The first day of the 18th Bihar Assembly’s winter session was marked by a vibrant celebration of Mithila’s cultural pride. Newly elected legislators gathered in Patna to take their oaths in a variety of languages, with Maithili standing out as the language of choice for many. A total of 14 newly elected MLAs, the highest number ever, chose to take their oath in Maithili, making the Assembly floor reverberate with the cultural identity of Mithila. This momentous occasion reflected not only the linguistic diversity of Bihar but also highlighted the prominence of youth leaders in the state’s political landscape.
The Oath Ceremony and the Rise of Mithila Pride
The opening ceremony of the winter session witnessed a strong presence of Maithili speakers among the newly elected members. A total of 237 out of 243 legislators were sworn in on the first day, with the remaining six set to take their oaths the following day. The pro-tem Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav administered the oath to all members in the state’s Legislative Assembly.
While legislators were offered the option to take their oath in Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, English, and Maithili, it was Maithili that took center stage. The pride of Mithila was reflected in the attire of several MLAs, with many choosing to wear the iconic Mithila pag, gamchha, and other traditional garments. Among these was the youngest MLA, Maithili Thakur, who wore a bright yellow sari with a pag tied around her head and took her oath in her native language, Maithili.
A Diverse Array of Languages
The diversity of languages spoken in Bihar was fully reflected during the oath-taking ceremony. While Maithili took the lead, several other languages were represented. Hindi remained the most widely used language, but Sanskrit, Urdu, and English also made their presence felt. The list of MLAs taking their oaths in Maithili included well-known figures such as Maithili Thakur, Rajesh Kumar Mandal, Sanjay Sarawgi, and Ramchandra Prasad, to name a few. Notably, Asif Ahmed, who defeated the BJP’s prominent leader in Bachchhaul, was among those who chose Maithili.
Sanskrit was chosen by lawmakers like Tarkishore Prasad, Ratnesh Sada, and Mithilesh Tiwari. In addition, members of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), such as Abidur Rahman and Mohammed Murshid Alam, took their oaths in Urdu. English was the language of choice for JDU MLA Chetan Anand and LJP (Ram Vilas) MLA Vishnu Dev Paswan.
“Vande Mataram” and “Bismillah” Echo in the Assembly
After each oath, the chambers of the Bihar Assembly were filled with the resonating chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bismillah,” reflecting the state’s deep religious and cultural diversity. This moment demonstrated how the new legislature represents a wide range of communities, showcasing the inclusive nature of Bihar’s political system.
A Celebration of Youth and Education in Bihar Politics
One of the most notable aspects of this session is the number of young and educated legislators now serving in the Bihar Assembly. A significant portion of these MLAs hail from elite educational institutions, which has sparked optimism about the future of Bihar. Anand Madhav, elected from Madhubani, emphasized that Bihar is entering a “golden five-year cycle.” Madhav, like many others, believes that the next five years will witness significant development driven by educated young leaders.
Samriddh Verma, the newly elected BJP MLA from Sikta, who holds a degree from the University of California, spoke about the opportunity to work under “Modi-Nitish 2.0” and build a more developed Bihar. This influx of educated youth into politics is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the state’s governance.
Political Commitment and Ambitious Promises
As the session unfolded, several new ministers outlined their commitments and ambitious plans. Sanjay Tiger, appointed as the Labour Resources Minister, reaffirmed the NDA’s promise to generate one crore jobs. He highlighted the Centre’s role in providing employment to 50 lakh people in the past five years, underscoring the government’s focus on economic development.
JDU’s Shubhanand Mukesh, elected from Kahalgaon, expressed his dedication to fulfilling the trust placed in him by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Mukesh, the son of veteran Congress leader Sadanand Singh, represents a new generation of politicians ready to uphold the legacy of public service.
From the Left benches, Sandeep Saurabh, MLA from Paliganj, vowed that despite the opposition’s reduced strength, their struggle for justice and progress would not diminish. Saurabh’s comments signaled that the opposition would continue to voice its concerns despite the numerical challenges they face in the Assembly.
Moments of Light-Heartedness and Warmth
As with every legislative session, moments of camaraderie and warmth also made an appearance. One such instance occurred when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a rare moment of humor, told newly sworn-in JDU MLA Chetan Anand, “I voted for you!” This remark drew laughter from across the Assembly, reflecting the lighter side of politics.
In another light-hearted moment, RJD MLA Gautam Krishna arrived at the Assembly in slippers, a gesture that sparked curiosity and amused many members. These moments, though brief, serve to remind everyone that behind the serious work of governance, the relationships between legislators remain important.
Focus on Mithila’s Development
For many newly elected MLAs, the focus is on accelerating development in their constituencies. Ajay Chaudhary, the MLA from Benipur, wearing a bright Mithila pag, spoke passionately about the importance of Mithila’s development for the overall progress of Bihar. He emphasized that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s deep trust in the people of Mithila must be honored through tangible progress.
BJP MLA Sujeet Kumar, who also took his oath in Maithili, reminded the House of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s historic decision to include Maithili in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, making it a part of the official languages of India.
A New Chapter in Bihar Politics
The beginning of the 18th Bihar Assembly session represents a new chapter in Bihar’s political history. With a significant number of young, educated leaders now part of the Assembly, the state is set to experience a new kind of leadership—one that promises fresh ideas, development, and progress.
The election of these young leaders and their emphasis on education and development indicate a promising future for Bihar. Their diverse backgrounds, ranging from elite institutions to grassroots movements, ensure that the state’s politics will be shaped by a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives.
The first day of the 18th Bihar Assembly’s winter session has been a testament to the state’s rich cultural diversity and the emergence of a new generation of leaders. The prominence of Maithili during the oath-taking ceremony, the participation of young and educated faces, and the focus on development make this session one to watch closely. As the session progresses, it is clear that the Assembly will not only be a place of political debate but also a platform for addressing the pressing issues facing Bihar today.
