Patna: Bihar’s political arena erupted into fierce controversy as Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary declared that properties of criminals, including those linked to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, would be seized and transformed into government schools for children.
The sharp remarks, made during a television programme in Patna, have ignited a new war of words between the ruling NDA and the Opposition RJD.
Choudhary, branding Lalu Prasad a “registered criminal” in reference to the infamous fodder scam cases, asserted that agencies like the CBI and ED had already attached several of his properties.
Highlighting a specific closed building near Patna’s Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, he announced plans to renovate and reopen it as a school. “Criminals, whoever they may be, will one day end up in jail. Illegally acquired assets must be surrendered to the government. I don’t threaten — I act,” Choudhary emphasised, adding that such initiatives would benefit Bihar’s children and even earn Lalu’s approval.
The statements drew swift backlash from the RJD. Spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad lambasted Choudhary for “nonsensical rantings” since assuming the Home portfolio, accusing him of pursuing a “bulldozer policy” that targets the homes of the poor, backward, Dalits, and marginalised communities. “As Home Minister, refrain from talking about taking the law into your own hands,” Ahmad retorted, questioning why Choudhary had not responded to allegations levelled against him by political rival Prashant Kishor.
Backed by allies JD(U) and BJP, Choudhary’s stance underscores the NDA government’s aggressive anti-corruption drive post their 2025 assembly victory. Yet, for the RJD, it reeks of political vendetta against the Yadav family. As tensions simmer, this episode highlights Bihar’s enduring polarised politics, where old rivalries continue to shape government narratives and public discourse.