Jitan Ram Manjhi Welcomes Rahul Gandhi's Visit to Bihar Amid Criticism
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi welcomed Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to Bihar, highlighting the state's progress since the days of Lalu Yadav. Manjhi emphasized that Bihar is now a safer place for visitors, contrasting it with the past when Gandhi faced potential kidnapping threats. Meanwhile, Gandhi criticized the current law and order situation, labeling Bihar as 'India's crime capital' during his speech at a conference in Nalanda. This visit raises questions about the state's political landscape and safety concerns.
| Jun 6, 2025, 18:08 IST
Manjhi's Reception of Gandhi's Visit
On Friday, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed his support for Rahul Gandhi's one-day visit to Bihar, welcoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. However, he also made a pointed remark regarding past kidnappings. The founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) shared a welcoming message for the Congress MP on his social media account, stating, "Rahul Gandhi is welcome in Bihar's good governance. The state is no longer what it was 20 years ago under Lalu Yadav and the Gandhi family."
A Safer Bihar for Visitors
Manjhi noted that people from other states no longer fear visiting Bihar. He emphasized that this is a new Bihar where Rahul Gandhi can visit freely and travel in a secure environment. He remarked that during Lalu Yadav's rule, there was a risk of Gandhi being kidnapped, which would have required Sonia Gandhi to negotiate with Lalu and other criminals at the Chief Minister's residence for his release.
Gandhi Critiques Law and Order in Bihar
On the same day, Rahul Gandhi criticized the law and order situation under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government, claiming that Bihar has become 'India's crime capital.' Speaking at the 'Constitution Protection Conference' in Rajgir, Nalanda, he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of remaining silent on claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding peace between India and Pakistan during military conflicts. The former Congress president stated, "Bihar, once known as a land of peace and justice, has now turned into India's crime capital."