‘Is This Appropriate?’ Nitish on BJP MP’s ‘Hit Officials’ Advice

Giriraj Singh asked people of his constituency, to “beat up” officials who are insensitive towards their concerns.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressing a press conference in Patna on Monday. Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo: PTI)

Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar recently expressed his disapproval of a comment by Union Minister and leader of ally Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Giriraj Singh.

Responding to a suggestion made by Giriraj Singh on Saturday, 6 March, asking people of his constituency, to “beat up” officials who are insensitive towards their concerns, Nitish Kumar told reporters: “Aap unhi se puchiye (ask him only).”

As per NDTV, Kumar, further, went on to say:

“Using words like ‘<i>pitai</i> (beating)‘. Is that appropriate? Ask him only.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

WHAT HAD GIRIRAJ SINGH SAID?

As per ANI, Giriraj Singh, who is a BJP MP from Begusarai in Bihar, had said:

“If someone (any government official) doesn’t listen to your grievances, hit them with a bamboo stick. Neither we ask them to do any illegitimate job, nor will we tolerate illegitimate ‘<i>nanga nritya</i>’ by any official.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Singh had also reportedly said that if the hitting with bamboo sticks does not work, "...then Giriraj shall throw his weight behind you.[sic.]"

OTHERS REACT

Meanwhile, Bihar Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav also took to Twitter to react to Giriraj Singh’s comment, and allege that the Nitish Kumar government “rewards ministers who promote violence”, while clamping down on honest journalists.

“Union Minister Giriraj Singh ji is saying that there is anarchy in Bihar. Officers do not listen to anyone. The Chief Minister is weak, so pick up bamboo sticks and beat the officers at will. Nitish government rewards ministers who promote violence but files FIRs against journalists who report the truth.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Tejashwi Yadav

Meanwhile, Yadav’s party Rashritya Janata Dal (RJD) also took to Twitter to ask, “Is this a government or a Mahajungleraj?”

“On one hand, Nitish Kumar tells the youth that they would be jailed and not be given employment if they question the government or its officials. While, on the other hand, an eccentric Giriraj Singh says that government officials should be beaten up with sticks. Is this a government or a ‘<i>Mahajungleraj</i>’?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rashritya Janata Dal

MORE DETAILS

The results of the Bihar Assembly elections declared in November had relegated the JD(U) to the status of the junior partner in the NDA government. Out of the 125 seats, which the alliance bagged, 74 were won by the BJP and 43 by Nitish Kumar's party.

Further, as per media reports, ties between JDU leader and CM Nitish Kumar and the BJP have been strained lately.

(With inputs from ANI and NDTV.)