Newly elected MP Devesh Chandra Thakur from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has sparked controversy with his remarks that he would not assist Muslims and Yadavs since they did not vote for him.
On Monday, the 71-year-old JD(U) leader Devesh Chandra Thakur, who won the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat by defeating RJD rival and former MP Arjun Ray, during a meeting in the Parihar Vidhan Sabha of the district said that Muslims and Yadavs did not vote for him and that he would not help them.
Also Read:Kanchanjunga Express accident: Train reaches Sealdah station after tragic collision
“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 claimed that despite always helping people from the Muslim and Yadav communities, they did not vote for him in the Lok Sabha elections. He expressed disappointment that these groups did not support the NDA alliance.
RJD reacts on remarks
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Misa Bharti questioned Thakur’s intent behind his 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.
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 further asked.
Bharti urged the people of Sitamarhi to consider the implications of Thakur’s 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.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA won 29 out of the 40 seats in Bihar. The BJP and JD(U) each won 12 seats, while the LJP (Ram Vilas) won all five seats it contested. The RJD and Congress won four and three seats, respectively.