Rising Airfare During Chhath Puja Sparks Outrage Among Bihar Residents

Patna, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Mukesh Sahni, the leader of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), has sharply criticized the government for the significant rise in airfares during Chhath Puja. He also addressed concerns regarding law and order in Bihar and the recent inclusion of two independent members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sahni questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim of three crore infiltrators in the country, demanding transparency. If such a large number have been apprehended, he argued, the government should disclose their identities and current status.

He urged the central government to take the issue of rising airfares seriously. Sahni noted that during election season, airfares were kept low to attract voters, but after the elections, passengers were left to fend for themselves. Chhath Puja is a significant festival in Bihar, and the exorbitant ticket prices ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 for flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai pose a major challenge for ordinary citizens. He accused airlines of charging exorbitant fares and claimed that the government is complicit in this exploitation.

Sahni called for the government to set a cap on airfares, suggesting that airlines should not charge more than ₹10,000 to ₹12,000. He pointed out that there were no special trains or additional flights arranged this year, leaving many Biharis unable to return home to celebrate the festival with their families. He warned that if this treatment of Bihar’s residents continues, the public will respond in future elections.

In response to Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s comment that while crime exists, the concept of crime has diminished, Sahni expressed confusion over the Chief Minister’s definition. He emphasized that law and order in Bihar is in a dire state, with rampant lawlessness. Sahni criticized the current administration for being ineffective and suggested that the Chief Minister operates under pressure from Delhi, fearing repercussions for taking decisive actions.

Sahni also questioned the government’s financial management in light of appeals for wealthier citizens to forgo electricity subsidies. He highlighted past promises made by the government, such as the provision of ₹2 lakh to women, an initial payment of ₹10,000, and 125 units of free electricity. He lamented that Bihar’s treasury is empty, resulting in delayed salaries for employees.

Regarding the recent shift of two independent MLCs to the BJP and the opposition’s demand for their membership to be revoked, Sahni stated that he would respect any court ruling on the matter. However, he accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the Janata Dal (United) party. Sahni claimed he had prior knowledge of the BJP’s support for these candidates against JD(U) but initially dismissed it as a rumor. Their subsequent switch to the BJP, he argued, was a betrayal of the JD(U).

On Amit Shah’s claims about infiltrators, Sahni questioned their whereabouts, asking which prisons they are held in and how many have been deported. He urged the government to release a list of infiltrators, accusing the BJP of spreading falsehoods and undermining democracy.