Bihar Legislative Council Descends Into Chaos Over Heinous Crimes
The Bihar Legislative Council session on Monday was marked by intense turmoil and verbal clashes between ruling and opposition members. The uproar erupted when opposition MLCs forcefully raised two highly sensitive issues: the alleged rape and murder of a six-year-old child in Darbhanga district and the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in the state capital, Patna.
Rabri Devi Demands Resignation of Home Minister Samrat Choudhary
Leading the opposition charge, Rabri Devi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, launched a scathing attack on the state government. She categorically demanded the immediate resignation of Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, asserting that such brutal incidents have been occurring across various districts with alarming frequency since Choudhary assumed office.
"Heinous crimes against women and children have escalated after Samrat Choudhary took charge as the home minister," Rabri Devi declared from the floor of the House. She further intensified her offensive by calling for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to step down, holding him accountable for the rising cases of rape and crimes targeting women throughout Bihar.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Retaliates, Defends Government's Record
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was present during the proceedings, mounted a robust defense. Standing at his seat, he launched a counter-offensive against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He accused the RJD of accomplishing little during its own tenure in power and highlighted that comprehensive development in Bihar only commenced after the current administration took over in 2005.
"No substantial work was carried out during the RJD's regime. It is under our government that Bihar has witnessed overall progress and development," Kumar stated emphatically. Amid the growing commotion, he also instructed Deputy Chairman Rambachan Rai to take disciplinary action against the opposition members who were disrupting the House proceedings.
Proceedings Disrupted by Continued Protests and Allegations
The verbal duel between Rabri Devi and Nitish Kumar persisted for a considerable duration, though the exact exchange was often drowned out by the prevailing noise and disorder. When the session resumed after the break, opposition members once again brought up the same grave issues, refusing to let the matter rest.
The confrontation took another contentious turn when opposition members submitted a formal written complaint to the Chairperson. They alleged that BJP MLC Devesh Kumar had used disrespectful language towards Rabri Devi. The complaint sought action against him for his conduct.
BJP MLC Devesh Kumar Rejects Allegations, Files Counter-Complaint
BJP MLC Devesh Kumar firmly rejected the accusations leveled against him. He challenged the RJD to specify how Rabri Devi had been disrespected, stating that his remarks were within parliamentary norms.
"According to established legislative procedure, when the Chairperson is standing, other members should remain seated. Rabri Devi was standing and speaking at that time. I did not utter anything inappropriate. There is video footage available, and it can be verified," Kumar explained, defending his actions.
He further escalated the situation by alleging that during the heated episode, certain RJD members had advanced towards him in a threatening manner. In response, Devesh Kumar confirmed that he had lodged a formal complaint regarding this intimidating behavior, adding another layer of controversy to the already volatile session.
The day's events underscored the deep political fissures in Bihar's legislative body, with serious allegations of crime and governance failures taking center stage, ultimately paralyzing the normal functioning of the council.
