A distressing scenario is unfolding in the state of Bihar, where the state machinery is being used as a weapon to suppress the voices of its own people who are only demanding their rights and justice through a peaceful protest in Patna. July 13, 2023, will forever be etched in the memory of the people of Bihar as a dark day for democracy. The brutal and violent handling of a peaceful protest organized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Patna has raised alarming fears of the decay of democratic values. From the tragic death of a BJP leader to the suppression of dissenting voices, today’s events highlight the direction of the Bihar government. Instead of upholding democratic principles and respecting citizens’ right to dissent, the state machinery is used to suppress, intimidate and silence those who dare to question the state government. This blatant disregard for the sanctity of peaceful protests not only undermines the democratic fabric of the state but also tarnishes the very essence of justice and equality. The opposition’s responsibility is to oppose such oppressive tactics and protect people’s rights. But in Bihar, the state government’s actions not only demean democracy but also cast a dark shadow on the principles of freedom and justice that should prevail.
A ‘Vidhan Sabha March’ organized by the BJP demanding rights for farmers, youth, teachers, and common people of Bihar turned into a scene of mayhem due to the excessive use of force by the Nitish Kumar Government. Bihar police resorted to massive lathi charges, deployed water cannons and fired tear gas on the peaceful protesters headed towards the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Tragically, one BJP leader, Vijay Kumar Singh of Jehanabad, lost his life during this brutal crackdown. The government’s willingness to resort to such violence against its citizens exercising their democratic rights is a chilling reminder of dictatorial regimes. The state government’s brutality extended beyond political party workers. Even women Karyakartas, senior MPs, MLAs and senior individuals were manhandled and were not spared the wrath of the Patna police. The use of brute force against those demanding their rights and seeking justice reveals the total indifference of the Bihar government to the well-being and welfare of its citizens. Unemployed youth, teachers, farmers and opposition members were constantly subjected to unfounded lathi charges, leaving them injured and traumatized. This repressive approach silences the legitimate concerns of the people and undermines the very essence of democracy.
The Bihar government’s influence extends beyond the streets and reaches into the very halls of the state assembly. The elected representatives, who have shown the audacity to address issues of corruption, deteriorating law and order and demand accountability from the Nitish-Tejashwi-led state government, have been met with hostility and oppression. In a shocking turn of events, marshals were drafted in to forcefully evict MLAs who dared question the Land for Job Scam. This blatant abuse of power stifles democratic dissent and erects barriers to the democratic process. The selective approach of the media and the opposition to these autocratic actions in Bihar is also deeply disturbing. If similar incidents occur in any BJP-ruled state, the media and opposition parties would unreservedly demand the resignation of the Chief Minister. Yet a deliberate silence prevails in the case of Bihar, questioning the objectivity of the media and the determination of the opposition to protect democratic principles in the country. The manner in which the Bihar government handled the ‘Vidhan Sabha March’ in Patna underscores the arrogance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav. Their actions demonstrate a sense of entitlement and a belief that they are above responsibility and immune from criticism. Such an authoritarian mindset has no place in a democratic society and must be vehemently condemned.
Today’s events in Patna serve as a stark and sobering reminder of the fragile state of democracy in Bihar. Scenes of brutal dispersal and harsh treatment of peaceful protesters, along with tragic loss of life, are disturbing indicators of an emerging autocracy. Equally troubling is the selective outrage and suspicious silence that surrounds these events, which only heightens fears of the disintegration of democratic values. It is now more important than ever for the people of Bihar to demand accountability and transparency from their elected officials. The Government of Bihar must actively uphold the principles of democracy, show due respect for the rights of its citizens and work tirelessly to restore faith in the democratic process. Anything else would be a betrayal of the trust people have placed in their elected representatives. It is time to protect the foundations of democracy and ensure that the democratic spirit of Bihar prevails and is not deterred by the permeation of autocratic tendencies.
