RJD Legislators Stage Protest in Bihar Assembly Over Reservation Demand
In a dramatic session on Wednesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) members of the legislative assembly in Patna caused significant disruption by vociferously demanding an increase in the reservation limit to 85%. The uproar centered on MLA Ranvijay Sahu, who introduced an adjournment motion to address this critical issue. However, Speaker Prem Kumar firmly rejected the motion, citing procedural grounds.
Background of the Reservation Controversy
MLA Sahu elaborated on the historical context, noting that the caste survey report was originally released during the tenure of the Grand Alliance government in Bihar. During that period, both legislative houses had unanimously passed a resolution to elevate job reservations to 65%. Sahu alleged that the central government failed to incorporate this resolution into the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, resulting in the matter remaining unresolved and pending indefinitely.
Following the Speaker's decision to dismiss the motion, opposition MLAs, predominantly from the RJD, surged into the Well of the House. They raised loud slogans, including chants of "Down with the anti-reservation government," highlighting the intense political divide over this sensitive topic.
Policy Revision for Migrant Worker Body Transportation
In a separate but equally significant development, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary indicated that the state government is considering a revision to the existing policy regarding the transportation of deceased migrant workers' bodies to their native places. Currently, this provision is applicable only in cases of accidental death, a point raised during the session.
The discussion was initiated when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Akhtarul Iman posed a related question. Minister Sanjay Singh Tiger, in his response, clarified that the state government covers the costs for transporting the bodies of migrant workers from Bihar solely in instances of accidental death. This policy does not extend to natural deaths occurring outside the state or abroad. Tiger further disclosed that approximately Rs 2.5 lakh has been allocated for such transportation in the current financial year, underscoring the financial implications of potential policy changes.
Debate Over Road Construction on Embankments
Another notable exchange involved Water Resources Department and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who addressed a query from MLA Shailesh Kumar Mandal, also known as Bulo Mandal. The MLA had advocated for the construction of a paved road from Jahanvi Chowk to Tintanga Dam in the Naugachhia subdivision.
Minister Choudhary acknowledged a "special relationship" with parts of the Gopalpur Assembly constituency but emphasized that governmental decisions are strictly policy-driven, not influenced by personal connections. In a lighter moment, Speaker Prem Kumar humorously referred to this as an "internal matter" when an opposition MLA alluded to the relationship.
Choudhary explained that departmental regulations permit the construction of motorable roads on embankments, but only for official departmental use. He expressed openness to other departments undertaking similar projects if aligned with policy frameworks, reflecting a balanced approach to infrastructure development.
The assembly session thus encapsulated a mix of heated political debates, policy considerations, and procedural discussions, showcasing the dynamic nature of Bihar's legislative proceedings.
