In a strong condemnation of the police action against protesting chowkidars and dafadars in Patna, Union Minister Chirag Paswan has vowed to personally meet Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to address their legitimate demands. The incident, which unfolded on Monday at Dak Bungalow Chowk, saw police resorting to lathi charge when demonstrators broke through barricades while marching for service-related reforms.
Posting on social media platform X, Paswan described the use of force as ‘deeply regrettable and condemnable.’ He highlighted the crucial role these village security personnel play as the backbone of rural law and order, emphasizing that suppressing their voices through violence is unacceptable in any sensitive administration.
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief announced that a party delegation, led by MP Arun Bharti, will soon meet Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister with a detailed memorandum. It will demand resolution of their genuine grievances, permanent solutions to service issues, and action against erring officials.
‘I will myself urge the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to protect the livelihood, social security, and dignity of chowkidars and dafadars, while demanding appropriate action against the guilty,’ Paswan asserted. He stressed that compromising on the dignity and future of families serving for years under the guise of reforms is intolerable.
Paswan underscored the collective responsibility of society and government to honor those safeguarding villages. The protesters, under the Chaukidar Dafadar Sangh banner, were pushing for better service conditions when tensions escalated, prompting police intervention.
This development comes amid ongoing debates on reforming traditional village watchman roles in Bihar, with Paswan positioning his party as a vocal advocate for these grassroots workers. His intervention could pressure the state government to expedite dialogue and reforms.