The political landscape of Bihar witnessed a significant moment as veteran legislator Prem Kumar from Gaya ascended to the prestigious position of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. This elevation is not just a political appointment; it is the culmination of an extraordinary journey that began in profound hardship and was forged through decades of humility, perseverance, and unwavering resolve.
Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
Prem Kumar's story is a classic tale of rising from the grassroots. He is the son of a bank peon, and his early life was marked by financial difficulties that intensified after his father's death. The struggle was so severe that it moved his contemporaries. Akhauri Niranjan, a leader from the JP movement era, recalled that Prem Kumar's condition at the time "left him with moist eyes." His first break came in 1977 when the late home minister Sushila Sahay appointed him as a non-official personal assistant.
When Sushila Sahay lost the 1980 assembly elections, Akhauri Niranjan stepped in, bringing Prem into his pharmaceutical business without demanding any capital investment. This support allowed Prem to stabilize before he eventually started his own entrepreneurial venture, producing a kitchen fuel called 'GUL' from coal dust.
The Political Ascent: From Candidate to Nine-Time MLA
The turning point in Prem Kumar's public life came in 1990. The BJP had recommended two names for the candidacy from Gaya: Akhauri Niranjan as the first choice and Prem Kumar as the second. Historical accounts suggest that overconfidence cost Akhauri the ticket, paving the way for Prem to enter the electoral fray. In a twist of fate, his first electoral battle was against his former mentor, Sushila Sahay.
Fiction writer Sanjay Sahay, Sushila's son, remembered that Prem Kumar, displaying his characteristic humility, sought Sushila's blessings before filing his nomination papers. Prem Kumar won that election, while Sushila Sahay finished fourth. The runner-up was CPI stalwart Shakil Ahmad Khan. Demonstrating his consistent political strength, Prem Kumar later defeated Sanjay Sahay himself in the 2005 elections.
Sanjay Sahay acknowledged that despite their political combats, Prem Kumar always conducted himself with dignity, remaining humble and respectful. This demeanor has been a hallmark of his long career.
A Legacy of Service and New Expectations
Prem Kumar's political tenure is remarkable for its longevity. For most of the period between 1990 and 2025, barring two short breaks, he has been a dominant force in Bihar politics. He has held important ministerial portfolios and also served as the Leader of the Opposition with cabinet rank. His recent election as Speaker marks a new chapter after being elected by the people of Gaya a record nine times.
The news of his elevation has drawn varied reactions from his constituency and peers. Syed Shad Alam, who knew him from the JP movement days, noted that "Prem Kumar has few friends and fewer enemies." He highlighted a crucial aspect of Prem's politics: unlike many contemporaries, "Prem never wore Hindutva on his sleeves," a approach that helped him retain acceptance among Muslim constituents.
However, with the new role comes heightened expectations. Anup Kedia of the Central Bihar Chamber of Commerce expressed pride but stated clearly that people now expect more development. "The people who elected him for a record nine times deserve a better deal," he said. Former IMA Gaya president Dr. Ram Sewak hopes the new Speaker will push the government to tackle the issue of quackery in medicine.
Even old rivals like Akhauri Onkar Nath Srivastava have congratulated him, hoping he will be "fair even to those who did not vote for him." Arun Kumar Prasad, Prem's former teacher, offered poignant advice, noting that Prem now has "little to gain or lose" and should be more forthright, balancing his duties as both Speaker and MLA, as his constituents are not wrong to expect more from him now.
As Prem Kumar assumes the Speaker's chair, the people of Gaya and Bihar watch keenly, anticipating how this seasoned politician will balance his renowned politeness with the firmness required by his new constitutional role.
