The winter session of the Bihar Legislature is ongoing, and today marks its third day. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan addressed both houses of the Legislature jointly, presenting the agenda of policies and development plans for the new Nitish government.
Patna: Today is the third day of the winter session of the 18th Assembly, where Governor Arif Mohammad Khan delivered his address. He jointly addressed both houses of the Bihar Legislature. However, at the beginning of the address, the sound system malfunctioned for a short while, making his voice inaudible, but the technical team promptly rectified it.
The Governor outlined the new government's upcoming plans and policies and extended his best wishes to the members. He stated that he welcomes everyone to the joint session of both houses of the Bihar Legislature and wishes for the state's prosperity and multifaceted development. He also congratulated all newly elected members of the Assembly and expressed confidence that the tenure of the newly formed Bihar Legislative Assembly would play a constructive role in the state's development and in bringing prosperity to every citizen.
Governor's Address: Emphasis on Development and Democracy
The Governor welcomed and congratulated all newly elected members at the beginning of his address. He stated,
'I am confident that the tenure of the newly formed Bihar Legislative Assembly will play a constructive role in the state's multifaceted development and in bringing prosperity to every citizen.'
He also noted that peaceful and fair elections were recently concluded in the state. The public accepted the development agenda and gave extensive support to the government. Notably, women cast an unprecedented number of votes in this election. The Governor also thanked the Election Commission of India and related officials for their contribution to the successful democratic process.
Before the Governor's address, the government also presented the second supplementary budget for the financial year 2025-26 (FY 2025-26) in the Assembly. This budget will provide financial resources to advance various development works and schemes of the state.
Assembly Proceedings: Oaths, Committees, and Ordinances
The session began with an address by Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar. This was followed by the Governor's address. Key agendas for the session include:
- Appointment of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
- Formation of Committees
- Certified copies of ordinances promulgated by the Governor pertaining to the Speakers will be laid on the table of the House
- Manuals of various departments will be presented in the House
- Unusual Development: Anant Singh and Amrendra Pandey did not take oath
On the second day, the post of Assembly Speaker was assigned to senior BJP leader Dr. Prem Kumar. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker's post went to JD(U). Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Narendra Narayan Yadav was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker. Although four MLAs, who were absent on the first day, took the oath today, bman leader Anant Singh could not take the oath due to being in jail, and Amrendra Pandey was busy with his nephew's treatment.
In his address, the Governor highlighted several key development initiatives and schemes. He stated that special emphasis would be placed on increasing employment opportunities for youth, women, and the poor in the state. Awareness towards development is evident across all sections of the state. Cooperation from everyone is expected for the efforts being made by the government.
This message from the Governor made it clear that the Bihar Government's main focus would be on job creation, empowerment of women and youth, and the state's economic progress.
