Patna : 11th day of the Bihar Legislative Assembly’s budget session witnessed intense disruption today as opposition MLAs protested against the failure to ensure the mandatory 25% enrollment of underprivileged children in private schools. Chaos erupted as MLAs stormed the well of the House, banging tables in protest.
Amid the commotion, Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary sternly warned the members, saying, “Do not try to overturn the table; the consequences will be severe. Cameraman, focus on such MLAs. Action will be taken against them.”
As the uproar continued, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unexpectedly stood up and addressed the House. “Say whatever you want against me, I will applaud and praise you. But if there’s a genuine concern, put it in writing. We will act on it,” he said, clapping to emphasize his point.
Nitish Kumar Asks for Swift Action on Complaints
CM Nitish directed the Education Minister to take a serious view of the complaint lodged by the opposition regarding the lack of enrollment. The complaint document was immediately forwarded to the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) with instructions for prompt action. “I am working tirelessly for the welfare of the weaker sections,” the Chief Minister reiterated.
Land-for-Jobs Case: Rabri Devi Questioned by ED
In a parallel development, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, accompanied by her daughter Misa Bharti, appeared at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Patna at 10:40 am for questioning in connection with the land-for-jobs case.
Political Sparring Over ED Action
Before the House proceedings began, sharp exchanges took place in the Vidhan Sabha portico over the ED’s actions. RJD MLA Lalit Yadav alleged that “investigative agencies are being misused to target opponents. This is part of that agenda.”
In contrast, Deputy CM Vijay Sinha warned, “Those who have looted Bihar, whether leaders or officials, will not be spared. This is an open warning from the NDA. The looters of public wealth will face consequences.”
BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul echoed a similar sentiment, remarking, “Science says every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Sanatan culture teaches that one reaps what one sows. Those who misused power to trade jobs for land will face the strictest action.”
Left MLAs Raise Farmers’ Concerns
In the Vidhan Sabha portico, Left MLAs raised slogans demanding a ban on illegal sand mining, the implementation of minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, and a commitment to double farmers’ income.
Budget of Five Departments Up for Discussion
Once the House reconvenes, discussions will focus on the budgets of five departments: the Cooperative Department, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, the Sugarcane Industry Department, and the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department. Voting is expected to follow the deliberations.
