Tue Feb 24 15:57:18 UTC 2026: ### Bihar Assembly Rocked by Opposition Protests Over Police Action, CM Nitish Kumar Loses Cool

The Story:
The Bihar Assembly witnessed a tumultuous session on February 24, 2026, as opposition legislators from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) vehemently protested against the recent police lathi charge on protesting village watchmen (dafadars/chowkidars) in Patna. The watchmen were demanding a pay hike, and the opposition accused the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of being a “gun and bullets sarkar.” Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, visibly agitated by the accusations, retorted sharply, defending his government’s record and highlighting the perceived failures of the previous RJD regime before 2005.

The session was marked by slogan shouting, legislators trooping into the well of the House, and an error made by the Chief Minister while referencing the numerical strength of the ruling and opposition coalitions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhury intervened, assuring the House that the government would address the concerns of the watchmen and investigate the alleged excesses committed against them.

Key Points:

  • Opposition RJD MLAs protested against the police lathi charge on protesting village watchmen on February 23, 2026.
  • The opposition labeled the NDA government a “gun and bullets sarkar.”
  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lost his temper, defending his government and criticizing the RJD’s past performance.
  • Kumar incorrectly stated the NDA’s seat count in the Assembly as 2002 when the NDA actually won 202 seats in the 2025 election.
  • The government promised to address the demands of the watchmen and investigate the police action.
  • The Budget Session is scheduled to end on February 27, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling NDA and the opposition RJD in Bihar.
  • The protests underscore the plight of village watchmen and their long-standing demand for better pay.
  • The Chief Minister’s reaction suggests a sensitivity to criticism regarding law and order issues, given his emphasis on improvements since 2005.
  • The government’s promise to address the watchmen’s concerns indicates an attempt to de-escalate the situation and prevent further unrest.

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