Patna: Proceedings in the Bihar Legislative Council were disrupted on Tuesday after opposition members entered the well of the House, shouting slogans and confronting ministers, prompting the chair to order their removal by marshals.
The disruption began soon after the House assembled, with opposition members raising slogans and halting proceedings. As the situation escalated, minister Ashok Choudhary attempted to address the Council, but was repeatedly interrupted, leading to a heated exchange with RJD member Sunil Singh.
Sunil Singh accused the government of authoritarianism, raising slogans of “dictatorship will not be tolerated”, while members from both sides shouted across the floor, creating a tense atmosphere inside the chamber.
The chairman made repeated appeals for order, warning members that any attempt to disrupt proceedings would invite legal action. Despite the warning, the opposition continued its protest, refusing to leave the well.
With the disruption continuing, the chair ordered marshals to intervene. Opposition members were subsequently escorted out of the House, bringing proceedings to a temporary halt and creating an unusual scene in the Council.
The standoff also drew on tensions from an incident a day earlier. NDA member Abdul Bari Siddiqui questioned remarks allegedly made by the chief minister to former chief minister Rabri Devi, asking whether they were appropriate. BJP MLC Devesh Kumar objected and demanded action, further fuelling the confrontation.
Responding to the concerns, the chair said written representations had been received from both the treasury benches and the opposition, and that the matter was under examination. Any decision, he said, would be taken only after an inquiry. Addressing allegations of bias, the chair added that if his impartiality was in doubt, he apologised.
Despite these assurances, the Council remained charged, with disputes over protocol and “status” dominating proceedings for much of the day.
