BJP Worker Killed, Several Others Lathicharged Amid Protests In Patna

A BJP worker was killed as the Patna Police lathicharged those protesting against the Nitish Kumar government over the posting of teachers in Bihar.

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar, a BJP worker from Jehanabad.

"Arrested by Bihar police in Patna, Jehanabad district GS Vijay Kumar Singh died in brutal police lathi charge", senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted.

The BJP is holding a "Vidhan Sabha march" in support of demands of teachers' job aspirants and those MLAs who chose to remain present inside the House had sought to build the tempo with provocative slogans like 'raddi CM gaddi chhod' (incompetent chief minister should give up his post).

Parliamentary Affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary made a strongly worded statement after all BJP members had staged a walkout, protesting the eviction of fellow MLAs Jibesh Kumar and Kumar Shailendra.

"The government headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is sensitive to the needs of the people and ready to respond to all issues raised by members", said Chaudhary, as the chief minister, who sat next to him, looked on.

The minister added, "the conduct of the opposition members since yesterday, when they smashed a chair and tried to upturn the table, shows they have no respect for democratic norms. Perhaps, they are desperate realising that their political future is uncertain".

He also said that the Speaker is the custodian of the House and the Chair must take steps to thwart such instances in which government property was damaged.

"The government will fully support," the minister said.

The Speaker said that no action that is detrimental to the sanctity of this House can be tolerated, a reason why marshals had to be called and some of the unruly members had to be evicted.

"I have also summoned video footage of yesterday when one of the members picked up a chair and banged it on the floor. After inquiry, I will take action", he said.

The BJP members, led by Sinha, told reporters outside the House "we were raising genuine demands of the people but the Chair has become an instrument of the government. We are, however, undeterred and will continue to raise the issues of the people".