Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Patna, Jun 28: LJP (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan came down hard on RJD leader and Opposition head Tejashwi Yadav, saying Bihar’s backwardness traces back to the RJD’s 15-year reign in the 1990s, which he described as a “dark era of jungle raj.” Responding to Tejashwi’s demand for a 20-month governance window, Chirag countered that the people have not forgotten the misrule under his family’s leadership.
“Tejashwi speaks of 20 months, but the people endured 15 years of lawlessness under his family. Loot, murder, kidnappings, and rapes defined that period. Many Biharis who fled back then never returned,” Paswan said.
He urged young voters, especially those born post-2005, to learn why that era earned the tag “jungle raj,” warning against glorifying a regime that, in his words, "destroyed Bihar’s global image."
On the controversy over voter list revisions, Paswan backed the Election Commission, saying periodic corrections are mandated under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. He accused the RJD of using this as a diversion tactic. “Only those afraid of defeat question the process,” he said.
Responding to Tejashwi’s remarks that the current government promotes guns while the RJD promotes education, Chirag hit back: “Had that commitment to education existed in the 1990s, we wouldn’t need today’s special schemes.”
Paswan also targeted West Bengal’s government, calling the Mamata Banerjee administration lawless in the wake of a recent rape case. He called for President’s Rule, accusing TMC leaders of protecting criminals and overseeing widespread violence.
On Tejashwi’s jibe about a ‘Damaad Aayog’, Paswan accused the RJD of nepotism: “When Lalu was jailed, Rabri Devi became CM overnight. Was there any merit in that, or was it just family power play?”
He insisted that governance must be based on competence, not dynastic entitlement, and reaffirmed the government's right to appoint qualified individuals.
Paswan also announced the LJP (Ram Vilas) will organise a 'Bahujan Samvad' in Rajgir, Nalanda, to address misinformation on reservation and constitutional rights. He pledged to be a "watchman" for marginalised communities.
“As long as I am part of this government, no force can harm the rights of SCs, STs, OBCs, or minorities,” he asserted.