Patna: Bihar’s ruling coalition saw high drama on Monday when Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha scolded minister Ashok Chaudhary in front of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The clash took place during the NDA meeting after the Assembly’s monsoon session was adjourned within minutes.
Vijay Sinha was upset that Ashok Chaudhary did not invite the local MLA to a Rural Works Department event. Sinha said that all allies must follow the coalition rules and give respect to each partner. Nitish Kumar watched the argument but did not say anything.
The Deputy CM also raised the issue of Prahlad Yadav, saying he helped the government come to power and should be treated well. Many BJP MLAs, including Gyanendra Singh Gyanu, also criticised Ashok Chaudhary for allowing global tendering in the Rural Works Department. They said giving work to companies from outside Bihar would harm them in the upcoming elections.
Earlier in the day, the Assembly session lasted only 17 minutes as the budget of Rs 57,946 crore for 2025-26 was presented. Opposition parties protested outside, raising slogans against the government on issues like rising crime, fake medicines, and voter verification. Congress MLAs wore garlands made of medicines to demand the resignation of minister Jivesh Mishra, recently convicted in a fake medicine case. RJD MLAs also protested, saying Bihar was facing lawlessness and the government had failed to control crime.
