Merger winds blow hot & cold
The relationship between the two "merged" parties - the RJD and JDU - is the hot topic of discussion in the city's political circles. "In the last week of the Assembly, the members of both parties did not behave like they are going to merge. In fact, RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui outsmarted us in criticising the government," said a BJP MLA referring to the RJD veteran attacking the government over the condition of health centres leading to the anarchy in Siwan on Monday.
It has not helped that the JDU and RJD MLAs are still not sure when the merger would be formalised. "I get nightmares that because I am seen as a strong defender of Nitish Kumar, I could be pitted against a candidate of his in the upcoming Assembly elections in case the merger is not formalised," said an RJD MLA. The leader added that in spite of the merger talks, RJD MLAs are not stepping into the lobby meant for the ruling party members. There are strong indications, however, that the RJD's growing aggressiveness has nothing to do with the merger but was triggered off by police action against an Ara businessman having close links with the party.
Making up for lost time
The BJP MLA from Raghunathpur, Vikram Kuer, has never been known to remain "silent". He is always speaking to ministers and ruling party MLAs when his party members are protesting in the Well of the House. But recently, when the entire BJP bench staged a silent dharna for a day, Kuer was nowhere to be seen. A joke did the rounds that Kuer cannot last an hour without talking. Few days later, though, he left MLAs across party lines amused. Kuer sported a black cloth over his mouth inside the House to protest against the Speaker rejecting his questions. The Speaker remarked that Kuer might have been advised by his doctors. "But that does not mean Kuer does not speak outside the House. He makes up for the lost time when the House proceedings are not on," said a BJP MLA.
Storm spares horses
A lot of fanfare precedes political events in Bihar. Elephants, camels and horses are brought in to give colour. JDU MLC Sanjay Singh had planned a grand show of horses for Thursday to mark the anniversary of Veer Kuer Singh's victory over the British. Tuesday's thunder squall's impact on the northeastern districts saved the animals though. "I do not think chief minister Nitish Kumar would have approved of the grand show when he is expressing sorrow for the death of so many people in the storm. The BJP would not have missed the opportunity to take potshots at Nitishji too had that been the case," said one of Singh's supporters.
Power to silence
When the JDU's Annu Shukla and BJP's Bhagirathi Devi had a heated exchange in the House on Wednesday, the men in the House were found sympathetic towards both. But one JDU MLA had an interesting observation to offer. He pointed out how Annu started shouting in the Well and even silenced heavyweights, including Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary, road construction minister Lallan Singh and Leader of Opposition Nand Kishore Yadav. "My sympathy lies with Annu's husband, former MLA Munna Shukla," he said.
