The ongoing budget session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly witnessed a rare moment of internal accountability as two newly elected female MLAs from the ruling coalition questioned the state government's performance. Maithili Thakur of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Komal Singh of the Janata Dal (United) raised critical issues regarding infrastructure in their respective constituencies, expressing dissatisfaction with the official responses provided by the ministers.
Maithili Thakur Challenges Healthcare Infrastructure
BJP MLA from Alinagar and renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur raised serious concerns regarding the dilapidated state of government hospitals on Monday, February 9. During the Question Hour, she addressed Health Minister Mangal Pandey, highlighting the structural risks associated with medical facilities in her area, while thakur stated that the hospital buildings are in such poor condition that a major accident could occur at any time, with plaster falling from ceilings and deep cracks appearing in the walls.
The MLA informed the house that during the monsoon season, water leaks into the wards where pregnant women and children are treated. She contested the government's written reply which suggested that the buildings weren't in a critical state. Thakur also pointed out a severe shortage of MBBS doctors, noting that the local health system is struggling to function. She urged the minister to reconsider the department's assessment and prioritize the safety of patients over bureaucratic reports.
Komal Singh Disputes Sports Department Claims
JDU MLA Komal Singh took a firm stand against the Sports Department regarding the construction of stadiums in her Gaighat constituency. On February 3, she rejected the written report provided by the department, which claimed that stadium projects had been completed. Singh argued that the sites mentioned in the report—Jarang and Athwara panchayats—are merely open school fields without any modern sports infrastructure.
According to Singh, these locations lack basic facilities such as changing rooms, running tracks, and toilets. 20 crore budget allocated under the Chief Minister's Sports Development Scheme. In response, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, an international shooter herself, proposed a joint site visit to verify the ground reality. The minister assured the MLA that any deficiencies identified during the inspection would be addressed promptly through further administrative action.
Political Background and Significance
The proactive stance of these two young legislators has drawn significant attention in Bihar's political circles. Maithili Thakur, who won her first election from Alinagar in November, is transitioning from a cultural icon to a vocal representative of her people. Komal Singh, aged 30, is the youngest MLA in Muzaffarpur district and hails from a prominent political family; her father Dinesh Prasad Singh is a JDU MLC, and her mother Veena Devi is the Member of Parliament from Vaishali.
According to political analysts, the act of ruling party MLAs questioning their own ministers reflects a strong internal democratic process within the NDA coalition. It indicates that the new generation of leaders is more focused on local grievances and is willing to demand accountability regardless of party lines. This trend is seen as a move towards ensuring that development funds are utilized effectively at the grassroots level.
Conclusion and Government Response
Following the heated discussions in the assembly, both the Health and Sports ministries have committed to reviewing the projects in question. Health Minister Mangal Pandey stated that the government is serious about hospital infrastructure and has identified buildings requiring urgent renovation. Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh's offer for a site visit has temporarily de-escalated the situation regarding the stadium dispute. These developments suggest that the Bihar government will face increased scrutiny from within its ranks on issues related to public welfare and infrastructure development.