Opposition Stages Protest in Bihar Assembly Over Student Death and Crime
In a significant display of dissent, RJD and other opposition MLAs, spearheaded by MLA Bhai Birendra, organized a demonstration in the portico of the state assembly on Thursday. The protest occurred just before the House convened, with participants sharply criticizing the state government over the recent tragic death of a medical aspirant in Patna, alongside other pressing concerns.
AIMIM Joins Criticism Over Safety and Minority Issues
Although not formally part of the RJD-led demonstration, AIMIM MLAs independently voiced their grievances during the session. They highlighted the alarming rise in criminal incidents, particularly violence targeting women and girl students, and referenced the contentious NEET student case. AIMIM legislature party leader Akhtarul Iman directly questioned the government's effectiveness in preventing alleged attacks on minority communities within the state, adding another layer to the opposition's critique.
Rabri Devi Alleges Cover-Up in Medical Aspirant Case
Rabri Devi, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council, made serious accusations regarding the medical aspirant's death. She alleged a deliberate cover-up by authorities and suggested the possible involvement of a minister or their relatives in the case. Rabri claimed that the police conducted a superficial investigation, describing it as a "whitewash," and noted that the case was subsequently transferred to the CBI due to the influence of powerful individuals. Alongside other opposition MLCs, she protested outside the Vidhan Parishad before the House proceedings began, amplifying the pressure on the government.
Upper House Debates Education and Infrastructure Concerns
Later in the day, the Upper House of the state legislature addressed various issues raised by members. CPI(ML) MLC Shashi Yadav brought attention to a distressing incident where Bihar board students were denied entry to their examinations for arriving just two minutes late. Yadav explained that these students faced severe traffic congestion en route to the examination center. He recounted witnessing videos of girl students pleading to be allowed inside, only to be rejected and mistreated instead of receiving a warning or a second chance.
Chairperson Awadhesh Narain Singh expressed deep concern over the matter, emphasizing its seriousness. He stated, "This is a serious issue and needs to be discussed and sorted. For being five minutes late, the career of a student cannot be ruined for a year," underscoring the need for a more compassionate approach in such situations.
In another discussion, MLC Neeraj Kumar raised the issue of inadequate public bus services on the Mokama-Begusarai route through a starred question. Kumar pointed out that improvements in connectivity, such as the functional Aunta-Simiriya bridge and repairs to the Rajendra Setu bridge, should be complemented by better transportation options. In response, Minister Shrawon Kumar assured that the department is in the process of procuring an additional 100 buses, which is expected to resolve the problems on the specified route.
