Tej Pratap’s ‘Thumka Lagao’ Order to Cop on Holi Sparks Political Row in Bihar
RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav stirred controversy during Holi celebrations by ordering a uniformed police officer to dance, threatening suspension if he refused, prompting sharp criticism from the JDU and BJP. The incident, captured on video, has reignited debates over law and order in Bihar ahead of elections.
During a Holi event with RJD supporters on Friday, Tej Pratap instructed a policeman, “Ay sipahi, ek gaana bajayenge uspe tumko thumka lagana hai,” adding, “Bura na mano holi hai.” He warned, “Thumka lagao nahi toh suspend kar diye jaoge.” The officer complied, briefly dancing amid party workers as the crowd watched.
The celebrations also featured a ‘kurta faad’ ritual, where clothes are torn after applying colours. A video showed Tej Pratap’s supporters forcefully ripping a man’s pants and pushing him down, despite his resistance. The visuals have drawn attention to the event’s chaotic moments.
JDU national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad condemned the act, saying, “Jungleraaj has ended, but Lalu Yadav’s Yuvraj is threatening a policeman. Such acts have no place in today’s Bihar.” He urged the RJD family to adapt to the state’s changing environment.
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BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Tej Pratap, stating, “Like father, like son. His father turned Bihar into a jungle raj; now the son uses threats to bend the law.” He added, “This is just a trailer—keeping them from power is essential.”
Amid the festivities, Tej Pratap took a dig at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, saying, “He is not fit to be called uncle. Everyone has seen his mentality.” He predicted a “real Holi” when RJD regains power. He rallied supporters, saying, “Start preparing for the elections.”
The incident has heightened political tensions in Bihar, with the JDU and BJP leveraging it to attack the RJD’s governance record. As the state gears up for polls, the controversy could shape voter sentiment. Police and RJD responses to the backlash are awaited as the row unfolds.
