On Monday, Janata Dal (United) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur stirred a significant controversy with his remarks about not entertaining requests from individuals belonging to the Muslim and Yadav communities. Thakur justified his stance by pointing out that these communities did not support him in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Thakur successfully secured the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, defeating Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Arjun Rai by a margin exceeding 51,000 votes.
A video capturing Thakur's comments during an event has gone viral on social media, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the Muslim and Yadav communities of Sitamarhi. He bluntly stated, "Those from Muslim and Yadav communities who wish to visit can do so, have tea and snacks, but should not expect any assistance from me. When you perceived Narendra Modi's image in the arrow (JD-U's symbol), why should I not perceive the lantern (RJD's symbol) and Lalu Yadav's face in yours?"
Thakur recounted an anecdote of an encounter with a member of the Muslim community who approached him for help. He shared, "A Muslim individual came to me for assistance. I made it clear that since it was his first time approaching me, I wouldn’t say much. Normally, I don't let such matters go easily. I asked him if he had voted for the RJD, and he admitted to it. I told him to enjoy his tea and leave, as I would not be able to assist him."
In response to Thakur's comments, the RJD criticized him, emphasizing that regardless of his party's alliance with the BJP, he should remember that he now represents the entire constituency of Sitamarhi in Parliament. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwary remarked, "Any leader, whether an MP, MLA or even the Prime Minister, should not identify with any particular caste or community. Once elected, they become representatives of their entire constituency. Devesh Chandra Thakur is now the MP for Sitamarhi. He should serve all individuals in the area equally, without distinguishing between castes and communities. Despite his party’s alliance with the BJP, he should resist adopting a saffronized stance."
