Controversy Erupts Over Bihar Assembly Banquet Costs
Bihar Politics: A political squabble has erupted in Bihar over the cost of a banquet held to celebrate the centenary year of the Bihar Legislative Assembly building. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) claimed that the cost per plate was ₹6000, prompting a rebuttal from Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha, who presented evidence to refute the claim.
RJD Alleges ₹6000 Per Plate Cost
The RJD leveled serious accusations regarding a banquet held on July 12, 2022, at the Bihar Legislative Assembly to mark its centenary celebrations and coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. The party alleged that ₹6000 was spent per plate, sparking political controversy and accusations of a potential scandal from the opposition.
Deputy CM Presents Evidence
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha released documents to clarify the matter. He stated that the actual cost per plate was ₹525 (excluding GST). He also mentioned that the Legislative Assembly Secretariat had submitted this expenditure information to the Accountant General on August 17, 2022.
Key Banquet Information
Date: July 12, 2022
Total Guests Invited: 1791
Cost per Plate: ₹525 (excluding GST)
Total Expenditure: ₹9,87,289
Caterer: A catering service located in Buddha Colony
Banquet Held During President's Visit as Well
The Deputy CM also revealed that a banquet was held on October 21, 2021, during the President's visit. Food was provided for 1500 people at a total cost of ₹8,26,875 (including GST). This expenditure was also reported to the Accountant General by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat on November 23, 2021.
Deputy CM Attacks Tejashwi Yadav
Vijay Sinha directly attacked Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, calling him an "unbridled, irresponsible prince," stating that Yadav lacked both facts and logic. The Deputy CM claimed that Yadav had never seriously undertaken any work and would also fail in politics.
He stated, "Tejashwi Yadav neither completed his education nor succeeded in cricket. Now, he will face the same fate in politics. No matter how much intimidation those born with a silver spoon create, the public will never accept them as leaders."
Government's Stance on Banquet Controversy
The Deputy CM asserted that the government believes in transparency and that the allegations regarding the banquet are false and misleading. He demanded that the RJD apologize for misleading the public and bring honesty to its politics.
