Prem Kumar Unanimously Elected Bihar Assembly Speaker
BJP veteran Prem Kumar has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape. His selection, supported by both treasury and opposition benches, reflects a rare display of consensus amid a competitive political environment.
Unopposed Nomination and Election
Prem Kumar was introduced as the sole nominee for the post by Pro-tem Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav. With no other contenders filing nominations, the House declared him unanimously elected through a voice vote. Members across party lines raised slogans celebrating the moment, underscoring the broad acceptance of his leadership.
Ceremonial Welcome and House Response
After being elected, Prem Kumar was escorted to the Speaker’s chair by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. At the Chief Minister’s request, all 242 MLAs and cabinet ministers offered a standing ovation to the 70-year-old leader, who recently secured his ninth consecutive victory from the Gaya Town constituency.
Speaker’s Address and Vision
In his maiden address, Prem Kumar emphasised that unanimous election carries both honour and responsibility. He highlighted the democratic value of diverse viewpoints contributing to policy-making and expressed commitment to ensuring transparency and the smooth functioning of legislative processes. He pledged to protect constitutional norms, uphold House traditions, and guarantee equal opportunity for both treasury and opposition members to express their views.
Exam Oriented Facts
- Prem Kumar has won the Gaya Town Assembly seat nine times.
- He was unanimously elected Speaker through a voice vote.
- The Bihar Assembly has 243 seats, with 242 members present during the ovation.
- The Speaker plays a key role in maintaining order and enforcing House rules.
Opposition’s Expectations and House Proceedings
Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav urged the new Speaker to act impartially and safeguard opposition rights, noting the ruling side’s numerical advantage. Before adjourning the House, Prem Kumar thanked members for their confidence and assured cooperation-focused leadership. The day’s proceedings also included the oath-taking of members who had missed the inaugural session.