RJD MPs Protest in Parliament Over NEET Aspirant’s Death, Demand Special Status for Bihar

New Delhi/Patna:
Members of Parliament from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) staged a protest in the Parliament complex on Monday, raising multiple issues related to Bihar, including the demand for special category status for the state, deteriorating law and order, and the recent death of a NEET aspirant in Patna.

The RJD MPs alleged that the Union Budget had ignored Bihar’s long-pending demands and failed to address the pressing concerns of the state. Holding placards and raising slogans within the Parliament premises, the party accused the Centre of continued neglect despite repeated representations.

‘Bihar’s Key Issues Ignored in Union Budget’

Speaking to news agency ANI, RJD MP Misa Bharti said the party decided to highlight Bihar’s “burning issues” during the Budget Session as the Centre had failed to fulfil the state’s expectations.

“There are several serious issues in Bihar, and the people of the state have many unmet demands. The Budget Session is underway, so we felt it was necessary to raise Bihar’s concerns. The demand for special category status is long pending. There was nothing for Bihar in the Budget. We are also raising the issue of law and order and the death of a student preparing for NEET. We want the government to respond and take immediate action,” she said.

Protest After President’s Address

The protest took place after the motion of thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address in the Lok Sabha. RJD MPs accused the Centre of systematically ignoring Bihar’s socio-economic challenges, despite repeated demands raised by opposition parties.

The demand for special category status for Bihar has been a long-standing issue, with opposition parties arguing that the state requires additional central assistance due to frequent natural disasters, lower per capita income, and significant developmental challenges.

Demand for Action in NEET Aspirant Death Case

Apart from the special status demand, RJD MPs also highlighted the worsening law and order situation in Bihar. Referring to the death of a NEET aspirant in Patna, the party demanded accountability and immediate action, calling the incident a reflection of administrative failure.

Budget Session to Continue for 65 Days

The discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha has been allocated 18 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply on February 4, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to respond on February 11.

The Budget Session will continue for 65 days, with 30 sittings, and conclude on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 after the recess, during which parliamentary standing committees will examine the demands for grants of various ministries and departments.