Patna, Sep 18: JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha on Friday said former Bihar Chief Minister and party leader Nitish Kumar had transformed the political work culture of the state, asserting that politics could be conducted in a “civilised” manner with accountability, good governance and development at its core.
Jha made the remarks during a one-day orientation programme for JD(U) legislators in Patna, which focused on familiarising newly elected MLAs and MLCs with legislative procedures and their responsibilities. The programme was inaugurated by Nitish Kumar.
Jha contrasted the present political approach with what he described as an earlier phase of Bihar politics associated with “tel pilavan, lathi chalavan” (pouring oil and swinging sticks).
“Before Nitish Kumar’s tenure, Bihar had also witnessed a period when political culture was associated with ‘pouring oil and swinging sticks’,” Jha said, adding that Nitish had shown that “politics can be conducted in a civilised manner as well”.
He said JD(U) under Nitish Kumar’s leadership had worked to improve the conduct and performance of elected representatives, while linking politics with accountability, governance and development.
The orientation programme particularly focused on first-time legislators. Jha said newly elected representatives needed to understand parliamentary traditions, the law-making process, the state budget, Bihar’s economy and finances, as well as recent legislative developments.
The training covered procedures related to Zero Hour, questions and supplementary questions, and discussion and decision-making on the budget. Jha said the representatives should ensure that public-interest and constituency-specific issues are effectively raised in the legislature.
He also said a good number of educated and well-qualified JD(U) legislators had entered the Assembly and would have to perform during the next five years.
“They have to perform for the next five years. They should go to the area and raise their issues with the people. They should come here and follow up,” Jha said.
