The Bihar Legislative Assembly turned into a battleground today during zero hour when the word ‘Brahmin’ sparked a fierce uproar. Tensions boiled over as MLAs from opposing camps clashed over UGC equity guidelines, with CPI(ML) legislator Sandeep Saurabh invoking the term in his demand for implementation. BJP’s Murari Mohan Thakur shot back, leading to a heated finger-pointing showdown that halted proceedings.
Saurabh pressed the government to adopt UGC’s equity framework and push the Centre for a supporting law. Stepping into the fray, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha, who hails from the Bhumihar Brahmin community, opened up about his personal struggles. ‘I am a Bhumihar Brahmin, and I faced ragging and discrimination,’ he declared, drawing sharp attention from the house.
MLA Romit Kumar added fuel to the debate, pointing to discrepancies in census data from 1931 onwards regarding Bhumihar Brahmin population figures. He urged the government to investigate and clarify to dispel any confusion.
As Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, Sinha stood firm. ‘What’s recorded in the official documents as Brahmin will stay that way. No changes will be made to the revenue department records,’ he asserted, closing the door on any revisions.
Outside the assembly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav seized the moment to lambast the Nitish Kumar government. Speaking to the media, he painted a grim picture of law and order collapse. ‘Anarchy reigns everywhere due to a broken law enforcement system. Criminals are emboldened under ruling party patronage, forming unholy alliances with leaders. With the chief minister in a coma-like state, the public suffers, officials are corrupt, and criminals revel,’ Yadav thundered.
This episode underscores deepening caste fault lines in Bihar politics, where historical records and personal testimonies collide with policy demands. As the state gears up for future elections, such flare-ups could reshape alliances and narratives.