IS GOOD GOVERNANCE TURNING INTO JUNGLE RAJ IN BIHAR?

IS GOOD GOVERNANCE TURNING INTO JUNGLE RAJ IN BIHAR?

20-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------There is a growing discussion on the ground about Bihar returning from “good governance” to “jungle raj”. Though there is no single view on the subject, the following key points make it clear whether the situation is heading towards “jungle raj”: What is the situation?

The incident of firing in the ICU of a major hospital in Patna has raised serious concerns over the current law and order situation. Reports of murder of businessmen, violent clashes between student groups and attacks on journalists are increasing in the state.

The opposition and local people say that the Nitish government is not able to fully control the law and order, and there are signs of a return to “jungle raj”.

Tejashwi Yadav is continuously releasing “crime bulletins”, which include incidents of murder, robbery, firing, etc.

Senior officials like DGP Vinay Kumar have questioned farmers, linking the crime surge to the crop-less period in agriculture, leading to discontent.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has said that it is difficult to prevent murders over personal disputes—a comment that highlights the weakness in law and order.

The opposition, especially Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge, etc., have alleged that the Nitish government has turned Bihar into a “crime capital”.

The Prime Minister and central leaders have been using the term ‘jungle raj’ to criticise the opposition and strategise for elections.

Compared to the 1990-2005 regime (commonly referred to as “jungle raj”), the Nitish regime has seen a more institutionalised justice system, better police machinery and improved development indicators.

According to NCRB data, Bihar has seen a rise in crime rates in recent years. For example, IPC crimes in Bihar increased by 23% in 2022—the highest in the country.

The middle and upper middle class, businessmen and people running private schools report that crime and fear are increasing, which is deterring investors and the general public feels deprived of security.

If we look at recent events, crime graphs, government statements and opposition criticism, it can be said that although the law and order in Bihar has not completely collapsed, questions are being raised on the capability of administrative and political leadership.

There has not been a complete political collapse like “jungle raj”, but controlled crime, broad daylight killings, and deterioration in public safety have weakened the legacy of good governance.