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Wedding invite draws CM ire
A senior JD(U) MLA accompanied a BJP MLA went to chief minister Nitish Kumar’s house to extend the wedding invitation of the BJP leader. The two were cordially welcomed by Nitish, who opened the invitation card in front of them to read the text. Nitish's smile disappeared as soon as he noticed the address of the venue where the reception was to be held. It was at the old residence of the JD(U) MLA which he had officially vacated few months ago.
he chief minister recalled that the old house along with few other houses had been vacated as they were to be razed to make way for the international museum. “The chief minister openly expressed his anger over the MLA still holding possession of the bungalow despite having vacated it officially and taking a new government accommodation. He warned the leaders that he could have the bungalow razed overnight. The two MLAs made a hasty exit from Nitish’s house, praying that the chief minister does not execute his threat as the invitation cards have already been distributed,” said a source in the chief minister’s house.
Young Elders
The debate in the state Legislative Council is supposed to be a more threadbare discussion on issues related to the people. That is why it is kept on par with the Rajya Sabha and called the house of “Elders”. However, on Monday, a young JD(U) MLC was seen passing chewing gum to his fellow MLCs even as the House was on. This behaviour annoyed few senior members in the House. The standard of discussions in the Vidhan Parishad has declined as the members elected to the House are getting younger and younger. Previously this House used to be a den of seasoned politicians who could not manage to enter the Assembly for some reason or another,” said a senior politician.
Lathi to avoid stick
Policemen posted near R-Block to stop protesters from entering the restricted zone when the Assembly is on are often seen resorting to lathicharge when protesters force their way into the prohibited zone despite Section 144 clamped around the legislative building. “We use the lathi generously out of both compulsion and frustration. Once the cordon is broken and people enter the restricted zone, we know we will be placed under suspension for the next six months. The lathicharge on the protesters is our way to protest,” said a police constable, declaring that he had been placed under suspension three times for breach in security. The frustration is understandable as three sub-inspectors were suspended for “laxity in duty” when an RJD MLA entered the Assembly premises on a pushcart on Monday.
Late by choice
National spokesperson of JD(U) Shivanand Tiwari recently dubbed the Congress an agent of the US while speaking against the FDI in multi-brand retail. The reaction, however, came at least 10 days late. Even JD(U) leaders said that “Baba”, as Tiwari is fondly called, is taking a lot of time in airing reactions. “He (Shivanand) spoke almost 10 days after chief minister Nitish Kumar had spoken on the party’s views over the issue,” said a JD(U) MLA, stressing that Baba was always known for his aggressive attack on political opponents. “But he appears to have mellowed down due to age. He appears to be content playing the second fiddle in the party,” the leader added.
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