BJP legislators stage a protest at the Assembly on Friday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

The Opposition on Friday slammed the government in the Assembly over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

In a special debate, the Opposition benches attacked the government over the July 7 blasts in Bodhgaya, the police firing in Bagaha and the Naxalite attack on a train in Jamui. Chief minister Nitish Kumar was conspicuous by his absence during the debate.

Reacting to the attacks, water resources minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the Opposition had employed “hit-and-run” tactics. He was referring to the walkout staged by the BJP and the RJD MLAs without hearing any reply.

The minister threw a challenge to the BJP and the RJD, asking them to “hit, sit and then compete”.

But even before the walkout, the debate took on characteristics of an altercation with both the Treasury and the Opposition benches firing well-aimed volleys at each other.

BJP MLA from Chanpatia in West Champaran, Chandra Mohan Rai, said Nitish was more concerned with the stability of the government and had put the administration on the backburner.

“Ever since the chief minister snapped the alliance with the BJP, the government has become weak. So, his priorities have changed. He is more focussed on saving his government and is losing grip on the administration,” said the former public health and engineering minister.

He added: “The Bagaha police firing incident, in which six innocent members of the Tharu community were killed, reflects this.” Rai also demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for family members of the victims.

JD(U) MLA from Vamliki Nagar in West Champaran, Rajesh Singh, countered the Opposition attack in a belligerent manner. He said: “Those persons (the Opposition) whose role models are Godhra, (Nathuram) Godse and Babri Masjid are talking about the deteriorating law and order condition in the state. In the Bagaha incident, members of a particular political party provoked innocent people. The government will deal strictly with all such people.”

Singh also said: “Accha hua aapke sar se Nitish-rupi chat chala gaya, aab aap ko pata chal jayega (It is good that the protection that BJP members enjoyed during their alliance with the JD(U) is over. Now you will understand!)”

BJP members Sanjay Tiger, Prem Ranjan Patel and others greeted his incendiary comments with a round of strong protests.

The Opposition also attacked the government over the terrorist attack at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodhgaya. Gaya Town MLA Prem Kumar said the attack on one of the holiest shrines of Buddhism had brought disrepute to the state. “Despite alerts from the Union government about a possible terrorist attack, the state government ignored the threat,” he said.

The BJP leader also critisised the government for passing a bill allowing non-Hindus to become chairpersons of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.

Replying to the Opposition queries, water resources minister Chaudhary said the government was serious about the law and order situation.

“The government has taken a number of steps like handing over security of the Bodhgaya temple to the Central Industrial Security Force and forming Tharu Vikash Trust for the welfare of ethnic groups in Bagaha,” he said.

After the Question Hour, BJP members stormed into the Well of the House alleging that false cases had been registered against BJP MLAs Nitish Navin and Prem Kumar. The Speaker adjourned the House sine die without taking up the call attentions.