Bihar Dy CM draws flak for his ‘plea to criminals’

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has drawn flak for his ‘request’ made to the criminals in Gaya to desist from criminal activities.

The senior BJP leader, who is also the finance minister in Bihar, while inaugurating Pitrapaksha Mela in Gaya, said, “I request all criminals with folded hands not to indulge in any crime at least for the next 15 days… till Pitrapaksha Mela is on.”

The fortnight-long Pitrapaksha Mela is organised every year at Gaya where Hindus pay homage to their ancestors.

Modi then went to add, “...although we know you (criminals) won’t stop, still try to desist from nefarious activities and then do whatever you want (after 15 days)….”

Modi, who has been Bihar’s deputy chief minister since 2005 (barring a period of 2013-17, when Nitish snapped ties with the BJP), is under fire for his “plea to the criminals” at a time when marauders in Bihar are having a field day with rape, murder and mob lynching being reported almost every day. He is drawing criticism all the more as he was the one leader who would often raise the issue of ‘Jungle Raj’ in Bihar during the Lalu-Rabri regime.

“Shame on U Mr Modi! The hypocrite reciter of Jungleraj,” tweeted Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition.

“Bihar Dy CM Sushil Modi shamelessly with folded hands begging to criminals, not to commit crime in the next 15 days as it dents his Govt’s image. Later in the festive season u r free to do what u do like kidnap, loot & shoot,” tweeted Lalu’s youngest son.

Congress and RJD leaders have slammed Modi in no uncertain terms and sought reaction of Nitish, who on Tuesday inaugurated “Dial 100” programme in the state, aimed at curbing crime.

“Sashan raub se chalta hai… criminals ke aage gid-gidane se nahi. (One should rule with iron hand. Not by pleading or begging before criminals),” tweeted Lalu, who is undergoing treatment at Ranchi.

Sushil, on his part, refused to comment on his statements made in Gaya.