Gaya, July 27 -- Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday defended the law and order situation in Bihar, saying that while some incidents do happen, conditions were far worse in the past.

His remarks came amid rising political criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led government, especially following reports of increasing crime in the state.

Speaking to ANI, Manjhi said, "These people want to stir up Bihar with their words. We should also remember the period before 2005. I have been in politics since 1980. I have witnessed an era when all kinds of crimes occurred, and our people were killed mercilessly. The state has a population of 14 crore, and some incidents do happen..."

He added, "At that time,...