Patna: Independent MP Pappu Yadav, backed by the Congress, has sharply condemned a wave of demolitions targeting illegal constructions in Bihar, warning that the government’s actions are disproportionately harming the poor.
Since the formation of the new state government, joint administrative teams have been removing encroachments in Patna, Motihari, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur and other cities. The demolitions, which officials say are aimed at reclaiming public land, have sparked chaos in several neighbourhoods.
Speaking to the media at Patna airport before departing for Delhi, Yadav said: “They won’t give land to the poor in Bihar, and yet they are demolishing the homes of those same people. Women are crying, children are on the streets, shopkeepers are ruined. I’ve never seen this before. Can the government not see the human cost of this so-called development?”
He accused politicians, officials, and local mafias of colluding in the land clearances. “This is an anti-poor action. We will not tolerate it. The fight will take us from the streets to Parliament. We will oppose anything that goes against the Constitution,” Yadav added.
The MP said he was travelling to Delhi to attend a review meeting of the Congress high command, aimed at analysing the party’s electoral performance and determining accountability for irregularities.
Yadav also criticised the eviction notice served to former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi from her government residence at 10 Circular Road. “Rabri ji’s bungalow is being taken away. This is political revenge, not development. Two former chief ministers have lived there. Such behaviour is unacceptable, and we will approach the courts,” he said.
On the issue of chanting national slogans in the Rajya Sabha, Yadav commented on the debate over Vande Mataram and Jai Hind, saying: “Everyone has the right to chant, but it should not offend any caste or religion. Any action that violates the Constitution will be opposed. In a democracy, intimidation politics will not work. This issue will be raised in Parliament.”
