The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have criticized Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary for his controversial statement on encounters in the state. Choudhary’s remark about asking for the caste of criminals before encounters drew strong reactions. Congress leader Surendra Rajput condemned the statement, calling it a “criminal act.”
Responding to the criticism, Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu expressed concerns over the rising crime rate in Bihar, echoing the sentiments of his party members. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party accused Chief Ministers in BJP-ruled states of promoting violence and encounters to gain popularity.
In defense of Choudhary, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi emphasized the need to send a strong message to criminals. He stated that the government is committed to maintaining law and order in the state. JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad supported Choudhary’s stance, emphasizing that criminals are not targeted based on caste.
BJP MLA C. P. Singh dismissed the relevance of caste in criminal activities, asserting that criminals come from diverse backgrounds. Uttar Pradesh Minister Hanshraj Vishwakarma stressed the importance of punishing criminals regardless of their caste.
