Manjhi suggests Prez rule to rein in 'maha jungle raj' in Bihar

Backing the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP)'s 'maha jungle raj' jibe to describe the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday suggested to the Centre that the situation in the state is 'appropriate' to impose President's Rule.

NDA ally Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief told ANI that the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government was voted to power for development and improvement in the law and order situation, but instead the criminals are flourishing in the state under the current regime.

"One of my colleagues has rightly said that situation had deteriorated from 'jungle raj' to 'maha jungle raj'. People in mahagathbandhan are insensitive and crime is flourishing in their rule. I have written to the Prime Minister demanding that the situation in Bihar is appropriate for President's rule," he said.

He said Nitish was now backing out from fulfilling the promises made prior to polls and instead speaking about an 'anti-intoxication' drive to divert the attention of the people.

"Such incidents are repeatedly taking place in Bihar. Look what happened in Gaya, a youth was killed in road rage. And now in Siwan a journalist was killed, fourth pillar of democracy is under threat," he said.

Meanwhile, two people have been detained in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan.

Siwan Superintendent of Police told ANI that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder.

Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station.

Criticising the murder, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain had said, "It has never been this bad in Bihar, this is not 'Jungle Raj', this is 'Maha Jungle Raj'. Nitish Kumar should look after Bihar instead of worrying about Varanasi.