India / Newly-elected MLA in Bihar Shakeel Ahmad Khan takes oath in Sanskrit

Patna: It was a surprising moment for every political leader who was present during the inaugural session of 17th Bihar Assembly when Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan took oath in Sanskrit.

The newly-elected members of 17th Bihar Assembly were administered the oath of office by Protem Speaker Jitan Ram Manjhi at the central hall of the legislature building earlier today with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

During today’s session, members representing constituency numbers 1 to 100 were sworn in during the first half the day, from 11 am to 1 pm, while those representing constituency numbers 101 to 200, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, took oath during the second half, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

According to the schedule read out by Manjhi, the remaining members will be administered the oath of office on Tuesday.

The first day of the inaugural five-day session of the 17th Bihar Vidhan Sabha witnessed the country’s unity in diversity as newly-elected members cutting across party lines preferred to take oath in their regional languages, including Maithili, Urdu, Hindi.

Congress' Shakeel Ahmad Khan takes oath in Sanskrit

However, Khan, Congress member from Kadwa took everyone by surprise when he took oath in Sanskrit. Khan, a JNU alumnus, reportedly said that he wanted to send out a message to both the BJP and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). 

BJP member from Sitamarhi, Mithilesh Kumar, was also sworn in Sanskrit.

Prominent members who took oath in Maithili included Mithilesh Kumar, Vinod Narayan Jha, Nitish Mishra, Samir Kumar Mahaseth, Sudhanshu Shekhar, Haribhushan Thakur. Those who were administered oath in Urdu included AIMIM members Shahnawaz and Akhtarul Iman.

RJD member from Sheohar and son of don-turned-politician Anand Mohan Singh, Chetan Anand was sworn in English.

Deputy chief ministers and BJP members Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi were the first ones to be sworn in. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is a member of legislative council, was present during the ceremony.