Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Loses Temper During Heated Assembly Session
In a dramatic turn of events at the Bihar state assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar lost his composure as opposition members launched a vociferous protest. The opposition legislators alleged that the National Democratic Alliance-led government was ruling the state through the use of "guns and bullets", creating a tense atmosphere in the legislative chamber.
Opposition Protest Triggers Heated Exchange
The protest commenced shortly after the House convened at 11 am, when Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Kumar Sarvajeet raised serious concerns regarding a police baton charge on village chowkidars who were demanding higher stipends. Sarvajeet emphasized that these chowkidars are employees of the Home department, yet they were treated in what he described as a "deplorable fashion" during the previous day's incident.
Opposition members then began shouting slogans, declaring "bandook goli ki sarkar nahin chalegi" (we will not allow a rule by brute force, with the help of guns and bullets). This direct challenge to the government's authority prompted a sharp response from the chief minister.
Nitish Kumar's Notable Verbal Slip
Responding to the opposition's allegations, Kumar retorted, "Do not talk rubbish. This government will run without any hiccups. Just look at us. We are two thousand and two. And just look at how many of you have been left now."
In what became a notable moment of the session, Kumar mistakenly mentioned the NDA's strength as "two thousand and two" instead of the correct figure of 202. This reference was to the mandate won by the BJP-led coalition, which had secured 202 of the 243 assembly seats in last year's elections, as reported by news agency PTI.
Escalating Tensions and Historical References
The situation intensified when RJD leader Bhai Virendra reminded Nitish Kumar of previous short-lived political alliances. The chief minister hit back forcefully, stating, "Yes, and you people always indulged in mischief, a reason why I pulled out never to return."
Kumar further criticized the RJD's past governance, asserting that law and order had been so abysmal during their tenure that people feared leaving their homes after 5 pm. He advised the opposition to refrain from what he called "nonsense" talk, highlighting the contrast between previous administrations and his current government.
Restoration of Order and Government Assurance
The confrontation briefly escalated when some opposition MLAs entered the well of the assembly, creating a potentially volatile situation. Order was eventually restored after parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary intervened with assurances.
Chaudhary promised that the government would hold talks with representatives of the chowkidars and take appropriate action regarding their grievances. This commitment helped de-escalate the tension and allowed the assembly proceedings to continue.
The incident underscores the ongoing political friction in Bihar's legislative arena, with opposition parties continuing to challenge the NDA government's methods and policies. The verbal exchange and Kumar's loss of temper highlight the intense pressure and scrutiny facing the administration as it navigates governance challenges amid persistent opposition criticism.
