JD-U MP Devesh Chandra Thakur has stirred up a political row with his remarks on the Yadav and Muslim communities in his constituency — Sitamarhi. Thakur, who recently won the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat, said he was disappointed over the fact that he didn't receive votes from Muslims and Yadavs, groups that are traditionally aligned with Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD, and that he would not help them.
A video of this has now gone viral. Thakur, a former chairman of the state legislative council, further said that he lost support from communities like the Suris and Kalwars and that there was a shift in the Kushwaha voter base due to ticket distribution by Lalu Prasad's RJD. Citing this, he said that issues of Yadavs and Muslims would take a backseat now. However, he assured respectful treatment to individuals from the communities if approached personally.
"I have made it clear that Yadavs and Muslims must not expect me to be of any help to them," Thakur stated, recounting a conversation with a Muslim visitor who, he claimed, regretted not supporting him due to his party's BJP affiliation.
RJD, BJP Slam Devesh Chandra's Remark
The comments drew severe backlash from political quarters, including the RJD and even Nitish Kumar's ally BJP. RJD's Bhai Virendra said Thakur's remarks were objectionable. "When you win an election, you represent every individual in your constituency irrespective of his or her community. If you hold up a file because of communal reasons, the matter will be taken to court," he said.
RJD's Misa Bharti said: "He won the elections and he will have the opportunity to represent the people of that constituency. If he is making such statements, what message is he trying to put across? It is the 'double-engine government' that PM Narendra Modi harps on and says that there should be 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'. So, why do the [alliance's] MPs make such statements?"
BJP's OBC Morcha leader Nikhil Anand, too, slammed Devesh Yadav's statements that marginalised communities and highlighted his party's inclusive approach in Bihar.
Understand Sentiments, Not Language: JDU's Defence
JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar, however, defended Thakur's remarks, reported news agency PTI. He also said his remarks stemmed from disappointment.
Echoing Anand, JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "Devesh Chandra Thakur is a newly-elected MP from Sitamarhi. The pain he expressed among his workers was on the basis of his work experience. When an individual becomes a public representative, he is works for everyone. So, understand the sentiments, not language. What is important is that such matters should be avoided."