Key Takeaways
- The assembly turmoil centered on the humiliation of Jitan Ram Manjhi by Nitish Kumar.
- Opposition BJP MLAs demanded the chief minister’s resignation amid the ruckus.
- The incident intensified debates over Dalit representation and political alliances in Bihar.
Patna: Demanding resignation from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for humiliating former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, a Dalit leader on the floor of the house, the MLAs of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) created pandemonium following which the State Assembly was adjourned till lunch on Friday.
As the house assembled for the day and the speaker began question our proceedings, the BJP MLAs, the main opposition in the state assembly vented their anger on the issue and demanded resignation from the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for humiliating a Dalit leader. The opposition members waving play cards and posters trooped to the well from where they continue to shout slogans against the chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Meanwhile the ruling party members also trooped to the well carrying posters and banners with slogans written on it indirectly targeting the Prime Minister.
The speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary however continue the question hour proceedings amid ruckus.
Chaudhary requested the members to resume their seats but the commotion continued for 16 minutes after which the house was adjoined till 2:00 p.m.
Later, Jitan Ram Manjhi, president of Hindustani Morcha, and NDA members staged a dharna outside the speaker’s chamber. They protested the chief minister’s remarks made on Thursday, where Kumar called Manjhi “a man of no use” and criticized his 2013 appointment as CM.
The protest highlighted growing tensions within the Grand Alliance and underscored Dalit leaders’ demand for respect.
Kumar had lost his cool and had angrily said that Manjhi had no knowledge and ideas. Kumar had stated that he had deliberately ousted Manjhi from the Grand Alliance, who later found shelter in the NDA. Manjhi was always taking pride in calling himself a former Chief Minister, which was the result of his foolishness, Kumar had quipped on Thursday in the house. He had said that Manjhi had ambition to become Governor.
