Nitish Kumar and Rabri Devi Engage in Heated Debate Over Bihar's Law and Order in Legislative Council
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Synopsis
On March 20, a fierce debate erupted in the Bihar Legislative Council between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former CM Rabri Devi, focusing on law and order issues amid accusations and counter-accusations regarding past political actions.
Key Takeaways
- Intense verbal clash between leaders in Bihar Legislative Council.
- Concerns regarding law and order were raised.
- Accusations of kidnapping for ransom surfaced during the session.
- Chairman emphasized the need for decorum in the Assembly.
- Opposition members protested against the government’s handling of crime incidents.
Patna, March 20 (NationPress) A intense verbal clash unfolded in the Bihar Legislative Council on Thursday between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi.
The dispute emerged during a discussion regarding the state’s law and order situation, with opposition members, including Rabri Devi, vocally protesting and chanting slogans in the well of the House.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made attempts to address the issues, urging opposition members to return to their seats and assuring that appropriate action would be taken against any criminal activities in the state.
Nonetheless, the uproar from the Opposition continued unabated.
In retaliation to Rabri Devi's criticism, CM Nitish Kumar referenced her rise to the chief ministerial office in 1997, stating, "Her husband (Lalu Prasad) appointed her as Chief Minister while he was under suspension."
This remark alluded to Lalu Prasad's resignation following a CBI charge sheet related to the fodder scam, after which Rabri Devi took charge as Chief Minister.
This incident marks the third occasion during the current Assembly session where CM Nitish Kumar and Rabri Devi have engaged in a verbal exchange within the State Legislative Council.
The Assembly session escalated further when Minister Ashok Choudhary accused senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders of being involved in kidnapping for ransom during their tenure.
This allegation incited a strong reaction from Rabri Devi, who reminded Choudhary of his past connections with her Cabinet and accused him and his wife of such actions.
In the midst of the chaos, Bihar Legislative Council Chairman, Awadhesh Narain Singh, reprimanded the Opposition for interrupting the Assembly proceedings and stressed the need for maintaining decorum within the House.
He expressed disappointment over derogatory comments and urged legislative members to avoid unparliamentary language to ensure the council's effective functioning. At one point, the Chairman requested the Opposition lawmakers to exit the House.
The Opposition, primarily RJD members, raised slogans against the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, accusing it of failing to uphold law and order.
During the protest, RJD leaders shouted slogans in the House, prompting strong objections from State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary, who insisted that video footage of the session be reviewed.
Chaudhary asserted that if the Opposition used the term "sycophant" against the Assembly Speaker, it would constitute a serious parliamentary offense.
In response, RJD MLC Abdul Bari Siddiqui questioned, "How can such a term be directed at the Chair?"
Siddiqui added that if the term 'sycophantism' was deemed offensive, an apology was warranted.
Following the uproar, Opposition members briefly exited the House.
