Patna: An unprecedented scene unfolded in the Bihar Legislative Council on Monday when the microphone of chief minister Nitish Kumar was allegedly switched off while he was speaking, triggering a fresh political controversy during the ongoing budget session.
The incident occurred on the fifth day of proceedings as question hour descended into disorder, with members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) raising slogans over issues including alleged irregularities affecting NEET aspirants, the arrest of MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and the state’s law and order situation. Opposition members moved into the well of the House, intensifying the disruption.
As the commotion continued, CM Nitish entered the House and reacted angrily to the protest. Rising from his seat, the leader of the House targeted the opposition, including the leader of the opposition Rabri Devi, accusing RJD members of failing to contribute to Bihar’s development.
Moments later, while Nitish was speaking loudly amid the uproar, his microphone went silent. Television footage of the live proceedings showed ruling party members gesturing, after which the audio cut off. The deputy chairman, who was presiding, quickly moved the proceedings forward before adjourning the House.
The development drew sharp criticism from the RJD. Party member Sunil Singh demanded an inquiry into who authorised the muting of the chief minister’s microphone, calling the episode unprecedented and improper.
Before the microphone was switched off, CM Nitish was heard rebuking opposition members for what he described as persistent disruption. He accused the RJD of failing to promote women or work for their welfare, and defended his government’s record on women’s empowerment, education, health and overall development. “Our government has worked in every sector,” he said, adding that action would be taken against anyone creating disorder in the House.
The episode has added to the already tense atmosphere of the budget session, with opposition parties accusing the government of intolerance and the ruling side blaming the RJD for repeated disruptions. No official explanation was immediately offered on why the microphone was cut off.
