The political landscape of Bihar witnessed a significant democratic ritual on Monday as the inaugural session of the newly constituted 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly got underway in Patna. The historic event saw newly elected members taking their oaths, setting the stage for a crucial five-day session that will shape the state's legislative agenda.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Kicks Off Proceedings
The session began under the stewardship of Pro-tem Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav, who presided over the House. In a nod to Bihar's linguistic diversity, members were permitted to take their oaths in Hindi, English, Urdu, Sanskrit, or Maithili. The process commenced with the cabinet ministers of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who represents the Tarapur constituency, had the distinction of being the first legislator to be sworn-in. He was followed by the other Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who has secured the Lakhisarai seat for an impressive fourth consecutive term. Following their oaths, the ministers extended formal greetings to the Pro-tem Speaker and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was present in the assembly hall.
Notable Moments and Personal Touches
The oath-taking ceremony was marked by several notable interactions and personal gestures. After the ministers, Prem Kumar, the seasoned BJP MLA from Gaya Town, took his oath. He is slated to be elected as the new permanent Speaker of the Assembly on Tuesday.
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who is expected to continue as the Leader of the Opposition, also took his pledge. His entry was marked by a warm embrace from Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, a former RJD leader who joined the BJP over a decade ago. Tejashwi also exchanged a cordial handshake with Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, showcasing moments of cross-party camaraderie. In a display of traditional respect, Deputy CM Vijay Sinha touched Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's feet after taking his oath.
The Pro-tem Speaker had to gently remind some enthusiastic members to stick to the prescribed format when they attempted to swear "in the name of God" and "in the name of truth," instructing them to choose only one option.
A Debutant's Tribute to Ambedkar
One of the most poignant moments of the day was delivered by debutant MLA Anita Mahto from the Warisaliganj seat. Before reading the official oath, she made a powerful statement, saying, "I... a daughter of the Bahujan community... do swear in the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution, standing in this temple of democracy, in the land of Buddha." The Pro-tem Speaker reminded her to adhere to the official text, after which she proceeded to swear "in the name of truth." Her words resonated as a tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Absences and the Road Ahead
Not all members could be present on the first day. Six legislators, including Anant Singh from Mokama, were absent and will take their oaths later. Anant Singh is currently in judicial custody facing charges related to the murder of a Jan Suraaj supporter during the election period.
The day's proceedings were adjourned after the Assembly Secretary, Khyati Singh, announced that the remaining members would be sworn-in on Tuesday, following the election of the new Speaker.
The five-day session has a packed schedule. On Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will address a joint sitting of both Houses, coinciding with the tabling of the second supplementary budget for the state. Thursday is reserved for the government's reply to the debate on the motion of thanks for the governor's address. The session will conclude on Friday with a debate on the supplementary budget, culminating in the passage of the crucial appropriation bill.
This assembly session follows the recent state elections where the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, secured a commanding majority, winning 202 out of the 243 seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
