Patna: On the first day of the Bihar Assembly’s monsoon session, a lunch party was organised for NDA MLAs where mutton was served. This special arrangement surprised many because it was the second Monday of Sawan, a month when many people avoid non-vegetarian food. Minister Jama Khan was the first to start eating mutton, while Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary chose to eat fruits. Some JDU ministers sat separately, worried that someone might take their photos while eating.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in the Assembly was tense. As soon as the session started, opposition MLAs began shouting slogans against the government, accusing it of failing to control crime and unemployment. AIMIM MLAs came to the well of the House with posters while the Speaker kept asking everyone to stay calm. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav sat near each other but did not exchange greetings or speak.
The government presented its first supplementary budget worth Rs 57,946 crore. After paying tribute to deceased leaders, the House was adjourned till Tuesday. Outside the House, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi said Nitish Kumar should resign and make his son the Chief Minister. Congress leaders also criticised the government for not listening to the opposition’s questions on law and order and the voter verification issue.
Tejashwi Yadav demanded a discussion on voter verification, saying that Bihar is the mother of democracy and the poor should not lose their voting rights. He warned that if the government does not agree to discuss these issues, it will have to face the public’s anger soon. The session will continue till July 25, with a discussion on the supplementary budget scheduled for July 24.
