On Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked controversy in the state assembly with strong comments aimed at RJD MLA Rekha Devi concerning reservation laws. Kumar’s remarks were pointed and directed at MLAs, especially Rekha Devi. He insisted that significant progress for women in Bihar only began after he assumed power.
During the heated exchange, Nitish Kumar questioned Rekha Devi directly: “Arey mahila ho, kuch jaanti nahi ho?” (You are a woman, and you still don’t know anything?). Kumar’s tone was combative as he criticized the Opposition for not promoting women’s advancement. He asserted that the promotion of women began only after 2005 and dismissed the Opposition’s arguments as nonsensical. “Did any of them promote women?… It was only after 2005 that women were promoted. You are speaking nonsense. That’s why I am speaking, so listen,” Kumar declared.
Opposition’s Response and Assembly Disruption**
The Opposition’s reaction was swift and vocal. Members began shouting and raising slogans, creating a chaotic scene in the assembly. Kumar’s response to the disruption was firm: “What happened? Won’t you listen? We will make you listen. And if you don’t listen, then it’s your fault.” His remarks were a clear indication of his frustration with the Opposition’s behavior during the session.
Government Actions on Reservation Laws
Nitish Kumar also used the opportunity to address the recent changes in reservation laws. He emphasized that his government had raised the reservation from 50% to 75%. Additionally, he noted that the central government had allocated an extra 10% reservation for the upper caste, which includes both Hindus and Muslims. Kumar stressed that his administration had conducted a census to gather detailed information about the financial conditions of families.
The timing of Kumar’s comments was significant as opposition members had taken to the well of the House, demanding that the state’s revised reservation laws be added to the 9th Schedule of the Constitution. Their aim was to make these laws immune from judicial review, according to PTI. Women legislators from the RJD joined the protest, shouting slogans such as “Nitish Kumar Hai Hai” (down with Nitish Kumar) and accusing the Chief Minister of being anti-reservation.
Legal and Constitutional Matters
In his address, Kumar explained that after the Patna High Court invalidated the state’s reservation laws, the government had appealed to the Supreme Court. He mentioned that a formal request had been made to the Centre to include these laws in the 9th Schedule. This inclusion would shield the laws from future legal challenges.
The Bihar government is pushing to have the increased reservation for deprived castes, which was raised from 50% to 65% for state jobs and educational institutions, included in the 9th Schedule. This request excludes the existing 10% reservation for the upper caste, known as the Economic Weaker Section. The 9th Schedule of the Constitution lists laws that cannot be challenged in courts, which provides additional protection to these laws. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court had capped reservations for backward classes at 50% in 1992.
Rekha Devi’s Reaction
In response to Kumar’s comments, RJD MLA Rekha Devi expressed her dissatisfaction. She described Kumar’s remarks as “insulting to a woman” and pointed out that their presence in the assembly was due to their leader, Lalu Prasad, rather than Nitish Kumar. Devi criticized Kumar for allegedly insulting a Dalit legislator and suggested that the Chief Minister appeared to lack self-control during the session.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Criticisms
Tejashwi Yadav, a prominent RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, also condemned Nitish Kumar’s behavior. Yadav took to social media to accuse Kumar of consistently making derogatory comments about women. He characterized Kumar’s remarks as “cheap, unwanted, uncivilized, rude, and low-level,” highlighting the seriousness of these comments and expressing concern about the impact on the state’s political environment.
Conclusion
The exchange in the Bihar assembly has highlighted significant tensions between the state government and the Opposition, particularly regarding reservation laws and gender issues. Nitish Kumar’s outspoken comments and the subsequent reactions from RJD members reflect the ongoing debate and conflicts within Bihar’s political landscape. implications for Bihar’s legislative and social policies.
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