‘You Are a Woman... You Don’t Know Anything’: Nitish Kumar’s Shocking Outburst at RJD MLA Rekha Devi Raises Questions on Women's Respect in Politics

In a heated session on July 24, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lost his temper and shouted at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Rekha Devi. The confrontation occurred during a discussion on the proposed quota hike of 65%, which had been set aside by the Patna High Court, prompting the State government to approach the Supreme Court

P24 News Media

July 25, 2024

1 minute

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Politics

Bihar CM Loses Temper in Assembly

Assurances on Quota Hike Amid Opposition Protests

Chief Minister Kumar was attempting to assure the Assembly that steps were being taken to implement the proposed quota hike, despite the setback from the Patna High Court. He stated, “The Patna High Court has set aside the quota hike and we have gone to the Supreme Court and have also told the Centre to include it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.”

However, the Opposition, including the RJD, Congress, and the Left, continued to disrupt the session, demanding Special Category Status for Bihar and criticizing the State government for not including reservation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Confrontation with Rekha Devi

Amidst the chaos, Chief Minister Kumar directed his frustration towards Rekha Devi, the Masaurhi MLA, who was actively protesting. Pointing his finger at her, he shouted, “You are a woman, don’t you understand, these people never let women progress. You are a woman, you don’t know anything.”

He further questioned her, asking if the RJD ever allowed women to speak during their rule. “Did RJD ever promote women? After 2005, I promoted women. Today you are speaking useless things. Listen to what I am saying,” he added.

Criticism of Opposition’s Demands

Kumar also criticized the Congress, noting their lack of support for Special Category Status when they were in power at the Centre. “Yesterday, you were protesting, but when we were protesting since 2010 that Bihar should get Special Category Status, then your party did not give it. You people (RJD and Congress) were together,” he said.

He highlighted that the Centre had begun assisting Bihar, with the Union Budget allocating ₹58,900 crore to the State. Despite this, the Opposition continued their protests, chanting “Nitish Kumar hai hai (down with Nitish Kumar)“, to which an agitated Kumar retorted with the same chant.

Rekha Devi’s Response

In response to Kumar’s outburst, Rekha Devi expressed her discontent, stating, “I was just speaking my thoughts on reservation. On one hand the Chief Minister talks about women empowerment and on the other hand he speaks like this to women.”

She demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, referencing past statements he made about women and population issues. “The Chief Minister should express regret. He has grown old and is not able to run Bihar,” she concluded.

Ongoing Tensions in Bihar Politics

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within Bihar’s political landscape. As the debate on reservation and Special Category Status continues, the interactions between leaders like Nitish Kumar and Rekha Devi reflect deeper issues regarding gender dynamics and political accountability in the State.