If Tejashwi is transparent, why fear surveillance: Bihar BJP chief rejects RJD's spying allegations

New Delhi, September 16 (IANS): Bihar BJP chief and cabinet minister Dilip Jaiswal on Monday sharply criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav over spying allegations.

Responding to Tejashwi Yadav's allegations, Jaiswal said, “When someone becomes a public leader, he becomes public property and subject to scrutiny. Leaders must maintain transparency. If it seems that someone is being monitored, it suggests that the leader is hiding something. If Tejashwi Yadav is truly transparent, why should he fear surveillance?”

The RJD leader had earlier accused the government of spying on his workers' meeting and claimed that members of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Special Branch were caught taking notes.

Jaiswal then said, “Tejashwi Yadav's political reputation is declining, which is why he is spreading these rumours and making baseless allegations. He has no other intention than to raise caste and reservation issues.”

The Bihar BJP chief also attacked the RJD for criticising the government over the crime rate in Bihar.

“They have no right to protest against crime in Bihar. The RJD is considered to be the root cause of criminal tendencies and crime in Bihar. Before organising protest marches, they should compare the crime rates during their tenure with the current situation,” Jaiswal said.

He stressed that the crime rate in Bihar today is a continuation of the situation under the RJD regime, but law and order has improved significantly under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

Jaiswal also addressed recent comments by socio-religious organisation Imarat Shariah on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, raising concerns about its possible impact on public order.

In his reply, Jaiswal urged restraint, saying, “This is a sensitive matter. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been set up to discuss the issue. Everyone should avoid making baseless allegations until the JPC submits its findings, which will then be discussed in Parliament.”

Jaiswal spoke about the idea of ​​‘One Nation, One Election’ and described it as the BJP’s vision to improve economic and time management efficiency in the country.

“Elections are held all the time – be it Panchayati Raj, Assembly or Lok Sabha. 'One nation, one election' is the best solution,” he said.

He also briefly commented on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's decision to resign, recalling that the Supreme Court had granted bail to Kejriwal on certain conditions which he would have to follow.”