Union Minister and LJP (RV) president Chirag Paswan expressed profound dismay over the lathi charge on chowkidar-dafadar protesters in Patna, pledging direct talks with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on their pressing concerns. The Monday clash at Dak Bungalow intersection highlighted simmering unrest among Bihar’s village guards seeking service improvements.
In a pointed X post, Paswan labeled the force deployment ‘extremely tragic and reprehensible,’ arguing it betrays the loyalty of these dedicated servants who form rural Bihar’s security spine. ‘Drowning their justified demands in brutality doesn’t align with a responsive governance model,’ he stated.
His party has promptly formed a delegation under MP Arun Bharti to engage Bihar’s Deputy CM and Home Minister. They plan to submit a comprehensive memorandum covering demand fulfillment, lasting fixes for employment woes, and accountability for administrative lapses.
Paswan personally committed to confronting the CM, advocating safeguards for the protesters’ livelihoods, social protections, and honor. He firmly opposed any reforms that erode the stature of long-serving families, calling it a shared duty to secure their futures.
Background: The Chaukidar Dafadar Sangh rallied Monday for rightful claims. When they surged past barricades, police used force to disperse them. This episode underscores broader challenges in modernizing Bihar’s panchayat-level security without alienating veteran staff.
Paswan’s proactive stance may galvanize support among rural voters, amplifying calls for empathetic policy shifts in the state.