Bihar Assembly: Bhai Virendra’s Quip on Arsenic Water Sparks Light-Hearted Banter with CM Nitish

Patna: During the Bihar Assembly’s budget session on Thursday, February 11, opposition RJD MLA from Maner, Bhai Virendra, once again targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with a sharp remark. This time, however, he was promptly met with a witty response from ruling party MLA Samrat Chaudhary, creating a light-hearted moment in the House.

The session saw RJD MLAs pressing the government on several issues, ranging from paddy procurement to arsenic contamination in water. The opposition alleged that due to the arbitrary practices of PACS presidents and government policies, farmers were forced to sell their paddy to traders from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal at extremely low prices. Ministers’ responses failed to satisfy the opposition, leading to pointed interventions from the RJD.

Bhai Virendra Raises Arsenic Water Issue
Bhai Virendra raised concerns about arsenic contamination in the water in Maner and Bihta. He asked follow-up questions to the minister regarding when tests for arsenic were conducted, expressing dissatisfaction with the minister’s answers. Speaker Prem Kumar humorously intervened, asking, “You are fine, right? Arsenic hasn’t affected you, has it?” assuring that the government would take action for public welfare.

CM Nitish also joined the exchange. He asked Bhai Virendra why he was wearing so many clothes despite the moderate weather. Quick to respond, Bhai Virendra said, “You gave the clothes, that’s why I am wearing them. Previously, you also gave them. You are the elder brother, we are the younger. But you forget to give clothes sometimes, which is why we say one should take medicines on time, or else one keeps forgetting.” Speaker Shravan Kumar added in jest, “You do take them, right?”

Samrat Chaudhary Joins the Banter
Samrat Chaudhary laughed and commented, “The biggest thing is that the Chief Minister is concerned—why wear so many clothes? It’s not that cold.” Bhai Virendra responded respectfully, “I wear what the Honorable Chief Minister has given, out of respect.” The humorous exchange drew laughter from both ruling and opposition MLAs, keeping the mood light without escalating into a debate.

The session thus saw a rare instance of humor amidst the usual political scrutiny, with the Chief Minister, ruling MLAs, and opposition members sharing a light-hearted moment over clothes and arsenic concerns.