Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has criticized Chirag Paswan, chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), for questioning the Nitish Kumar government regarding the law and order situation in Bihar. Manjhi's remarks come amidst rising concerns over recent murders and ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Paswan has publicly criticized the Bihar government following a series of murders of businessmen and traders in Patna. He questioned the accountability of the state police, asking how many more people in Bihar would be killed. Paswan's remarks have stirred political circles, raising questions about the unity within the NDA coalition as the election season intensifies. Prior to Chirag, LJP (RV) MP Rajesh Verma also alleged that law and order in Bihar had collapsed.

In response to Paswan's criticism, Manjhi emphasized that NDA allies must adhere to "coalition Dharma". He indirectly targeted Paswan, stating that one should not refrain from "eating jaggery" while enjoying power within the coalition. Manjhi questioned whether those accusing the government were themselves adhering to coalition principles. He further added that it is unfair to blame the government when RJD people commit crimes.

Manjhi defended the Nitish Kumar government, asserting that the era of mafias being entertained at the Chief Minister's residence ended two decades ago. He claimed that mafias are now being killed in Bihar. He also highlighted that the Bihar Police are actively taking action, arresting criminals, and ensuring trials despite incidents of crime. Manjhi urged NDA allies to present a united front during the elections and foil the opposition's conspiracy.

Other NDA functionaries have also responded cautiously to Paswan's remarks. Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular founder, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and his son, Santosh Kumar Suman, expressed unease over Paswan's statements. Suman said such comments make the coalition feel uncomfortable. JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Kumar Jha defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's record, emphasizing his continuous efforts to change the image of Bihar over the past 20 years.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha defended the government, stating that immediate actions are being taken after incidents. He attributed the rise in crime to land and liquor mafias and assured that the government is taking stringent action.

Political analysts suggest that Paswan's repeated criticism of Nitish Kumar's government may be a strategy to exert pressure on the NDA regarding seat-sharing ahead of the Bihar elections. Manjhi warned Paswan against repeating his 2020 election strategy, hinting at potential consequences. In the 2020 elections, Paswan's LJP contested 134 seats and is widely believed to have contributed to the JD(U)'s poor performance by splitting the anti-BJP vote.

Paswan has taken on an anti-Nitish line within the NDA, finding faults not only with law and order but also with the caste survey, the liquor ban, youth migration, and domicile laws.