BJP MLA Alleges Cabinet Misled Over Women’s Kabaddi World Cup Proposal in Bihar

Patna: A political storm erupted in the Bihar Legislative Assembly over the proposed Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, with a BJP MLA raising serious questions about the functioning of the state’s Sports Department. During Question Hour, BJP legislator Mithilesh Tiwari accused officials of misleading the cabinet and approving a proposal even while the matter was pending in the Supreme Court, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was later canceled.

Allegations Against Officials

MLA Tiwari highlighted that the case reached the Supreme Court on 21 January 2025, and on 4 February, the court issued strict orders, including directives for a CBI inquiry. Despite this, he asked how the Sports Department secured cabinet approval under Agenda Item 47 and executed the MOU on 12 April. Tiwari alleged that officials deliberately concealed facts from the cabinet, demanding strict action against those responsible for this negligence.

Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh Responds

Responding to the allegations, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh clarified that the relevant Indian federation was under a Supreme Court stay order and faced serious financial irregularities. She stated that the government did not want its name associated with a controversial federation, and therefore, the MOU was signed initially and later canceled. Singh added that due to the sensitivity of the issue, no other state had granted permission for the event.

MLA Demands Action

Unconvinced by the minister’s explanation, MLA Tiwari countered that the response was evasive. He questioned why the MOU was signed in April when the Solicitor General was present in February and the court had already issued directives. Tiwari called for strict action against the officials who forwarded the proposal to the cabinet and demanded accountability for the “gross negligence” displayed. The matter was later pacified after intervention by the Assembly Speaker, with assurances of further review.

The controversy underscores the heightened scrutiny over bureaucratic accountability and governance in Bihar’s sports administration, especially concerning high-profile events.