Opinion | Women's Safety In Bihar: Politics Can't Become An Excuse For The Future

Updated: Sep 25, 2026 17:42 pm IST Published On Sep 25, 2026 17:41 pm IST Last Updated On Sep 25, 2026 17:42 pm IST

Published On Sep 25, 2026 17:41 pm IST

Last Updated On Sep 25, 2026 17:42 pm IST

In Bihar, every time, after a serious crime against a woman or girl, when the law-and-order situation is questioned, the political response seems almost predetermined. The ruling NDA alliance points towards the erstwhile RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) chief ministers Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi years and reminds people of ‘Jungle Raj'. The Opposition points towards the present government and declares that law and order has collapsed. Between these competing narratives, the victim risks becoming little more than political ammunition.

The recent incident in Jamui, Bihar, involving a Class 10 girl and her male classmate has once again exposed this uncomfortable reality.

There is an uncomfortable question that Bihar's political class needs to answer - how long can the state's failure in providing security to women be explained by delving into the past?

Justifying the Unjustifiable

The horrific incident in Jamui took place on September 19 and came to public attention after a video showing the alleged harassment of the two minors circulated widely. Police registered an FIR, invoked the POCSO Act, formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested suspects. Yet within hours, the discussion moved from the safety of the two minors to the familiar political battle of attrition.

Janata Dal (United) state president Umesh Kushwaha brushed aside the dreadful crime as an ‘isolated' or ‘minor' incident and asked........

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