New Delhi, Dec 02 : Senior BJP leader Dr Prem Kumar, who recently secured his ninth consecutive win as an MLA, was on Tuesday unanimously elected Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. His election was marked by a rare moment of political unity, as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav jointly escorted him to the Speaker’s chair.
Congratulating him, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised Prem Kumar’s long administrative and legislative experience, calling his unanimous election a testament to the trust placed in him by all political parties. He also urged MLAs across party lines to extend full cooperation to the new Speaker to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
MLAs rose in respect when Prem Kumar assumed office, reflecting a positive and collaborative atmosphere in the Assembly.
In his first address as Speaker, Prem Kumar pledged impartiality and inclusiveness, saying, “I will fulfil my responsibility with complete honesty. Both the ruling party and the opposition are important. I will strive to take both along — this is extremely important in a democracy.”
A senior BJP figure and former cabinet minister, Prem Kumar represents the Gaya Sadar Assembly constituency, which he has won for the ninth time. He expressed gratitude to his constituents, calling his repeated victory a mandate of trust and responsibility.
The 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly began its first session on Monday and will run till December 5.