RJD Leader Tejashwi Blames Media For Scuffle After Cabinet Meeting

Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday defended his security men who have been accused of manhandling journalists after a cabinet meeting in Patna on Wednesday.

A ruckus broke out as journalists tried to question the Deputy Chief Minister. Tejashwi’s security staff allegedly thrashed a camera man, others who tried to mediate were also targeted by the police. The video went viral was condemned by other political parties.

Tejashwi said the security personnel were only trying to protect him. “They (journalists) were falling and competing with each other. Couple of mediapersons were putting mike behind me and brushed my ears and head. There were moments when around 10 mikes were about to hit my nose. I saved myself and the security men were only doing their duty and protecting me,” he said in a Facebook post.

The RJD leader said allegations that he instructed the security staff to attack journalists was baseless. “Reports on a few channels that the incident occurred on my instructions and few RJD supporters carried out the assault are0 totally baseless.”

Opposition parties, including the BJP, have criticised Tejashwi for the incident and there are protest marches planned on Thursday.

Tejashwi posted a few video clips on his Facebook page and Twitter handle in which he said ‘poor’ policemen too have self-respect and they can’t sit idle when they are under attack.