‘He should better visit Bihar’: State Minister hits back at Chirag Paswan over remarks on law and order
Bihar’s Minister for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Lakhendra Paswan, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, rebuked Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan for saying he feels “ashamed” to be part of the government in Bihar, urging the LJP (RV) chief to visit the State more often and raise concerns directly with the government.
Chirag Paswan’s remarks spark row
Chirag Paswan, whose party is an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) both at the Centre and in Bihar, had on September 26 criticised the State government over rising crimes against women. Speaking at a private event, he cited recent molestation cases involving minor girls in Jamui, Samastipur, Banka and other districts, and said such incidents had brought shame to Bihar. He added that he felt ashamed to be part of the State government.
State Minister urges direct engagement
Responding to the comments, BJP leader Lakhendra Paswan indirectly took a swipe at the Union Minister, suggesting that Mr. Chirag Paswan should engage more closely with the State administration rather than airing grievances in public.
“I will request those people who are feeling ashamed to focus on Bihar; he is a leader; he should better visit Bihar. Give your suggestion; the Bihar government will listen to you,” Lakhendra Paswan told reporters. He further advised the Union Minister to “directly hold talks with the government” to resolve issues concerning the State, instead of using the media to convey his message.
Government defends law-and-order record
Defending the Samrat Choudhary-led government’s handling of crime, the SC/ST Welfare Minister said, “Strict action is being taken in all criminal incidents, including half-encounter of the criminals.”
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary of the Janata Dal (United) also pushed back against the criticism, noting that the government acknowledges isolated incidents but has responded effectively. “He is part of the government, and we are running it effectively. The government also accepts that a few incidents have taken place in Bihar, which is a matter of concern for us. More importantly, in every case, criminals have been arrested, and action has been taken after identifying the culprits,” Mr. Choudhary said.
He added that the NDA maintains a policy of zero tolerance toward crime, crediting former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with establishing the rule of law in Bihar and asserting that Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is carrying that vision forward.
Opposition seizes on discord
The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) sharpened its attack in the wake of the remarks. Party leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised Chirag Paswan for publicly expressing his dismay while remaining part of the ruling alliance. “Being a part of the government, he should take the responsibility or tender his resignation,” Mr. Yadav told the media in Patna.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Yadav posted a video clip of Mr. Chirag Paswan’s comments from the private event on X, along with remarks by Bihar BJP Rajya Sabha member Shambhu Saran Patel, in which Mr. Patel described a collapse in law and order. In the video, Mr. Patel said policing had “crumbled” in the State and alleged that Kartikey Kumar Sharma, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patna, did not pick up his call regarding the filing of an FIR for a girl victim.
In his post, Mr. Yadav also alleged that the ruling alliance had secured victory through “trickery” and questioned the authority of members within the government. “They have won the election through trickery, but how will they win the people’s hearts? The people had already rejected them. What is the point of becoming a central minister or MP like this when no one in your own government even listens to you? Think about it, why do the Prime Minister and Chief Minister or any official listen to them? Because everyone knows that the people did not choose them; they themselves selected these people with the help of the Election Commission,” he wrote.
Political implications
The exchange underscores tensions within the NDA in Bihar over law and order, particularly on crimes against women, even as the State government insists that offenders are being swiftly identified and arrested. Lakhendra Paswan’s call for direct dialogue suggests the administration seeks to contain intra-alliance criticism through internal channels, while Opposition leaders are seeking to amplify any signs of discord.
What to watch
With both State and alliance leaders asserting a “zero tolerance” policy on crime, attention will turn to the handling of recent cases flagged by Mr. Chirag Paswan. Whether the LJP (RV) chief raises his concerns formally with the State government—as urged by Lakhendra Paswan—or continues to air them publicly could shape the tenor of NDA dynamics in Bihar in the coming weeks.
The government, meanwhile, maintains that enforcement actions are underway across districts and that the rule of law remains intact under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s leadership.
