JD(U) MLA steers another controversy

Controversial JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal from Gopalpur, has once again made headlines by threatening to carry out "politics of murder" in retaliation if harassed by political opponents, even as the ruling party distanced itself from his remarks.
"I would carry out politics of murder in the state and will get it done by others...There is no doubt in it," he said while participating in a Holi Milan function at Naugachhia in Bhagalpur district on Sunday night.
Mandal alias Neeraj Kumar Niraj, a fifth-term MLA from Gopalpur assembly seat in Bhagalpur district, said the opposition BJP leaders have been harassing him and his workers by threatening that they would commit murders to get him and his supporters framed on false charges.

"I am a five-term MLA. Have you ever heard that an MLA is being harassed? But I am being harassed by them and so are my supporters...If an incident (murder of my supporter) takes place, the process of retaliation would start," Mandal said while expressing no "regret" for his comment.
The remarks of Mandal, who is known for his controversial statements, have not gone down well with the Opposition and ruling JD(U).
The controversial remarks of the senior JD(U) MLA came in for sharp criticism by fellow party leaders and those from the alliance partners and opposition with senior BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav questioning Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's silence over the issue.

"Is it a 'Sushashan' when a ruling party MLA openly says that he will commit murder?" he asked.
"Kumar is keeping mum on the issue apparently for the sake of power," Yadav, a former Leader of Opposition in the legislative assembly said.