KKN Gurugram Desk | The Bihar Budget 2025 session witnessed high political drama as opposition members staged protests both inside and outside the state assembly. With Bihar set for assembly elections later this year, the opposition seized the opportunity to target the ruling government over key issues, including pension reforms.
Opposition Protests at Bihar Assembly Gates
Opposition legislators, holding posters in their hands, gathered at the Bihar Assembly gates to protest against the government. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, was seen actively participating in the demonstration. She held a poster demanding an increase in the widow pension amount from ₹400 to ₹1,500 per month.
The protest was part of a larger opposition strategy to highlight various issues ahead of the upcoming elections. Several opposition leaders voiced their dissatisfaction with the current pension scheme and demanded immediate reforms.
Slogans Against the Government Inside and Outside the Assembly
Opposition members were vocal in their dissent, raising slogans against the ruling government. At the main gate of the Legislative Council, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Ajay Kumar, and Mohammad Kaari Sohail, led a demonstration demanding an increase in old-age pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,500 per month.
This agitation was not limited to the assembly premises. Inside the Bihar Legislative Assembly, opposition members created a ruckus over various issues, including the encroachment of cemetery land. Opposition legislators raised this matter aggressively, forcing the government to respond. The concerned minister presented an official reply, but the opposition members were not satisfied and stormed into the well of the house.
Uproar Over Encroachment Issue in Assembly
During the session, RJD MLA Lalit Yadav escalated the protest further by tearing pages from the legislative agenda and throwing them inside the house. Opposition members, after briefly walking out, returned to the assembly within two minutes, indicating a planned disruption strategy.
The ruling government, however, maintained its stance and continued with the budget presentation despite the commotion. The finance minister’s address was momentarily disrupted but resumed after intervention by the Speaker.
Bihar Budget 2025: Finance Minister’s Religious Rituals Before Presentation
Ahead of the Bihar Budget 2025-26 presentation, Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was seen offering prayers. Before heading to the assembly, he conducted rituals at his residential temple. As part of the religious proceedings, he placed the budget documents at the altar, seeking divine blessings before making the financial announcements.
This practice of performing religious rituals before presenting the budget is not new in Bihar politics. Many leaders consider it a customary tradition before major legislative sessions.
Key Demands Raised by the Opposition
The budget session became a battleground for political confrontation as opposition parties raised multiple issues. Some of the key demands put forth included:
- Increase in Widow Pension: Opposition demanded an increase in widow pension from ₹400 to ₹1,500 per month.
- Old-Age Pension Hike: Similar demands were made for the elderly, urging the government to raise the pension to ₹1,500 per month.
- Encroachment of Cemetery Land: Opposition members demanded strict action against illegal encroachments on cemetery land.
- Employment and Economic Reforms: While pension issues took center stage, some legislators also called for employment schemes and economic development plans in the state.
Political Significance of the Bihar Budget 2025
With Bihar assembly elections approaching, this budget session holds significant political weight. The opposition is attempting to corner the ruling government on issues related to welfare schemes, employment, and public infrastructure.
The ruling government, on the other hand, aims to present a budget that appeals to voters, showcasing development and economic stability. The focus remains on rural development, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
The Bihar Budget 2025 will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s political landscape in the coming months. With both ruling and opposition parties gearing up for electoral battles, every legislative move is being closely watched.
What to Expect Next?
As the budget session continues, more debates and discussions are expected on economic policies, social welfare programs, and infrastructure projects. The opposition is likely to persist in its demands, while the government will attempt to push through its financial agenda.
The Bihar Budget 2025 session is set to be a politically charged event, with both sides trying to gain an upper hand before the assembly elections. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the political narrative leading up to the polls.