'India's crime capital': Rahul Gandhi slams Nitish government
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Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, labelling Bihar as the “crime capital of India” in the wake of the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna.
In a post shared on social media platform X on Sunday, Gandhi stated, “The brazen murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has once again proven - the BJP and Nitish Kumar together have turned Bihar into India's crime capital."
He further added that Bihar is now under constant threat from violence and lawlessness, describing the situation as the "new normal" under the current administration.
“Today, Bihar is living under the shadow of loot, fire, and murder. Incidents like these have become the new normal here, and the government has completely failed. Brothers and sisters of Bihar, this injustice cannot be tolerated any longer. A government that cannot protect your children cannot take responsibility for your future,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Terming each act of violence as “a cry for change”, Gandhi called upon the people of Bihar to bring a new direction to the state through the ballot in the upcoming Assembly elections.
“Now is the time for a new Bihar, where there is progress, not fear. This time, the vote is not just to change the government but to save Bihar,” Gandhi said.
The murder of Gopal Khemka occurred around 11.40 p.m. on Friday near Gandhi Maidan, close to a police station and the District Magistrate’s residence, raising concerns about law enforcement in high-security areas.
Following the killing, opposition figures like Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor slammed the Nitish-led government over its handling of law and order.
Even members from the ruling NDA coalition, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with LJP (RV) MP Rajesh Verma, acknowledged failures in managing the situation.
The incident has sparked renewed political discourse in Bihar as the 2025 Assembly elections approach, with law and order emerging as a central theme.
(inputs from IANS)
