Ask caste, then fire: Bihar CM's swipe at Tejashwi Yadav over police encounters

Politics over police encounters in Bihar intensified after Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary hit back at Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav over allegations related to recent police action against criminals in the state.

The controversy erupted after Tejashwi Yadav alleged that "caste-based encounters" were being carried out in Bihar and claimed that criminals were being targetted after their caste identities were determined.

Responding to the allegations, Samrat Choudhary took a sarcastic swipe at the RJD leader and questioned the logic behind the remarks.

"Some people are now saying that if a police encounter happens, the police should first ask about the caste of the criminal. I would tell the police personnel -- fine, ask their caste first and then fire," the Chief Minister said.

Continuing his attack, Choudhary, who holds the Home department portfolio, said such statements lacked "common sense" and asserted that maintaining good governance in Bihar remained the government's top priority.

"The NDA government has given the police a free hand. Maintaining 'sushasan' in the state is the commitment of the government. There will be no compromise on good governance. The rule of law is prevailing in the state. If anyone dares to challenge the police, they have been asked to respond within 48 hours," he said while speaking at a function at police headquarters in Patna.

"Such allegations don't make any sense at all. We believe in good governance. There will be no compromise with law and order, and we will take action against criminals. Anyone trying to disturb law and order should be dealt with strictly as per the law," he added.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister also stressed the need for good governance to attract investments in the state.

"With the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ji, Bihar is developing at a fast pace. We are committed to boosting the industrial sector. The entire system has undergone a transformation. By November 20, 2026, we want investment of around Rs 5 lakh crore in Bihar," he said.

On welfare measures being taken by the state government for the police personnel, Choudhary said, "The welfare of police personnel and their families is the top priority of the NDA government in the state. The state government has taken several initiatives for police welfare".

The remarks come amid an ongoing political confrontation in Bihar over law and order, with the opposition targeting the NDA government over rising crime and recent police encounters, while the ruling alliance has maintained that strict action is being taken against criminals.

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