Patna erupted in political fury on Sunday as supporters of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) took to the streets, incensed by a Rashtriya Janata Dal legislator’s derogatory remark calling late Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan a ‘bechara’ or ‘poor fellow.’
At Kargil Chowk, a massive protest unfolded where party workers not only vented their anger through slogans but also burned an effigy of RJD leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. The demonstration underscored the deep-seated tensions between the two parties ahead of Bihar’s political battles.
LJP (R) leaders accused RJD MLA Kumar Sarvajeet of insulting the memory of Ram Vilas Paswan during the ongoing budget session of the state assembly. ‘This is an outrageous affront to our leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the marginalized,’ declared Arun Bharti, MP and state organization in-charge, addressing the agitated crowd.
Bharti further lambasted RJD for repeatedly targeting Dalits and the poor through such inflammatory statements. He vowed that protests would continue until Tejashwi Yadav personally apologizes in the assembly. The sentiment was echoed by state president Raju Tiwari, who highlighted how Paswan’s contributions transcended communities, making the slur particularly unacceptable.
The controversy ignited when Sarvajeet used the term in the house, prompting immediate backlash. Even LJP chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan had condemned it the previous day, signaling that such disrespect would not be tolerated. As Bihar’s political landscape heats up, this episode reveals fractures in opposition unity and the enduring legacy of Paswan’s influence.
With elections on the horizon, parties are sharpening their rhetoric, but incidents like these risk alienating key voter bases. LJP workers’ resolve indicates they won’t back down easily, setting the stage for prolonged confrontation.