Ram Navami Riots In Bihar Were Orchestrated As Part Of Conspiracy To Target State: Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said that the Ram Navami violence was an example of how Bihar is being continuously targeted.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said that the riots in two Ram Navami processions in the state were orchestrated as part of a conspiracy to target the state. He further claimed that the BJP did not want peace and could go to any length to usurp power.

"Out of 118 places where Ram Navami processions were taken out, only two reported violence. All those who were involved in the violence are being identified and arrested. Strict action will be taken against them," Yadav said. "It doesn't matter whether our government stays or not. Peace will prevail," he added.

He said that the violence was an example of how Bihar is being continuously targeted. "Everyone's watching how Bihar is being targeted. Earlier, an attempt was made to create animosity between the people of Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Now, these riots," Yadav said.

Communal clashes were reported from multiple cities in Bihar on Ram Navami. Arson and looting were reported from Nalanda, Sasaram, and Bihar Sharif. A bomb blast also occurred in Sasaram, in which five persons were injured.

He said this was an auspicious period for different communities and violence during such holy month will not be tolerated. Hindus are celebrating Ram Navami while Muslims are observing fast for Ramzan. Jains also celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on Tuesday. This month, many communities will also celebrate New Year.

When asked to respond to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comment that the Bihar government will fall soon, Yadav said that the BJP could stoop to any level to grab power. " Do they care about peace or humanity? They just want to enjoy power, by hook or by crook. If they can't get votes, they will resort to horsetrading," he replied.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday denied accusations of administrative negligence in the aftermath of communal riots in the state. Kumar also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), promising to expose those who had "orchestrated" the violence. Additionally, he criticized Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, calling him a BJP "agent."

Kumar made these statements during a function commemorating the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjeevan Ram, a former deputy prime minister and Dalit leader, where journalists asked him questions. The Bihar CM's comments followed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations that the BJP was using hooligans to incite riots in her state.

Kumar mocked Shah's recent remarks at a rally in Nawada district, where the Union Home Minister declared that "rioters will be hung upside down if BJP comes to power in Bihar." Kumar reminded Shah of the 2018 riots in Bhagalpur when the Bihar government arrested the son of a BJP leader.

Kumar also alleged that the recent riots in Sasaram and Bihar Sharif, which occurred during Ram Navami, were "orchestrated" and that those responsible for the violence would soon be discovered. He claimed that these riots had been meticulously planned, pointing out that one of the incidents had occurred in Sasaram, where Amit Shah was supposed to visit. Furthermore, he expressed disappointment that Amit Shah had spoken to the Governor about the riots rather than speaking to him.

Kumar also criticized Owaisi, calling him an "agent" of the BJP and stating that Owaisi had expressed a desire to meet him after he split from the BJP. Lastly, when asked about his plans to tour the country to bring together anti-BJP forces, Kumar stated that he was "making efforts in that direction."

(With PTI inputs.)