‘Don’t pass through the village as it belongs to Yadavs, Kushwahas and Muslims’: RJD Protests Against Devesh Chandra Thakur’s Discriminatory Remarks

Patna: In response to the discriminatory remarks made by Devesh Chandra Thakur, ruling Janata Dal (United) or JD(U)’s MP-elect from Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has launched a bold protest. The party leaders and workers put out posters, declaring, “Don’t pass through the village as it belongs to Yadavs, Kushwahas and Muslims.”

Thakur has declared his refusal to work for people belonging to the Yadav and Muslim communities because they allegedly did not vote for him and supported the Opposition’s candidate.

Thakur’s statements have ignited an uproar across the state. In Vaishali, RJD leader Kedar Prasad Yadav led protests demanding his resignation and calling for fresh elections in Sitamarhi.

During a protest demonstration, he issued a warning through posters, barring the MP from visiting the area, asserting it is inhabited by Yadavs, Kushwahas and Muslims.

A recently surfaced video captured Thakur reaffirming his decision not to serve Yadavs and Muslims during a thanksgiving procession in Sitamarhi. In the purported video, Thakur can be seen stating, “A Muslim man approached me for assistance, and I plainly remarked that you must have voted for Lantern (RJD’s symbol). I can arrange tea and sweets for you, have it and then you may leave; I will not facilitate your request.”

He further asserted if individuals from these communities seek his assistance, they are welcome to visit, but they should depart after having breakfast and tea.

The MP-elect said, “There was a significant loss of NDA’s votes without justification. More than half of the votes of Suri and Kalvaar communities were lost. Can someone explain why this happened? Votes from the Kushwaha community were suddenly reduced. All these voters belonged to the NDA, but why did they not vote for us?”

“The Kushwaha community is acting out of self-interest. Despite the BJP appointing a deputy chief minister (Samrat Chaudhary) from their community, they did not vote for us. Had Upendra Kushwaha won, he would have ascended to a central ministerial position by now. Even if five or seven members of the Kushwaha community became MPs, would it truly benefit Sitamarhi? Have people from Sitamarhi’s Kushwaha community ever gone to them for help? How skewed has their perspective become?”

He further added that the Kushwaha community voted for the Opposition just because Lalu Prasad (the RJD chief) gave tickets to seven candidates from the community.

‘It’s People Who Decide Whom to Vote’

In response to Thakur’s remarks, Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, remarked, “Individuals like him have forfeited any claim to being called representatives of the people”

“The right to vote, whether for or against someone, belongs solely to the public. If those who propagate casteist remarks have the courage to stand by their words, let them openly declare themselves as representatives of a specific caste.”

RJD Demands Resignation

The RJD has demanded Thakur’s resignation, expressing strong objection to his statement. The party insisted, “Such representatives should face cancellation of their memberships.”

Party spokesperson Aijaz Ahmad emphasized that such divisive statements cannot be condoned under any circumstances.

Former CM Rabri Devi directly questioned Thakur about whether his victory relied solely on Rajput votes.

Former RJD MP Arjun Rai from Sitamarhi criticized the JD(U) MP, arguing that his words undermine democratic principles and the Constitution. He stressed that MPs swear an oath to serve all citizens.

Kedar Prasad Yadav reminded Thakur of MPs’ commitment to uphold the Constitution, refrain from discrimination based on caste or religion and ensure equitable service to all.