Patna Legislative Assembly Confronts Dual Crises: Youth Drug Abuse and Political Tensions
In a charged session of the Bihar legislative assembly on Monday, opposition members brought to light the alarming issue of 'dry drugs' being consumed by adolescents and youth across the state. The discussion quickly escalated into a broader political confrontation, highlighting the volatile atmosphere in Patna's political arena.
Government Response to Drug Abuse Epidemic
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also holds the portfolio of Home Minister, addressed the assembly regarding the drug abuse concerns. He assured the House that the state government is taking continuous and strict action against this menace. Choudhary revealed that a special cell has been constituted specifically to deal with drug-related issues, demonstrating the administration's commitment to tackling this public health crisis.
The home minister outlined several concrete measures being implemented:
- A special investigation campaign is currently underway in sensitive areas along the state's borders
- A DIG-level officer has been deployed to enhance surveillance in these critical zones
- Efforts are being made to curb illegal drug trade through the formation of a dedicated narcotics cell
- The government has pledged immediate action wherever information about drug activities is received
Saharsa MLA I P Gupta provided disturbing testimony about the situation in his constituency, noting that people in the 14-25 age group are consuming drugs and that schools are being targeted by drug mafias. This revelation underscored the urgency of the government's response and the need for comprehensive intervention strategies.
Political Storm Over 'Bechara' Remark
The assembly proceedings took a dramatic turn when RJD MLA Kumar Sarvjeet used the word "Bechara" (meaning helpless) to describe former Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party founder Ram Vilas Paswan. This characterization sparked immediate uproar among LJP (RV) members, who viewed it as a grave insult to their late leader.
The political fallout was significant and multifaceted:
- LJP (RV) demanded an apology from opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who was notably absent from the House during the controversy
- LJP(RV) state president Raju Tiwari condemned the remark as an insult to their leader
- Jamui MP Arun Kumar Bharti had previously objected to similar language being used about Ram Vilas Paswan
- RJD members strongly protested against Tiwari's statements in defense of their colleague
Kumar Sarvjeet defended his position, stating that RJD members remain committed to the ideology of social justice and are focused on raising public issues in the assembly. He characterized Tiwari's reaction as inappropriate and demanded its withdrawal, further escalating the political tensions within the legislative body.
Assembly Proceedings Disrupted by Reservation Demands
In another development that contributed to the day's chaotic atmosphere, opposition members stormed the well of the assembly demanding an increase in the reservation limit. The combined uproar over drug policy, political insults, and reservation demands created such disruption that Speaker had no choice but to adjourn the House proceedings until the lunch break.
This series of events in Patna's legislative assembly highlights the complex challenges facing Bihar's political leadership. The session demonstrated how public health concerns like youth drug abuse can become entangled with longstanding political rivalries and social justice debates, creating a perfect storm of legislative discord that ultimately halted productive governance for the day.
