Bihar CM & Speaker spar in assembly over inquiry into Lakhisarai incident

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha had a public spat in the state assembly on Monday (March 14) when the latter raised the subject of the status of an inquiry into police misbehaviour at Lakhisarai. This angered the CM, who castigated the Speaker for bringing up this matter, which is currently being probed by the government and also referred to the privilege committee, on the floor of the House “again and again”.

The Speaker had asked cabinet minister Bijendra Yadav to apprise the House, after a couple of days, of action taken with regard to an incident of alleged police misbehaviour in Lakhisarai, which also happens to be Sinha’s assembly constituency.

Kumar however reacted with outrage and stood up to point out that the minister has been authorised to reply on behalf of the government. “When he has submitted that inquiry is underway, you ask him to come up with a fresh reply the day after tomorrow. This is against the rules. Please look at the Constitution,” Kumar said.

Further, Kumar said that it is for the government and the police to take action in such matters. The report of the investigation has to be submitted before the court, he said, asking whether the House is empowered to intervene in the matter.

Pointing out that he is serving his fourth term as the chief minister and he was also a member of the assembly once, Kumar said, “Never have I seen such a procedural anomaly. Please don’t run the House in this manner.”

Also read: Bihar BJP chief has a warning for Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)

Sinha meanwhile had begun on a placatory note stating that he had immense respect for the CM’s knowledge and experience. And also acknowledged Nitish Kumar’s support in becoming the Speaker of the House.

But, please understand my predicament, said Sinha. Initially, he had tried not to entertain any discussion in the matter after it was referred to the privilege committee. But, the members from the treasury benches and the Opposition were creating a ruckus again and again.

“After all, I am supposed to be the custodian of the House,” pleaded Sinha. Last month, Sinha had made news when he had spoken out against the alleged wrongful arrest of a number of people in Lakhisarai for violation of prohibition law.

An inquiry into the alleged misbehaviour of the Deputy SP in Lakhisarai and the SHO of the police station concerned had been ordered by the committee of the House with the Speaker.

After the Speaker had made his statement, the CM stood up once again and said that he will inquire into the progress of the investigation today itself. The government will look into whatever recommendations the committee has made, he said, reiterating however that “this matter must not be discussed on the floor of the House again and again”.