RJD slams Bihar MP Devesh Chandra Thakur for refusing aid to Muslims and Yadavs who didn't vote for him | Patna News - Times of India
Source: The Times of India
PATNA: Newly elected MP Devesh Chandra Thakur from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) has sparked controversy. Thakur stated that he would not assist Muslims and Yadavs as they did not vote for him. This remark has drawn criticism from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
RJD MP Misa Bharti questioned the intent behind Thakur's statement.
"Why did he have to make such a statement? He won the elections and now has the opportunity to represent the people of his constituency.If he is making such statements, what message is he trying to put across?" Bharti said.
On Monday, 71-year-old JD(U) leader Thakur, who secured the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat by defeating RJD rival and former MP Arjun Ray, made the controversial statement during a meeting in the Parihar Vidhan Sabha of the district. He claimed Muslims and Yadavs did not vote for him and, therefore, he would not help them.
Bharti highlighted the inconsistency between Thakur's remarks and the double-engine government's principles, which stress inclusive development.
"PM Narendra Modi says that there should be 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (together with all, development for all). So, why do MPs make such statements?" she asked.
She urged the people of Sitamarhi to reflect on the implications of his words.
"Why is he saying that and what's the reason? The people of Sitamarhi will have to figure that out. They have chosen their leader so that he can help in the progress of the region. Why is he giving out such statements that would create a divide amongst people of his region?" the RJD MP said.
Thakur's controversial remarks continued, further highlighting his stance.
"A person from the Muslim community came to me for some work. I clearly told him that he had come for the first time, so I wouldn't say much. Otherwise, I don't let go easily. I asked him if he voted for the RJD? And, he agreed and said ji sir Lantern (RJD) ko vote diya (Yes, I voted for lantern). I asked him for what reason he had come here. I told him to have tea, and sweets and leave. I won't do your work. You (Muslim and Yadav) did not vote for the Arrow (JD-U's poll symbol) just because they saw the face of Narendra Modi when they saw our poll symbol, then why shouldn't I see the lantern (RJD's symbol) and Lalu Yadav's face in yours?" Thakur said addressing a meeting on Monday.
Thakur asserted that despite always assisting people from these two communities, they still did not vote for the NDA alliance in the Lok Sabha elections.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA emerged victorious in 29 out of 40 seats in Bihar. Both BJP and JD(U) claimed 12 seats each, while LJP (Ram Vilas) won all five of its contested seats. The RJD and Congress secured four and three seats, respectively.
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