Araria will 'become a hub of terrorism', says Union minister Giriraj Singh after BJP's defeat in bypoll

NEW DELHI: A day after the BJP lost the byelection to the Araria Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, Union minister Giriraj Singh today warned that it would soon turn into a "hub of terrorists," reported ANI.
"Araria is not just a bordering area, connected to Nepal and Bengal. They have led to a hardline ideology, which is not just dangerous for Bihar, but for the whole country.It will become a hub of terrorism," claimed Singh.
"The RJD has started a new political culture for its political ambitions," PTI quoted him as saying.
The minister's statement evoked strong criticism from several political leaders.
"Request the government to ensure no untoward incident happens. Not just Muslims live there - scheduled castes and others live there too. How can that be the hub of ISIS," questioned former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Another former chief minister and RJD national vice president Rabri Devi alleged that "all the terrorists in India are sitting in the BJP's office."
"All the terrorists in India are sitting in the BJP's office. The people have spoken, and that's why they are bewildered. The people of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are showing the wat. Control what you say, apologise to the people of Araria. Else the people won't forgive you in 2019," she charged.
Rabri Devi's son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "This Man is the Central Minister and Unfortunately he is not aware that it's his government in Bihar & Delhi. If he & BJP doesn't believe in Nitish Kumar's leadership then why don't ask him to step down or withdraw ur support. Such a Shame for Nitish Kumar.."

The RJD's Sarfaraz Alam on Wednesday defeated the BJP's Pradip Kumar Singh in the byelection by over 60,000 votes.
Alam had crossed over from the JD(U) to Lalu Prasad's party to contest the bypoll necessitated by the death of his father and RJD MP Mohammad Taslimuddin on September 17, 2017.
(With inputs from agencies)