Chirag urges govt to protect poor during anti-encroachment drive

Patna: Union minister and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday urged the state govt to ensure no injustice is meted out to poor or deserving families during action against illegal structures on govt land. CM Samrat Choudhary had said on Sunday said all such encroachments would be removed.Responding to queries at Patna airport, Chirag said his party has consistently demanded alternative housing be arranged before demolishing homes of poor families. He urged the NDA govt to carry out the drive with sensitivity while upholding the rule of law.Reacting to the ongoing action, Chirag said steps against illegal constructions are necessary and the state govt has the right to act firmly.However, he stressed the administration must ensure homes of families with valid legal rights are not demolished. He said the poor should not be harassed in the name of enforcement and termed demolition without rehabilitation unjust.On liquor prohibition in force since April 2016, Chirag said the intent behind the law is not flawed but its implementation needs correction. He said incidents of spurious liquor have devastated families, highlighting gaps in enforcement.He added liquor smuggling from border areas remains a concern and requires strict vigilance. According to him, the policy will succeed only with effective grassroots implementation and stringent action against illegal networks.