LJP(R) MLAs stage protest outside Bihar Assembly on February 16, 2026. Photo: Neeraj Kumar
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly entered its tenth day on Monday amid high drama and noisy scenes. While legislators of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left parties created an uproar from the Opposition benches, members of the ruling Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also staged a protest inside the House.
MLAs loyal to Chirag Paswan accused the RJD of insulting their late leader Ram Vilas Paswan by allegedly referring to him as “bechara” (poor fellow). LJP (Ram Vilas) members waved placards and raised slogans such as “Insult to the nation’s second Ambedkar will not be tolerated” and “The party of ‘Failsvi’ goons is insulting the leader who gave dignity to Dalits”.
LJP (Ram Vilas) legislature party leader and state president Raju Tiwari alleged that although Tejashwi Yadav himself rarely attends the Assembly, leaders of his party were insulting their founder. He said describing a towering Dalit leader as “bechara” exposed the mindset of the RJD, and demanded a public apology from Tejashwi Yadav.
“Padma Bhushan Ram Vilas Paswan worked under six Prime Ministers. The use of the word ‘bechara’ reflects their thinking. It shows they are anti-Dalit and anti-backward classes. Tejashwi Yadav must apologise,” Raju Tiwari said.
Meanwhile, members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Left parties staged a separate protest demanding the implementation of the UGC Equity Regulation Bill and the Rohith Vemula Act. As proceedings began, Opposition MLAs waved posters, while LJP (Ram Vilas) members also raised slogans against the RJD, leading to prolonged disruption of Question Hour. The Speaker managed to restore order only after sustained efforts.
“We demand that the Rohith Vemula Act be implemented immediately. It was framed following court directions. Minor improvements can be made if needed, but the law must come into force without delay,” said Ajay Kumar of Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist).
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