Row over gov offer of help to students of varsities

◗ Latching up the issue, Tejashwi Yadav claimed that this was a reflection on shameful law and order situation in the state

Patna, June 15: Bihar governor Satya Pal Mallik asking girls studying in state universities to report directly to the Raj Bhavan any complaints of molestation or sexual harassment on campuses on Friday triggered a political spat between the Opposition RJD and ruling JD( U) over prevailing law and order situation.

Latching up the issue, Leader Of the Opposition in the Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Friday claimed that this was a reflection on shameful law and order situation in the state.

At a function organised by office- bearers of students unions of various universities here on Thursday, Mr Mallik, who is also the chancellor of varsities in the state, in his ex- officio capacity had said that officers have been deputed in Raj Bhavan and given special telephone numbers for attending such complaints and helping out the victims.

Reacting sharply to the news, Mr Yadav tweeted in Hindi, “Extremely Shameful! The Governor is aware that law and order is in a shameful mess under Chief Minister Nitish Kumars rule.”

“The Chief Minister himself holds the home department which is mired in corruption. Now you can understand how bad must be the situation in Bihar which has compelled the governor to intervene and take cognisance of women’s harassment,” the former deputy chief minister said in a scathing attack at the state government.

Janata Dal ( United), which is headed by the chief minister, reacted angrily to the allegations levelled by the RJD heir apparent.

RJD leaders are trying to act too smart. Entire Bihar remembers the terror and lawlessness they had to suffer while the party enjoyed power in the state for full 15 years. The governor is not separate from the government and his utterance only underscored the governments sensitivity, JD( U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said.