Patna : In a fiery speech during the budget session of the Assembly on Monday, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP. Questioning the BJP’s influence over Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi said, “Why has the Chief Minister been hijacked and kept at home?” He also threw down the gauntlet to the BJP, asserting, “If BJP wants to fight alone, we will fight alone too. Let’s see who has the strength.”
‘The CM Has Clipped the Deputy CM’s Wings’
Taking a jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Tejashwi accused him of being reduced to a symbolic role, likening his situation to that of a performer in a traditional launda naach—a folk dance form in Bihar. “The CM has cut the Deputy CM’s turban,” Yadav remarked, adding that despite his symbolic authority, Choudhary had failed to demonstrate any real power.
Tejashwi also referenced the personal sacrifices made by his family, mentioning his sister’s kidney donation to their father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, while slamming his political opponents for making insensitive remarks about his family.
Neglect of Bihar by the Centre
Accusing the central government of neglecting Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav criticised the lack of adequate resources and investments for the state. “Bihar remains the poorest state according to the NITI Aayog report,” he said, pointing out that despite the Bihar government significantly increasing the budget size, the Centre had done little to address the state’s pressing concerns related to education, healthcare, and industry.
Promise to Tackle Corruption
Tejashwi did not hold back while accusing the Nitish Kumar government of fostering a culture of corruption. He alleged that no work gets done without bribes and that district officials operate without accountability. “When our government comes, officers will have to work without taking bribes,” he promised, adding that the current administration had lost credibility.
‘I Have a Vision for a New Bihar’
Projecting himself as a youthful leader with a mission, Tejashwi spoke of his “vision, mission, and passion” to build a “new Bihar.” He emphasised the need for Bihar to leverage its youthful population in the upcoming 2025 elections and promised to represent the aspirations of the younger generation. “I don’t just want to form a government, I want to create a new Bihar,” he declared.
Sparring with Ministers Over Special Status
Tejashwi also questioned Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on the issue of granting Bihar special state status. When Vijay Choudhary’s response appeared vague, Yadav quipped, “Your answer is as twisted as a jalebi,” drawing laughter in the House.
Assembly Uproar Over Law and Order
The opposition’s anger over deteriorating law and order was palpable, with CPI(ML) MLAs staging a protest in the Assembly’s well. The commotion began after the murder of a private hospital owner in Patna and escalated when opposition members demanded a discussion on the state’s law and order situation. The uproar continued for several minutes before the Speaker restored order.
Controversy Over National Anthem and Insults to Biharis
In the Legislative Council, RID MLC Sunil Singh raised concerns over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly insulting the national anthem. The matter escalated when BJP MLC Sanjay Mayukh condemned derogatory remarks made by Tamil Nadu ministers about Biharis, leading to a unanimous censure motion passed by the Council.
Chinese Garlic and Plastic Rice Spark Concerns
Concerns over food safety were also raised in the Council when MLC Maheshwar Singh highlighted the sale of smuggled Chinese garlic, which he claimed was damaging people’s kidneys and hearts. Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary promised strict action, while former Chief Minister Rabri Devi raised concerns about plastic rice being sold in Bihar, urging the government to investigate.
MLCs Protest Over Working Conditions for Jeevika Women
The government came under fire for its handling of the Jeevika project, where 145,000 women work without provision for maternity or special leave. MLC Abdul Bari Siddiqui and Shashi Yadav criticised the government’s response, while Rabri Devi accused the government of failing to address women’s concerns effectively.
BJP MLC Questions His Own Government
In a surprising development, BJP MLC Dilip Kumar Singh criticised his own government, expressing frustration that ministers and officials ignore elected representatives. “People call us honourable, but neither ministers nor officers listen to us,” he lamented.
RJD MLA Questions CM’s Mobile Usage
Outside the House, RJD MLA Mukesh Roshan questioned why Nitish Kumar avoids using a mobile phone despite advocating for Digital India. “In 2019, Nitish ji said the world would end in 10 years. Six years have passed. What has been done?” Roshan asked sarcastically.
