Patna: Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, used his address in the Bihar Assembly on Thursday—soon after newly elected Speaker Prem Kumar assumed the chair—to emphasise the dignity of parliamentary democracy and the need for vigilant opposition.
Congratulating the Speaker, Tejashwi reminded him of his roots in Gaya, a city associated with learning and salvation, and said the responsibility of the chair carried an expectation of impartiality. “The ruling party has numerical strength,” he said. “It is therefore essential that the Chair pays special attention to safeguarding the opposition so that the balance of democracy is maintained.”
Tejashwi said the opposition had not entered the House for ceremonial attendance but with a clear resolve: to help steer Bihar towards becoming a leading state. He added that while he bore no personal grievances against anyone in government, the opposition would “strongly hold the government accountable” if it strayed from public interest or made errors affecting citizens.
He reiterated that the Grand Alliance would support every positive step taken for Bihar’s development but would not tolerate any attempt to undermine people’s rights. “Our only goal is to build a new Bihar—one free from unemployment, migration and poverty,” he said, extending his wishes for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s good health.
Asserting that the opposition remained strong and purposeful, Tejashwi said it would function as “a responsible and sharp” counterweight to the government. “The government should not be under any illusion that the opposition is weak,” he said. “The hopes of 14 crore people of Bihar stand with us.”
