Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Monday said the state govt was committed to maintaining ‘sushasan’ and rule of law and the police would respond within 48 hours to any challenge posed to them.In an apparent reference to the opposition’s allegation that police action was targeting people belonging to a particular caste, Samrat said the police had been given a free hand to deal with criminals and no offender would be spared.“We want good governance. If we are to attract industry, good governance is essential. It makes no difference to us who the criminal is or which caste and religion they belong to. With the blessings of Nitishji and Modiji, Bihar will grow economically stronger. We are also committed to boosting the industrial sector. The entire system has undergone a transformation. I have given the police a free hand. There will be absolutely no compromise on good governance. If anyone dares to challenge the police, we will respond within 48 hours. No criminal will be allowed to escape justice. Good governance is essential if we are to attract industries,” he said.While the opposition in Bihar has been attempting to corner the govt over the law and order situation, the police have conducted five encounters across the Magadh, Ang and Saran regions within a month of the Samrat govt taking office.Speaking after inaugurating the road constructed over the Mandiri drain connecting Nehru Path with J P Ganga Path, Samrat said plans were underway to develop new cities on both sides of Patna, particularly in the regions known as Pataliputra and Harihar Kshetra.“The govt has already initiated the work of establishing townships in these areas. PM Modi envisions a developed nation, while former CM Nitish Ji aspires for a prosperous Bihar. With the blessings of both leaders, Bihar will flourish, and India will progress,” he said.Samrat, who later left for Assam to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Himanta govt, also stressed the need to thoroughly clean drainage systems before the onset of the monsoon season.“Instructions have also been issued to expedite the ongoing Metro rail project. Within the next month, the road connecting Didarganj to Hajipur and passing through Kacchi Dargah and Raghopur will be inaugurated,” he said.Samrat said along with road infrastructure, air connectivity was also being strengthened in the state. He said a ‘Water Metro’ service on the Ganga was expected to begin within the next two months.He also requested the chief secretary to ensure a statue of former MLA late Naveen Kishore Sinha, after whom the Mandiri road has been named, is installed at the site by next year.
