Chaos erupted in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Monday during the budget session when an RJD MLA’s controversial remark about the late Ram Vilas Paswan ignited a firestorm. Ruling party legislators, furious over the term ‘bechara’ used for the former Union Minister, surrounded the RJD member and demanded an immediate apology. Despite pleas from Speaker Prem Kumar to restore order, the uproar continued unabated, forcing the adjournment of the house until 2 PM.
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) accused Bodh Gaya RJD MLA Kumar Sarvesh of insulting their ideological father, a prominent Dalit leader. The MLA, who belongs to the same community, allegedly made the comment during a speech last week. As soon as proceedings began, NDA MLAs launched a coordinated protest, halting all business until RJD leaders apologized publicly.
RJD countered by raising banners demanding 85% reservation for backward castes, escalating the standoff. Party leaders claimed the controversy was a diversion from real issues like attacks on SC/ST/OBC rights by the BJP-led central government and Chirag Paswan’s party. MLA Sarvesh clarified to the media that his statement was misrepresented; he had only said conditions wouldn’t be this way if Ram Vilas Paswan were alive.
LJP(RV) state president Raju Tiwari labeled the remark as anti-Dalit, vowing not to let it go unanswered. The previous day saw street protests and the burning of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s effigy. With both sides digging in, the assembly session risks further disruptions, overshadowing key budgetary discussions and highlighting deep political fault lines in Bihar.