Patna erupted in political drama on Thursday as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar locked horns with Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav during the state assembly session. While presenting the government’s response to the Governor’s address, Kumar urged Yadav to ‘sit quietly and listen,’ sparking laughter among legislators from both sides.
The exchange turned fiery when Yadav interrupted Kumar’s claims on development achievements. In his characteristic blunt style, Kumar retorted, ‘Sit down. Everything was decided by us. We made it happen, but then it started going haywire. Where would the money come from to drag in six more people? They messed up, so we let it go.’ The chamber filled with chuckles as the verbal sparring unfolded.
Kumar seized the moment to lambast the previous RJD-led regime, painting a grim picture of Bihar before 2005. ‘People wouldn’t step out after dusk; nothing worked—schools, hospitals, roads, water, electricity all in shambles,’ he thundered. Since the NDA government took over, peace has returned, and development has surged, he asserted.
Highlighting key initiatives, Kumar pointed to fortified cemeteries and temple boundaries, complete rural road connectivity, Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal and toilet schemes, and free 125 units of electricity per household. Under Sapt Nishchay, the government is pushing jobs for youth, promising employment to one crore in the next five years.
Healthcare has transformed too—from six to twelve medical colleges, with 27 more underway. Primary health centers now treat 11,600 patients monthly on average. Patna Medical College is set for a 5,400-bed upgrade. Women empowerment got a boost with Rs 10,000 grants, soon to be Rs 2 lakh, alongside industrial parks in every district.
‘Bihar is on a development fast track,’ Kumar declared. ‘In five years, we’ll join the ranks of developed states, contributing significantly to India’s growth, with full central support.’ The session underscored NDA’s vision amid opposition jabs.