Patna: Tensions flared in the Bihar Assembly on Tuesday after remarks referring to late Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Ram Vilas Paswan as “Bechara” sparked protests from LJP (R) lawmakers.
LJP (R) leaders and MLAs staged a dharna, calling Paswan “the second Ambedkar” and praising his lifelong advocacy for Dalits, the underprivileged, and the poor. The protesters accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of maintaining an anti-Dalit political culture and repeatedly insulting Dalit leaders.
“Insulting Ram Vilas Paswan is an insult to the Dalit community, and this will not be tolerated at any cost,” an LJP (R) spokesperson said during the demonstration. Party members raised slogans demanding a public apology from the RJD, emphasising that Paswan’s work strengthened social justice and helped integrate marginalized communities into mainstream politics.
The assembly premises grew tense during the protest, though order was eventually restored. LJP (R) leaders warned that agitation would intensify unless the RJD issued a formal clarification or apology. The incident underscores ongoing friction between the ruling party and the opposition over the legacy of Paswan.
The controversy stems from a recent remark by RJD MLA Kumar Sarvjeet, who, while supporting the installation of a statue of Ram Vilas Paswan in the Assembly, referred to him as a “poor man,” triggering outrage among LJP (R) members.
