JD-U’s Neeraj Kumar questions absence of Pawan Singh, Tejashwi Yadav during Bihar Legislature’s Monsoon session

Patna, July 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The final day of the Bihar Legislature's Monsoon session witnessed political sparring after the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief spokesperson and Legislative Council member Neeraj Kumar on Friday questioned the absence of newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Pawan Singh and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav from the House proceedings.

He said that active participation in the Legislature is a fundamental responsibility of every elected representative.

Speaking to reporters, Neeraj Kumar described the Legislature as the highest democratic forum, where public representatives are expected to raise public issues, participate in debates, and contribute to the legislative process.

Referring to newly elected Legislative Council member Pawan Singh, the JD-U chief spokesperson said it was unfortunate that he did not participate in the House proceedings for most of the session.

"The House is not merely a place to secure a position. It is where public representatives learn, raise people's issues, and strengthen democracy," he added.

He said that newly elected legislators have an opportunity to learn Parliamentary traditions, legislative procedures, and the functioning of the House from senior members.

Expressing hope that Pawan Singh would attend regularly in the future, Neeraj Kumar said consistent participation is essential for effectively representing the public.

Despite the criticism, BJP MLC Pawan Singh attended the Legislative Council on the final day of the Monsoon session.

During his visit, he met Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh and was accompanied by several senior BJP and JD-U leaders.

Neeraj Kumar also criticised the absence of Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, alleging that he did not attend the House proceedings throughout the Monsoon session.

He said that the Leader of the Opposition has a constitutional responsibility to question the state government, raise issues affecting the public, and ensure executive accountability.

Using sarcasm, Neeraj Kumar remarked that he had heard Tejashwi Yadav had gone abroad to mediate the conflict between America, Israel and Iran, before asking where the RJD leader actually was.

According to the JD-U chief spokesperson, remaining absent from the Legislature during an entire session reflects a lack of seriousness towards democratic institutions and undermines the mandate given by the electorate.

The RJD has said that Tejashwi Yadav has been occupied with caring for his father and party President Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Responding to this explanation, Neeraj Kumar questioned the claim, asking why photographs of Tejashwi Yadav from abroad had surfaced if he was engaged in caring for his father.

He concluded by saying that elected representatives are chosen by the people to raise public concerns in the Legislature and should discharge their constitutional responsibilities by actively participating in House proceedings.

Source: IANS