Patna: The Bihar Legislative Assembly is poised to begin its budget session Today, with the government set to present the Economic Survey and outline key policy initiatives for the upcoming year. The session, scheduled to run until February 27 across 19 sittings, will feature the presentation of the state budget for 2026–27 by Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav on February 3.
Ahead of the session, opposition parties have staged protests over the recent NEET student rape-death case in Patna. Congress MLA Qamarul Hoda was seen holding a poster demanding that the issue be addressed in the Governor’s speech. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra accused the government of politicising the matter and called for the death penalty for the accused. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha responded that the case has been handed over to the CBI and assured that justice would be served.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is expected to open the session with a joint address to the Legislative Assembly and Council. Among the key proposals expected in the budget is the “Chief Minister Women’s Employment Scheme,” which will provide Rs 2 lakh to eligible women to start businesses, with officials indicating that allocations could be increased.
Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who had largely remained absent during the winter session, is expected to participate in the proceedings. His approach will be closely watched, particularly as opposition unity remains uncertain. While Congress has distanced itself from the RJD-led Grand Alliance, AIMIM has also separated, leaving Yadav with limited support from two RJD MLAs, the Left, and one BSP legislator.
The opposition plans to focus on five major issues:
- NEET Student Rape-Death Case – Law and order is expected to dominate debates, following the government’s decision to hand the investigation to the CBI.
- UGC Regulations – The new law, intended to prevent caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, is under a Supreme Court stay. Protests have erupted nationwide.
- Jobs and Employment – The opposition will question government claims to provide employment to one crore youth over five years and probe delays in recruitment.
- Bulldozer Actions – Demolition drives against encroachments have drawn criticism, particularly for affecting poor communities, leading to clashes with police.
- State Debt – Rising debt levels will be scrutinised, with RJD calling for a white paper on Bihar’s financial position.
With the budget and policy announcements on the horizon, attention will be on how the opposition challenges the government’s agenda and whether intra-alliance divisions affect parliamentary strategy.
