Patna: The 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly begin its first session today in Patna, marking a five-day sitting scheduled to run until December 1. The opening day will see all 243 newly elected MLAs take their oath, with pro-tem speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav presiding.
The election of the Speaker is set for December 2, with the post expected to go to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after an agreement within the National Democratic Alliance. Legislative business will begin on Tuesday with a joint address by the Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, who will outline the new government’s priorities and development agenda.
The session is expected to highlight key policy announcements, including proposals related to employment and industrial development approved at the first cabinet meeting. Plans for 25 new sugar mills and the creation of green townships are expected to feature in the Governor’s speech. A second supplementary grant will also be introduced and debated.
The opposition, led by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the Grand Alliance, has pledged to play a constructive role despite holding only 35 seats. With its significantly reduced numbers, major disruption to proceedings appears unlikely.
In a move described as historic, the Assembly will operate digitally for the first time, significantly reducing paper use. Tablets have been installed at members’ desks to facilitate questions and responses under the NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application) scheme. The Legislative Council has already transitioned to a paperless format.
Session schedule
December 1 – Oath-taking of MLAs and nominations for Speaker.
December 2 – Election of Speaker.
December 3– Governor’s address to the joint sitting of the Assembly and Legislative Council at 11.30am.
December 4–5 – Debate on the Governor’s address, passage of the motion of thanks, and consideration of the second supplementary grant.
