February 27, 2025: A Maha Shivratri procession organized by Bajrang Dal in Bihar’s Munger has sparked a political storm after one of its tableaux featured a controversial depiction of “Love Jihad.” The grand procession, consisting of over 50 tableaux, moved through the city before culminating at the Mankeshwar Nath Mahadev Temple. However, it was one particular tableau that drew sharp criticism and divided political opinion.

The tableau in question portrayed alleged atrocities committed by Muslims against Hindu women. It included a refrigerator with dolls representing chopped-up bodies, visually alluding to cases of women being brutally murdered. Alongside this disturbing imagery were newspaper cuttings highlighting crimes against Hindu women, with slogans warning of dire consequences for abandoning one’s religion. The display, intended as a commentary on interfaith relationships and conversions, quickly became the focal point of a larger political and communal debate.

The opposition parties strongly condemned the tableau, accusing the ruling JD(U) of failing to curb attempts at creating communal discord. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari slammed the government, alleging that such acts were designed to incite violence and disturb Bihar’s peace. Questioning the intent behind including such a theme in a religious festival, he demanded that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar take a clear stand.

In contrast, some leaders defended the tableau, arguing that it was being unfairly singled out from the larger procession. LJP (R) leader Dhirendra Munna dismissed the criticism, stating that Bihar’s law and order remained intact and that isolating one tableau for controversy was unjustified. Similarly, Hindustani Awam Morcha leader Shyam Sunder Sharan assured that the state government was keeping a close watch on the situation, asserting that while freedom of expression must be respected, authorities would not allow any disruption of communal harmony.

The tableau has reignited discussions on religious tensions and political narratives surrounding “Love Jihad.” While some see it as a bold statement on issues affecting Hindu women, others view it as a dangerous attempt to deepen religious divisions. With political parties taking opposing stances, the controversy is likely to fuel further debates as Bihar’s political landscape heats up ahead of the next elections. The state government’s handling of the situation will be closely scrutinized in the coming days, as concerns over communal sensitivity continue to rise.