people have drawn. The matter has been blown out of proportion just to boost TRPs."

The minister stated that he has never harbored an anti-Yadav sentiment throughout his political career. Clarifying his stance, he added, "If I were anti-Yadav, my representative would not be a Yadav."

Despite this clarification, the political uproar surrounding the statement continues, while the minister maintains that his remarks were misrepresented.