Bihar – The Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly began on Monday with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan’s customary address, setting the tone for the proceedings. Soon after the speech concluded, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav mounted a strong critique of the state government, questioning both the substance of the address and the broader claims of progress made by the ruling dispensation.
Tejashwi described the Governor’s address as largely symbolic, arguing that such speeches rarely reflect independent assessment. According to him, the address followed a familiar pattern and echoed the official narrative prepared by the government rather than offering an honest picture of conditions in the state.
Addressing reporters outside the Assembly, Tejashwi said that governors change over time, but the content of their speeches remains predictable. He maintained that the address merely repeats what the administration wants conveyed, leaving little room for critical evaluation of policy outcomes or administrative performance.
He further claimed that while the speech highlighted development and reform, it failed to acknowledge persistent issues affecting everyday life in Bihar. In his view, the gap between official claims and public experience continues to widen.
A major focus of Tejashwi Yadav’s remarks was the law and order situation in the state. He alleged that serious crimes have become frequent and that public safety has deteriorated. Referring to reports of violent incidents, he claimed that cases involving murder, sexual violence, abduction, and firing are occurring with alarming regularity.
According to the opposition leader, these incidents undermine the government’s repeated assertions of improved policing and governance. He argued that citizens remain vulnerable despite official assurances and that restoring public confidence requires more than statements in the Assembly.
Tejashwi also questioned the effectiveness of central investigative agencies in cases linked to Bihar. Referring to ongoing and past investigations, he expressed skepticism about whether probes have delivered justice or meaningful outcomes.
He cited examples of earlier cases that were handed over for investigation but, according to him, did not result in clear accountability. By raising these points, he suggested that merely transferring cases to investigative agencies does not automatically ensure transparency or closure.
The opposition leader accused the state administration of failing to control corruption at the grassroots level. He claimed that corrupt practices are visible across government offices, including local administrative units and police stations.
Tejashwi argued that such systemic issues directly affect service delivery and deepen public distrust. He maintained that without strict action and institutional reform, corruption would continue to hamper development efforts.
Directing his criticism at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi questioned why Bihar continues to lag behind other states on key economic and social indicators. He referred to national reports and income data to support his argument that the state remains at the lower end of development rankings.
He further alleged that the government’s achievements do not match its promises, stating that Bihar’s progress is limited when measured against parameters such as income levels and overall growth.
Tejashwi also challenged the government’s claims on job creation. He said announcements about industrial expansion and large-scale employment lack clarity, particularly regarding the nature and sustainability of the promised jobs.
Commenting on the Union Budget, he accused the central government of overlooking Bihar’s needs. He suggested that national budget priorities appear influenced by electoral considerations rather than long-term regional development.
In contrast, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan’s address focused on the work carried out since Nitish Kumar took office in November 2005. The speech highlighted initiatives in education, healthcare, policing, and infrastructure, stating that consistent efforts have been made to strengthen public services.
The Governor said the state has undergone significant changes over the years and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving governance and facilities for citizens, setting the stage for discussions during the Budget Session.
