'Thumko lagao or you will be suspended': RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav's comments to cop on Holi sparks row

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav has sparked a row after he allegedly ordered a policeman in uniform to dance to a song during Holi celebration at his residence in Patna, and threatened to suspend him if he refused to do so.

A video of the incident was shared by news agency PTI on X, where Yadav is saying, “Ay sipahi, ek gaana bajayenge uspe tumko thumka lagana hai. Bura na mano holi hai. Thumka lagao nahi toh suspend kar diye jaaoge (I will play a song, and you have to shake a leg. don’t feel bad, it’s Holi. Dance or else you would be suspended.)

The video, now viral on social media, triggered a sharp reaction from the Opposition, with BJP and JD(U) leaders strongly criticising Yadav's actions.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Like father, like son. First, the father – as the then CM used to make law dance to his tunes and turn Bihar into a jungle raj. Now, the son, despite being out of power, attempts to make laws and protectors of law dance to his tunes through threats and pressure. He threatens Police personnel with suspension if he doesn’t dance. This shows that RJD believes in jungle raj…If they come to power even by mistake, they would violate law and make protectors of law dance…This is a trailer. So, it is important to keep them away from power…"

JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan told ANI, “Jungleraaj has ended but Yuvraj of Lalu Yadav is threatening a policeman about the consequences if he (the policeman) will not comply with what he is instructing (to dance). Bihar has now changed. Be it Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav or any of the family members of Lalu Yadav – they need to understand that such acts have no place in the environment of this changing Bihar."