BiharPolitics – Nitish Kumar Clashes With Opposition in Assembly
BiharPolitics – Chief Minister Nitish Kumar found himself at the center of a stormy debate in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after opposition members accused his administration of suppressing voices through force. The confrontation followed allegations of a police lathi charge on village chowkidars who had gathered to demand higher stipends.
Protest Over Stipend Demand Sparks Uproar
The disruption began shortly after the House convened at 11 a.m. RJD legislator Kumar Sarvajeet stood up to condemn the reported police action against chowkidars who staged a demonstration a day earlier in Patna. The protesters, employed under the Home Department, were seeking an increase in their monthly payments.
Sarvajeet argued that the chowkidars, being part of a government department, deserved respectful treatment rather than forceful dispersal. He described the police action as inappropriate and called for accountability from the administration.
As he spoke, several members from the opposition benches rose in support. Slogans echoed through the chamber, with lawmakers accusing the state government of relying on coercive tactics rather than dialogue to manage dissent.
Chief Minister Responds Firmly
The accusations drew a sharp response from Nitish Kumar, who appeared visibly upset by the remarks. The 76-year-old leader, who heads the Janata Dal (United) and has served multiple terms as chief minister, rejected the opposition’s claims outright.
He asserted that the government would continue to function effectively and dismissed the allegations as baseless. In a pointed remark aimed at the RJD, he referred to the party’s reduced presence in the 243-member Assembly following the last elections.
Kumar also turned the focus back on the opposition’s record, reminding them of the period when they were in power before 2005. He criticized the earlier administration’s handling of law and order, claiming that public safety had been a serious concern at the time.
Heated Exchanges Disrupt Proceedings
As tempers flared, some opposition members moved into the well of the House, intensifying the commotion. The brief standoff disrupted regular proceedings and forced the Speaker to intervene to restore order.
The exchange underscored the persistent political rivalry between the ruling coalition and the opposition, particularly the RJD, which has previously shared power with Kumar in short-lived alliances but now remains a vocal critic of his leadership.
Government Offers Dialogue
The tense atmosphere eased after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary addressed the House. He assured members that the concerns of the chowkidars would be heard and that representatives of their associations would be invited for discussions.
Chaudhary stated that the government was open to reviewing their demands and would take appropriate steps following consultations. His assurance helped calm protesting legislators, allowing the Assembly to resume its business.
The episode highlights the sensitive nature of employment and stipend-related issues in Bihar, where grassroots government workers such as chowkidars often play a key role in maintaining local security. With the matter now set to be taken up through dialogue, attention will remain on how the state government responds to their demands in the coming days.