Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, July 26
Bihar’s opposition lawmakers moved inside the legislative assembly with a cover, literally, not to protect from the contagious virus but from the “police clash”.
Putting on a black mask and helmets, the opposition members of the two Houses of Bihar Assembly today protected against the alleged police atrocities on them in the last session. The monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly started Monday.
The opposition members recalled they were attacked by the Bihar police on March 23 evening, both inside the House and outside the Assembly during the passage of the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill. One of the opposition members, Satish Das himself fortified his head and face with a strong helmet as he recollected he was brutally assaulted by the police for opposing the Bill. Das was admitted in Patna Medical College Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS, New Delhi as he had head injuries.
Another RJD member, Mukesh Roshan too entered the House with a helmet on his head. He too was one of the victims of police action on March 23,when opposition legislators were dragged out of the House on the streets and hit by boots by the policemen.
Leader of opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, wrote to the Speaker, Bijay Kumar Sinha, seeking protection to the legislators from police and also an apology from the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar for the March 23 incident as he alleged opposition MLAs were beaten on the instructions of the chief minister.
The Speaker has announced suspension of two constables, the lowest functionary in the police organisation for the March 23 incident. Tejashwi demanded action against the senior officers who ordered constables to beat the legislators including women MLAs.
CPI(ML) legislators rose in their seats seeking apology from the Chief Minister. They too were the victims of police action on March 23 inside the House.
In the legislative council, no business was transacted as the Chairman, Awadesh Narain Singh, adjourned the House till Tuesday morning after reading obituary references.
State government has decided to put seven official bills for debate during the session which concludes on Friday. Three bills relating to establishment of three new universities would be tabled during the session.
