Patna buzzed with political fervor on the 14th day of Bihar Assembly’s budget session. Ministers held press conferences, defending the budget and firing back at opposition barbs.
Minority Welfare Minister Jama Khan highlighted the plight of the Muslim community, long neglected in key sectors. Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, focus shifted to ramping up budgets for development. ‘Our leader prioritized madrasas, approving substantial funds,’ Khan said. He vowed to reclaim encroached Waqf lands, ensuring community assets are protected.
Department Secretary Mohammad Sohail detailed ambitious plans. Block-level Minority Welfare Officers will be appointed across 534 positions via the Public Service Commission. ‘We’re establishing schools for classes 9-12; two are operational, 22 under construction, and five launching this year,’ he noted. Each facility accommodates 560 students with modern amenities. All madrasas will now teach Hindi, English, Math, and Social Science, bridging traditional and contemporary education.
JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar targeted RJD leader Rabri Devi over rising crimes against women. ‘She spreads falsehoods in the House; I challenged her with facts, but she faltered,’ he told reporters. Kumar accused her of echoing party social media propaganda.
Fellow MLC Khaliq Anwar clarified the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, a routine every 24 years mandated by the Election Commission. On Rahul Gandhi, he quipped, ‘His glasses only see flaws in PM Modi’s efforts, blinding him to national progress. Opposing the AI Summit hurts India.’
Minister Dilip Jaiswal praised Bihar’s pioneering fair SIR under Supreme Court oversight, setting an example for states like West Bengal’s TMC leaders.
These moves underscore Bihar’s commitment to inclusive growth amid political sparring.