The Lalu family seems to have developed a penchant for issuing threats and using crass language against political opponents, specially Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the political discourse in the country has seen stark depths, the Lalu family seems to be set on lowering the discourse further.
Perhaps the Lalu family’s anger stems from the fact that their entire political empire crumbled in July after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to walk out of the “Mahagathbandhan” and immediately joined hands with former allies BJP to form a fresh government.
As if this loss of power wasn’t enough, the Lalu family was also suffering a blow with the CBI filing cases against Lalu, Rabri and Tejaswai and raiding 12 locations in connection with it. Apart from this, the Enforcement Directorate had raided Lalu’s daughter Misa’s residence. Income Tax department had also seized the Benami assets of Misa and Tejaswi.
It is the culmination of this political frustration that seems to get reflected in their violent statements.
Earlier this month, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife, Rabri Devi had said that people in Bihar are ready to slit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s throat and chop his hands.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933230610201460736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This was followed up by the Lalu family’s son, Tej Pratap Yadav who had threatened to beat up Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933313432824061952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As if these statements were not enough, Tej Pratap Yadav has shot his mouth off again, issuing threats to the Prime Minister of India. In a statement issued today, responding to Lalu’s downgraded security, he said “Narendra Modi ka khaal udhedva denge”. Literally translated, it would mean he is threatening to get the Prime Minister of India skinned and thrashed mercilessly.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935041665575796737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This threat by Tej Pratap comes after the Centre downgraded Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Z+ security to Z category security. The centre has also decided to withdraw NSG protection to Lalu because according to rules, people who have Z category security aren’t eligible for NSG protection.
According to sources cited by India Today, Lalu might get additional CRPF security cover despite being Z category protectee, but that clearly hasn’t stopped his son from making violent threats.
Similarly, the Centre also withdrew security cover provided to former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Manjhi till now was a Z+ category protectee and had CRPF cover, but after the home ministry’s decision, the CRPF cover provided to him has been withdrawn.
In the face of such threats, wonder the depths the political discourse would have to stoop to before strong condemnation comes from all ends of the political spectrum. While political rivalry is healthy for the country, a threat issued to the Prime Minister of the country is not just a threat to a political rival, but the duly elected representative of the entire Nation and its sovereignty.