Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday dismissed speculation over the continuation of minister Deepak Prakash in the state cabinet, stating that the latter would remain in office despite not being a member of either House of the Legislature.
Addressing reporters in Patna, Choudhary said there was no issue regarding Deepak Prakash’s position in the cabinet. He recalled that he himself had served as a minister for five months and 28 days without being a member of either House.
Deepak Prakash, who was inducted into the cabinet on May 7 under the RLM quota, is currently not a member of either the Bihar Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. He had previously served as a minister in the Nitish Kumar government under similar circumstances.
Government Firm on Anti-Encroachment Drive
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s position on encroachments on public land, stating that no relief would be granted to those who have carried out illegal constructions.
He said the anti-encroachment drive is being conducted without discrimination and that action would be taken irrespective of the size or nature of the structure.
“Whether it is a palace or a small house, if it is built on government land, it will be removed,” Choudhary said.
He added that rural areas present different challenges and that the government is working on a separate policy framework to address encroachments in villages.
No Change in Liquor Prohibition Policy
Responding to questions about the future of Bihar’s prohibition policy, Choudhary made it clear that the liquor ban would continue.
He said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar support prohibition, leaving no scope for reconsidering the policy.
The Chief Minister said the state has been able to offset revenue losses arising from the ban through improved GST collections and financial support from the Centre under various heads.
Remarks on Lalu Prasad and Government Residences
During the interaction, Choudhary also commented on concerns raised by the opposition regarding former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her government accommodation.
Rejecting allegations of political vendetta, he said the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens. He noted that official residences are meant for serving office-bearers and should not be treated as permanent homes.
The Chief Minister also described RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav as a senior leader and said he holds respect for him despite political differences.
