CM Nitish Kumar’s Bold Remark: The Bihar Assembly was abruptly adjourned until 2 p.m. after the start of its proceedings, as the opposition BJP persisted in demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over comments he made the previous day about women.
At the assembly’s 11 a.m. session, Leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed that Kumar had become mentally unfit to govern the state and should resign. The chief minister, present in the House, stood to offer an explanation, expressing regret for his remarks. He emphasised that he has always supported women’s education and saw a direct correlation between women’s education levels and the fertility rate, explaining the context of his comments.
The chief minister, who was present in the House, rose to offer his explanation and said, “I have expressed my regret while talking to journalists outside the House. I am ready to do so again. If my words have caused any hurt, I condemn myself (main apni ninda karta hoon)”.
However, the opposition members remained resolute, storming the well of the House and demanding the chief minister’s resignation. The Speaker reminded the opposition members that they have no right to demand the resignation of the chief minister, who enjoys the confidence of the people. He also assured that any unparliamentary remarks in the chief minister’s speech would be expunged if found.
As the ruckus persisted, the Speaker adjourned the House until lunch.
Women’s wings of Left parties supporting the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan government in the state criticised the chief minister’s remarks. AIDWA, affiliated with CPI (M), and AIPWA, linked to CPI (ML) Liberation, demanded an apology from the chief minister and described his language and body language as vulgar and indicative of patriarchy. They also criticised female members of the House for not raising objections during the session, suggesting their sole concern was their own political careers.