Bihar Ministers Refuse To Remove Lal Batti, Accuse Modi Of Attacking Federal Structure

Ministers in Bihar, irked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular decision to ban the use of red beacons, have refused to follow the orders, accusing him of deconstructing the federal structure in the country.

“BJP is destroying the federal structure of the country. Whatever decision Centre has taken is not binding on us and state governments are under no obligation to follow them", said Power Minister Bijendra Yadav, one of the most vocal Modi critics.

While some, despite being upset, have derided to follow the orders, others have refused to comply. However, cars used by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Tejasvi Yadav had no red beacons on Wednesday.

Centre’s decision came after newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered all his ministerial colleagues and senior officials to shun siren and hooters and red beacons atop vehicles. A similar step was taken by the Punjab government, led by Captain Amarinder Singh.

For ministers in Bihar, it seems, the aim of public office is to preserve privileges.