Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Why Ministers Cannot Become the Law: A Lesson in Restraint
In 1988, Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad visited Jehanabad after a deadly massacre.
Eleven people had been killed in the Damuha-Khagri massacre.
While Azad was there, activist Birendra Vidrohi blackened his face in public.
Azad did not hit him or fight back physically.
Instead, the law and government officials were left to handle the incident.
The story says that leaders should not use their power to take personal revenge.
A public office is respected when its holder stays calm and follows the law.
The main lesson is that self-control can show greater strength than retaliation.
On August 13, 1988, Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad visited Jehanabad district.
He had gone there after the Damuha-Khagri massacre, in which 11 people were killed.
CPI(ML) activist Birendra Vidrohi publicly blackened Azad’s face.
Azad did not physically retaliate, leaving the incident to the law and administration.
The episode is presented as a lesson that public dignity is shown through restraint, not retaliation.
- Who
- Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad and CPI(ML) activist Birendra Vidrohi.
- What
- Vidrohi publicly blackened Azad’s face, while Azad did not physically retaliate.
- When
- August 13, 1988.
- Where
- Jehanabad district, Bihar.
- Why
- The episode is cited to show that public officials demonstrate dignity by exercising restraint and allowing the law and administration to respond.
- Chief minister
- Bhagwat Jha Azad
- District
- Jehanabad
- Date
- August 13, 1988
- Massacre
- Damuha-Khagri massacre
- Massacre death toll
- 11 people killed
- Person involved
- CPI(ML) activist Birendra Vidrohi
- Central lesson
- The dignity of public office is demonstrated through restraint rather than retaliation.