BJP, JD-U bicker over Yogi Model vs Nitish Model in Bihar

Yogi Adityanath’s sweeping win in Uttar Pradesh has given a fillip to bickering between ruling alliance partners in neighbouring Bihar, much to the delight of the Opposition. The BJP MLA’s demand for Yogi’s ‘bulldozer governance’ to be followed in Bihar has not been taken kindly by Janata Dal (U). “Bihar does not need a bulldozer regime as the Nitish model is proven in the country,” JD-U parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha said.

The reaction came after demands by BJP MLAs in Bihar to follow Yogi Model in the state to rein in criminals. The demand was raised by BJP leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad, Agriculture Minister Amarendra Pratap Singh and couple of party MLAs.

BJP gung-ho over Yogi model

On Sunday, Chapra authorities did try to replicate the model when the house of an alleged criminal on the run was razed to the ground, the Hindustan Times reported, adding that agriculture minister Singh rushed the support the police action. This action, Singh said, “will instill a sense of administrative fear among the criminals like it’s being used to check crime in Uttar Pradesh”.

“UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is known for better administration in the state. Yogi model is needed in Bihar,” The Hindu quoted Mr Prasad. “The act of using bulldozers will instil a sense of administrative fear among criminals here like it’s being used to check crime in UP,” his cabinet colleague and party MLA Amarendra Pratap Singh said. The sentiment was echoed by BJP MLAs Vinay Bihari and Haribhushan Thakur too, the report added.

While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refrained from comment, Kushwaha said “bulldozers should be used to remove encroachments on government property.” He added that “even the top BJP leadership has praised Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister and his model of governance. We do not take notice of what others say,” The Hindu report added.

Opposition takes swipes

This row between the alliance partners gave a chance to the Opposition to take swipes at the government. RJD leader and leader of opposition in the state assembly said, “Adityanath’s bulldozers miserably failed in demolishing inflation and unemployment in UP. So how will it be successful in Bihar?” He added that the BJP MLAs’ demand meant that they do not consider themselves to be good enough. BJP leaders’ effusive praise for the “Yogi model” and “bulldozer style” governance in Uttar Pradesh was an admission that the BJP does not have a leadership face or a model of its own for Bihar, the Hindustan Times quoted Yadav as saying. On Saturday, the report said Yadav questioned the “bulldozer Baba” slogan, saying “this hadn’t really helped improve the law and order situation in UP.”

Senior RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari also said that the BJP MLAs’ demand “clearly indicates what’s in store for Nitish Kumar in the coming days.” Congress leader and MLC Prem Chandra Mishra asked, “Hasn’t the CM endorsed the ‘bulldozer model’ of governance by participating in UP CM Adityanath’s swearing-in ceremony?” The Hindu report added.

Yadav told reporters on Monday that the attack on chief minister Nitish Kumar was a reflection of the ground reality in Bihar. “It is strange that the CM is attacked in his home and no heads (of police officers) roll. Suspension of small officers or cops is very promptly done. When the CM is not safe, that tells about the ground reality. Lack of prompt action only emboldens them. I say that the state is witnessing a rape every four hours and murder every five hours,” he added.