20th April 2023, Mumbai: Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, recently found himself embroiled in controversy after he referred to gangster Atiq Ahmed as “Atiq ji” during a political rally. The move drew sharp criticism from BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who responded with a stinging rebuke.
Atiq Ahmed is a notorious gangster who has been implicated in a number of criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Despite his criminal background, Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), addressed him in respectful terms during a recent rally in Siwan.
Giriraj Singh, the former Union Minister and BJP leader from Bihar, was quick to call out Yadav for his comments. In a tweet, Singh accused Yadav of siding with criminals and warned that the people of Bihar would not tolerate such behavior.
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many people criticizing Yadav for his apparent show of support for a known criminal. Some have also accused him of trying to gain the support of Ahmed’s supporters in the upcoming state elections.
Yadav, for his part, has defended his comments, arguing that he was simply showing respect to a person who was once a member of parliament. He also accused Singh and the BJP of attempting to distract voters from the real issues facing the state.
This is not the first time that Yadav has found himself at the center of a political controversy. In the past, he has been accused of making inflammatory statements and engaging in divisive rhetoric.
The incident has also raised questions about the prevalence of criminal elements in Indian politics. Ahmed is just one of many politicians and political aspirants who have been linked to criminal activities. Critics argue that this has led to a culture of impunity, where politicians can engage in criminal behavior without fear of consequences.
Despite the criticism, Yadav and the RJD remain popular among voters in Bihar. The party has a strong base among the state’s Muslim population, and Yadav has been praised for his efforts to address issues like unemployment and corruption.
In conclusion, Tejashwi Yadav’s decision to refer to Atiq Ahmed as “Atiq ji” has drawn criticism from BJP leader Giriraj Singh and others. While Yadav has defended his comments, the incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of criminal elements in Indian politics. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the political landscape of Bihar.