Patna: In a significant development during the ongoing budget session, former minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nand Kishore Yadav has been unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Bihar Assembly. This decision, marking a historic milestone for the 17th Assembly, was reached on the third day of the session.
Nand Kishore Yadav’s election not only signifies a new leadership in the Assembly but also sets a record for the maximum number of Speakers elected within a single term in Bihar’s political history. The previous record was held by the ninth assembly (1985-90) with Shivchandra Jha and Mohd. Hidayatullah Khan serving as speakers.
Following his election, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was appointed as the leader of the House while Tejashwi Yadav assumed the role of leader of the opposition party.
In a symbolic gesture of respect and camaraderie, both CM Nitish and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav escorted Nand Kishore Yadav to his seat, with Tejashwi graciously touching the feet of the newly-elected Speaker. The proceedings of the House were subsequently adjourned until Monday at 11 am.
Expressing gratitude for his unanimous election, Nand Kishore Yadav emphasized the role of the Speaker as the guardian of the members rather than an authoritarian figure. He pledged to ensure fairness and impartiality in conducting the House proceedings, drawing from his experience as a former minister, leader of the opposition, and a longstanding member of the Assembly.
Acknowledging the significance of the role bestowed upon him, CM Nitish Kumar congratulated Nand Kishore Yadav and expressed optimism for his tenure. He underscored the importance of listening to and considering the viewpoints of both the government and the opposition, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts towards the betterment of the state.
Nand Kishore Yadav’s election as Speaker marks the third change in leadership since the 2020 assembly elections. His predecessors, Vijay Kumar Sinha and Avadh Bihari Chaudhary, served until August 2022 and February 12, 2024, respectively. This succession underscores the dynamic nature of Bihar’s political landscape within the 17th Assembly.
