Why are ward councillors protesting in Patna against the NDA government?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, hundreds of ward councillors from Bihar staged a significant protest in Patna against the NDA government, claiming their powers have been stripped. They demand restoration of their authority and better pay, warning that ignoring their demands could lead to severe consequences for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Ward councillors from Bihar protested in Patna against the NDA government.
- They claim to be stripped of powers necessary for addressing public issues.
- They demand a significant increase in their honorarium.
- The protestors warned of potential electoral fallout for the ruling party.
- Unity among local representatives is critical for their demands.
Patna, Aug 18 (NationPress) A multitude of ward councillors from various regions of Bihar gathered in the streets of the state capital on Monday, chanting slogans against the NDA government.
The demonstrators accused the administration of having “crippled” their functions by removing essential powers, which has hindered their ability to tackle the issues faced by the public.
The councillors cautioned that if their requests go unheeded, the ruling coalition could suffer significant losses in the forthcoming Bihar assembly elections.
The demonstration evolved into a large foot march as numerous ward councillors, deputy chief councillors, and chief councillors from different municipalities united in Patna.
The march commenced from Daroga Rai Path, showcasing solidarity among local representatives from across the state.
They called for the reinstatement of the previous system where the mayor and deputy mayor were chosen by ward councillors, along with a demand for an increase in their pay scale, raising their honorarium from the existing Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 monthly.
The ward councillors surrounded the JD-U office, raising slogans directed against the state government.
The councillors asserted that they had not come to Patna merely to plead, but rather to issue a final ultimatum.
“If the government fails to respond, all of Bihar will face the repercussions,” echoed the protestors.
Demonstrating their political strength, a ward councillor, Ranbir Kuahwaha, stated, “We are 8,000 councillors holding sway over 80 lakh votes. Collectively, we impact nearly 12 percent of Bihar’s vote share.”
The councillors warned that if their demand for financial authority is overlooked, they would actively work towards unseating the government.
One leader bluntly remarked, “Let Nitish Kumar conduct his election directly with the people, then he will realize the gravity of his situation.”
They further likened their democratic role to their current struggles: “An MLA elects the Chief Minister. An MP elects the Prime Minister. However, when we elected the Mayor, he listened to us. Today, we cannot even fix a tap.”
Feeling exasperated, they stated that the public now holds them accountable for failing to resolve fundamental civic issues.
“Citizens are seeking explanations from us, but what can we say when we are powerless?” questioned Sunil Kumar.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the frustrations expressed by the ward councillors reflect a broader concern regarding local governance and citizen representation in Bihar. The demands for restoration of powers and better remuneration highlight the disconnect between local representatives and the state government. The implications of this protest could significantly impact the electoral landscape in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ward councillors to protest?
The ward councillors protested due to the removal of their powers by the NDA government, which they claim has left them unable to address civic issues effectively.
What are the main demands of the councillors?
They demand the restoration of their powers, the reinstatement of the previous election system for mayors, and an increase in their honorarium from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 per month.
What warning did the councillors issue to the government?
They warned that if their demands are not met, the ruling NDA alliance could face severe electoral consequences in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
