Patna: Opposition INDIA bloc on Saturday took out ‘Pratirodh March’ across the state to protest against alleged rise in crime and deterioration of law and order situation. However, BJP, the partner of ruling NDA, said the condition in the state has improved a lot and the situation is not same as it used to be before 2005.
In capital, the march started from Income Tax roundabout to Dak Bungalow crossing, after which the protesters were stopped from moving ahead.Later a delegation met the district magistrate and submitted a memorandum to be submitted to the governor.
Netas and activists of six parties, including RJD, Congress, CPI (ML), CPI, CPM and VIP, gathered near Income Tax roundabout and then they moved towards Dak Bungalow where they were stopped. They raised slogans against the government.
Congress state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who was present in the march here, said they will continue with such protests until capable officers are given the responsibilities to manage law and order. Questioning CM’s silence over the issue, he said people will give him a befitting reply in the assembly elections slated next year.
CPI (ML) leader Mahboob Alam said the crime incidents have shot up in the state. “Dalits are being tortured, girls are being raped and oppressed sections and minorities are being targeted. The protest march is to awaken CM Nitish, who is in deep slumber despite deterioration of law and order situation,” alleged Alam. When asked whether the opposition will also disrupt the functioning of the state assembly and council in the monsoon session, Alam said, “It totally depends on the government. We are looking for a reply on the issue of crime.”
In a joint statement, RJD spokespersons, Shakti Singh Yadav and Ejaz Ahmad, said the protest was successful as a large number of people had come on the road to express their ire. They also took jibe at the administration in Patna and barricading done to stop the protestors from moving beyond a point. “In case of criminals, police are not alert and active, but they are putting all efforts to stop the opposition from protesting,” they said.
BJP MP Ravishankar Prasad hit back at the opposition parties and RJD in particular for protesting on the issue of law and order. He said, “They should first introspect themselves. Before 2005, kidnapping used to take place in broad daylight. Many shops and restaurants were shut and businessmen fled from the state. In fact ‘brother-in-laws’ used to rule in that era. Now, things have changed a lot and more improvement will be done. The govt led by CM Nitish Kumar is working on this front.”