Patna: Bihar’s budget session opened on Monday with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan delivering the traditional address to a joint sitting of the Legislative Assembly and Council. Speaking in the Central Hall, the Governor emphasised the progress made in law and order and police expansion since the formation of the current government. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav were seen smiling during the address, while Tejashwi attended the session in a wheelchair following recent toe surgery.
“There is rule of law in Bihar,” the Governor said, highlighting a sharp contrast with the pre-2005 period when, he said, “very little work was done.” Since the formation of the current government, he noted, efforts to control crime and strengthen law enforcement had accelerated, with the police force now numbering 130,000 – the largest in the state’s history. Bihar also boasts the highest number of women police officers in India.
Governor outlined five key points from his address: the rapid progress on law and order; the expansion of the police force; measures fostering communal harmony, including fencing sensitive Muslim cemeteries and Hindu temples; financial assistance to women under the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme; and the growth of self-help groups, with 1.1 million now operating statewide and 14 million women members, known as Jeevika Didis.
The session also highlighted opposition concerns, particularly regarding the NEET student rape and death case. Congress MLA Kamrul Hoda protested within the Assembly premises, holding a poster, while RJD MLA Bhai Virendra accused the government of politicising the matter and demanded capital punishment for the accused. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha responded, stating the case had been handed over to the CBI and that the perpetrators would not evade justice.
Tejashwi Yadav, who had largely been absent during the winter session, is expected to be active in the budget proceedings. Despite his recent surgery, he attended Monday’s session in a wheelchair, although some ruling party legislators questioned whether he was using health reasons to avoid debate.
Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav is scheduled to present the state budget for 2026–27 on February 3, followed by a discussion and vote on the Governor’s address on February 5. Sources indicate the budget will focus on the Chief Minister Women’s Employment Scheme, potentially offering Rs. 2 lakh to eligible women to start businesses, signalling the government’s continued emphasis on women’s economic empowerment.
