Communal tension puts Nitish in a fix
PATNA: When Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar deserted the Grand Alliance to hop into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in July 2017, it was seen as a political masterstroke to retain his supremacy over state politics. However, with the BJP surging again and the RJD-CONgress combine posing a strong opposition, things don’t seem to be moving in a direction of his choice.
The JD(U)’S defeat in the bypolls and a series of post-ram Navami clashes across Bihar have dented Kumar’s “pro-development” image in recent times. Barely until a year ago, Kumar was being touted as the most befitting candidate to challenge Narendra Modi for the prime ministerial post.
Although supremacy of the law was the Nitish government’s unique selling point until now, the manner in which communal tension flared up across the state has raised many an eyebrow.
The Opposition got muchneeded ammunition to accuse the chief minister of “aligning with communal forces” by citing how a Bhagalpur violence accused, Arjit Shashwat, continues to move freely in Patna despite the issuance of an arrest warrant against him. Shashwat is the son of Union minister Ash- wini Choubey.
Kumar’s repeated assertions of “not allowing offenders to escape” don’t seem to be cutting any ice either, opposition parties say. “Nitishji and his complete helplessness to act against the people disturbing peace and harmony is a textbook example of what happens when you betray a mandate,” said Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha.
The RJD parliamentarian said the chief minister wouldn’t pay any heed to repeated warnings issued by party leader Tejashwi Yadav. “Given the volatile situation in the state and Nitish Kumar’s reluctance to act against the saffron brigade, he will soon become known as one of the weakest chief ministers in independent India... somebody who is more concerned about saving his chair,” he added.
Voices of dissent have begun emerging from the JD(U)’S ranks, too. Denouncing Arjit’s defiance, party national general secretary KC Tyagi said that “such incidents would have an adverse impact on the constituents of the NDA”.
However, a senior JD(U) leader claimed there was no threat to the government.
“Those who think Nitish Kumar can be cornered don’t know him. Anybody who tries to test his nerves will be in for a surprise,” he said on the condition that he won’t be named. GUWAHATI: Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the a helpline for women in Guwahati on Thursday, a day after the Gauhati high court ordered a fast track court to be set up in each district of the state to deal with cases of rape and murder of women and children.
The HC order came after a request from Sonowal, according to a tweet he sent out on March 26.
“…also wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and requested for setting up a fast track court to take up all cases of crimes against women on an urgent basis for strict action against perpetrators of such crimes,” he had tweeted.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Sonowal inaugurated the 181Sakhi helpline for immediate help to women in distress in the state.
The toll free helpline will work from 9 am to 5.30pm initially but will soon be turned into a 24-hour service.
“Superintendents of Police of all the districts have been asked to ensure swift and correct filing of charge sheets in all crimes against women so that justice can be given to the victims,” Sonowal reportedly said at the inauguration event.
The helpline is part of a scheme under the ministry of women and child development and the government of India to provide 24-hour assistance to women affected by violence.
Sonowal said he also ordered a new women’s cell at the director general of police office in Guwahati to ensure swift action in cases of violence against women and children in the state.
The recent case of the gangrape and murder of a 12-year-old in a village in Nagaon district by three people, had sparked protests in the state.
CM SARBANANDA SONOWAL ON THURSDAY INAUGURATED 181SAKHI HELPLINE SERVICE TO OFFER IMMEDIATE HELP TO WOMEN IN DISTRESS IN ASSAM