Bihar – Veteran BJP leader Prem Kumar on Monday filed his nomination papers for election to the prestigious post of Bihar assembly speaker, marking a significant political development in the state’s legislative proceedings. The eight-term MLA from Gaya Town emerged as the sole candidate for this coveted position, virtually guaranteeing his unopposed election to one of the most important constitutional posts in the state assembly.
The nomination filing ceremony took place before the secretary in-charge of the Vidhan Sabha, Khyati Singh, with several prominent NDA leaders present to show their support. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha attended the proceedings, along with senior JD(U) leader and parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, underscoring the political significance of this appointment.
JP Movement Veteran Poised for Key Constitutional Role
Prem Kumar represents one of the few leaders in Bihar who began their political journey during the historic JP Movement, lending considerable experience and gravitas to the Bihar assembly speaker position. His long association with Bihar politics, spanning eight consecutive terms as an MLA, has established him as a seasoned parliamentarian well-versed in legislative procedures and constitutional matters.
The election for the Bihar assembly speaker is scheduled for Tuesday, with Prem Kumar expected to assume the role without facing any electoral contest. His unopposed election became certain after the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD, Congress, and the Left parties, decided against fielding a candidate for this crucial position.
NDA’s Commanding Majority Ensures Smooth Election
The NDA’s formidable strength in the 243-strong Bihar assembly has played a decisive role in determining the outcome of the Bihar assembly speaker election. With 202 seats firmly in the alliance’s control, the selection of Prem Kumar for this constitutional position is being viewed as a foregone conclusion by political observers across the state.
The BJP, which commands 89 MLAs in the current assembly, successfully asserted its claim to the Bihar assembly speaker post, demonstrating its growing influence within the NDA coalition in Bihar. This number gives the party a slight edge over its coalition partner JD(U), which has 85 MLAs in the house.
Behind-the-Scenes Coalition Negotiations
Political insiders familiar with the developments preceding Prem Kumar’s nomination reveal that JD(U) had lobbied vigorously for appointing one of its 85 MLAs as the new Bihar assembly speaker. The regional party presented a compelling argument, contending that since Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had already ceded the crucial home portfolio to his deputy from the BJP, the party deserved to secure the speaker’s position as a balancing measure.
However, the BJP, leveraging its marginally superior numerical strength in the assembly, firmly rejected this proposal. The saffron party’s leadership put its foot down on the matter, ultimately securing the Bihar assembly speaker position for Prem Kumar, thereby strengthening its hold on key constitutional posts in the state.
Historical Context of Speaker Position in Bihar
The JD(U), which has remained in power continuously since 2005, had maintained control over the Bihar assembly speaker position throughout its first three consecutive tenures. This precedent made the party’s expectation of retaining the post understandable from a political standpoint. However, the changing political dynamics and the BJP’s assertiveness within the NDA coalition have altered this established pattern.
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The shift in control of the Bihar assembly speaker position from JD(U) to BJP reflects the evolving power equations within the ruling alliance. It signals the BJP’s determination to consolidate its position in Bihar’s political landscape and secure key institutional positions that come with significant constitutional authority and influence over legislative proceedings.
Significance of Unopposed Election
The decision by the Mahagathbandhan not to contest the Bihar assembly speaker election represents a pragmatic acknowledgment of the NDA’s overwhelming majority in the house. With 202 members supporting the ruling coalition against the opposition’s 41 seats, any electoral contest would have been merely symbolic, with the outcome predetermined in favor of the NDA candidate.
The unopposed nature of Prem Kumar’s election to the Bihar assembly speaker position also suggests a degree of cross-party respect for his experience and capability to manage the assembly’s proceedings impartially. Despite political differences, the opposition’s decision not to field a candidate indicates acceptance of his suitability for this important constitutional role.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Bihar Politics
Prem Kumar’s assumption of the Bihar assembly speaker position will have significant implications for the functioning of the state legislature. As speaker, he will be responsible for maintaining order in the house, interpreting rules and procedures, and ensuring that legislative business proceeds smoothly while protecting the rights of both treasury and opposition benches.
His extensive parliamentary experience, coupled with his political journey beginning from the JP Movement era, positions him well to handle the responsibilities of this crucial constitutional office effectively and maintain the dignity and decorum of the Bihar assembly.
