Patna: Union minister and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan faces a fresh political challenge as three of his party’s MLAs, including a minister, have become embroiled in separate controversies involving allegations of misconduct, murder and land grabbing.The developments come at a sensitive time for Chirag, who is already facing attacks from the opposition RJD over the reservation issue and allegations of promoting family members and relatives in the party. The controversies have given the opposition another opportunity to target the LJP(RV) and the BJP-led NDA govt in Bihar.Chirag has sought to distance himself from the controversy surrounding a party MLA and minister, who is accused of misbehaving with a woman employee at a hotel in Delhi. Chirag has demanded a thorough investigation and said strict action should be taken if the allegations are found to be true.Meanwhile, Dehri MLA Sonu Singh and Belsand MLA Amit Kumar Ranu are facing serious allegations in separate cases.RJD spokesman Ejaz Ahmad demanded the minister’s resignation, arguing that his continuation in office could influence any inquiry. “Otherwise, Chirag’s statement is just an eyewash,” Ahmad said, alleging the NDA govt protects those associated with it while targeting political opponents.He also questioned the police handling of the case involving Sonu, saying no FIR had been registered against the MLA despite allegations levelled by the wife of deceased municipal executive officer Vimal Kumar.Congress spokesman Asit Nath Tiwari also attacked the LJP(RV), alleging the party had given political space to people facing criminal allegations.The controversy involving Ranu intensified after Muzaffarpur police searched his residence following a complaint related to a land dispute. Police said the action followed a complaint received on Aug 20 and several stamp papers, land-related documents and papers linked to a construction company were recovered.Police said the documents indicated the alleged involvement of Ranu and his brother in the dispute. An FIR was subsequently registered and further investigation is under way.In the Dehri-Dalmianagar case, Vimal’s wife alleged Sonu had been demanding Rs 50 lakh from her husband and repeatedly harassing him over the phone. She has recorded her statement before police.Police, however, arrested the deceased officer’s driver and sent him to judicial custody. The investigation into the murder and allegations against Sonu is continuing, adding to the political pressure on Chirag as he seeks to consolidate his party’s position within the NDA.
