RJD MP Issues Ultimatum As Political Uproar Erupts In Bihar Over Rural Panchayat Taxes

Patna: RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has expressed strong objection to the Bihar government's rural panchayat tax. He also targeted the central government over several issues, including the hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk and the NEET controversy. Sudhakar Singh stated that the rural panchayat tax places an additional burden on poor villagers. Comparing it to the 'Jizya tax' of the Mughal era, he noted that people in villages are already grappling with poverty. They are already paying taxes on various items such as electricity, mobile services, and salt; therefore, there is no justification for imposing yet another tax.

What did Sudhakar Singh say?

He pointed out that poor farmers do not have ready cash. They sustain themselves on the produce from their farming and purchase essentials—like clothing—only if there is a small surplus. Collecting a monthly tax from such people would be an injustice to the public. He alleged that the government comes to power through the people's votes but subsequently burdens those very people with new taxes.

Sudhakar Singh also dismissed the government's claim that the tax is necessary to make panchayats self-reliant, noting that an annual budget of approximately ₹12,500 crore is already allocated for panchayats. He alleged that new employees would be deployed across villages to collect taxes, which would only fuel further corruption.

What did Sudhakar Singh say about Sonam Wangchuk?

Addressing the issue of Sonam Wangchuk, he stated that the Prime Minister should explain the circumstances that forced Wangchuk to undertake a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Raising the NEET paper leak issue, he remarked that allegations of paper leaks have surfaced not only regarding NEET but also in several other examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). He alleged that the government neither apologized for the matter nor conducted an effective investigation to take action against the guilty. Instead of engaging in dialogue, the government has maintained silence, which runs counter to the spirit of democracy.

What was reaction on Defence Minister's Statement?

Sudhakar Singh also reacted to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement describing the RSS as an organization dedicated to 'serving the nation.' He asserted that there should be a uniform law for all organizations in the country. If one organization is required to obtain permission to stage protests or conduct activities, the same rule must apply equally to everyone; the country cannot have two sets of laws.

Speaking on the issue of delimitation, the RJD MP stated that this is a matter concerning the entire nation, not just any single political party. He alleged that discrimination had occurred during delimitation exercises in certain states in the past. He warned that if the government attempts to pass the delimitation bill through illegal means, his party would oppose it.