Tension gripped the Bihar Legislative Assembly as a heated controversy erupted over an RJD legislator’s remark calling late Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan ‘becheara’ or ‘poor fellow.’ Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP-RV lawmakers staged a fierce protest both inside and outside the house, demanding an unconditional apology from RJD leaders.
The uproar began when Bodh Gaya MLA Kumar Sarvajeet referenced Paswan’s long political journey last week, using the term that LJP-RV supporters found deeply insulting. While proposing a statue of the veteran leader at a prominent Patna intersection to honor his contributions, Sarvajeet’s words sparked immediate backlash. LJP-RV members rushed to the well of the house, raising slogans and halting proceedings.
Outside the assembly, LJP-RV state president Raju Tiwari addressed the media, slamming the remark as a grave insult to a leader with an unblemished 50-year career who served under six prime ministers. ‘Tejashwi Yadav must apologize publicly in the house as RJD leader,’ Tiwari demanded, refusing to entertain statue proposals until the slight was addressed.
RJD countered swiftly. Legislators chanted ‘Late Ram Vilas Paswan Amar Rahe’ inside the assembly, which appeared to calm the agitated LJP-RV camp. Sarvajeet defended his stance, accusing Tiwari of resentment over recognizing Paswan as a Dalit icon who championed the poor across castes and religions.
The episode underscores the fragile alliances and deep-seated rivalries in Bihar’s polarized politics. Paswan’s enduring legacy continues to stir emotions, with both sides claiming custodianship of his ideals. As the house resumes, questions linger on whether this truce holds or reignites further confrontations.