BJP MLA from Sitamarhi Mithilesh Kumar has sparked a political row by distributing swords and copies of Ramayana at Durga Puja pandals in his constituency in Bihar. However, Kumar defended his actions, saying, "It's been a part of our religious tradition to worship arms during Durga Puja...My act isn't provoking any violence." RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari called the act "provocative".