Bihar Governor's offer to help girl students of universities sets off political spat between JD(U) and Opposition RJD

Latching up the issue, leader of the opposition in the assembly Tejashwi Yadav today claimed that this was a reflection on shameful law and order situation in the state.
Bihar governor Satya Pal Malik(Photo: ANI)
Bihar governor Satya Pal Malik(Photo: ANI)

PATNA: Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik’s announcement that girl students of the state’s universities can directly report to the Raj Bhavan about molestation or sexual harassment incidents on campuses set off a political spat between the ruling JD(U) and the main Opposition RJD on Friday.

Terming the Governor’s initiative as an affirmation of the Nitish Kumar-led government’s failure to ensure women’s safety, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav urged the Governor to recommend imposition of President’s Rule in the state. Yadav, a former deputy chief minister who is currently the leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, also attacked CM Nitish Kumar over the rising incidents of sexual crimes against women in the state.

“The Governor has admitted that the Nitish government is unable to prevent murders, rapes and atrocities against women. I humbly request the Governor to recommend President’s Rule in the state,” said Yadav in a tweet. Referring to the gang-rape of a doctor’s wife and his teenage daughter in Gaya, Yadav questioned the CM’s silence. “Where has Nitish Kumar’s conscience gone? Has he sent it to Nagpur on a long leave?”

Malik, who is also the Chancellor of universities in the state in his ex-officio capacity, had said at a function of office-bearers of students unions of various varsities in Patna on Thursday that girl students facing molestation or sexual harassment incidents can directly inform Raj Bhawan.

The Governor had said officers have been deputed at Raj Bhavan to take such calls 24 hours and that special telephone numbers have been assigned for this purpose. He also said the victim girl students can inform Raj Bhawan before lodging a complaint at police stations.

The ruling JD(U) hit back at Yadav for his “undue politicking” over the Governor’s initiative. Leaders of JD(U) and ally BJP accused Yadav of failing to see that the state government makes sure that perpetrators of all crimes are arrested and punished as per law.

“Tejashwi Yadav, who did not study even up to class 10th, should not spread the terror of his learning in Bihar. The Governor is not separate from the government, and his initiative underscores the state government’s sensitivity. Bihar’s people have not forgotten the reign of terror during the 15 years of rule by RJD,” said JD(U) spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar.

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