Political temperature in the Bihar Assembly soared on Tuesday following a controversial remark about the late Union Minister Ramvilas Paswan. Lawmakers and ministers from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(R)] staged a protest inside the Assembly premises over the use of the term “bechara” (poor) and demanded a formal apology from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The controversy erupted when RJD Bodh Gaya MLA Kumar Sarvjeet called for the installation of a statue of Ramvilas Paswan in the Assembly and referred to him as “bechara Ramvilas Paswan.” LJP(R) leaders condemned the remark, terming it disrespectful to the late leader and offensive to the Dalit community.

During the protest, LJP(R) MLAs raised slogans against Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, asserting that their agitation would continue until RJD issued a formal apology. Party state president and MLA Raju Tiwari said, “Using inappropriate language in the House is unacceptable, and accountability must be ensured.”

However, Kumar Sarvjeet refused to apologize, clarifying that his remark was not intended to insult. “I was merely urging for a life-size statue of Ramvilas Paswan in Patna. I myself belong to the Paswan community and regard Ramvilas Paswan as my role model,” he stated.

Some leaders from the ruling alliance have also expressed support for LJP(R). Bihar Minister Lakhindra Paswan accused RJD of anti-Dalit bias, while Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar emphasized that maintaining the dignity of the House is everyone’s responsibility.

Ramvilas Paswan has long been regarded as a prominent face of Dalit politics in Bihar. Since his demise, political parties have increasingly engaged in symbolic politics over his legacy.

At present, the Assembly remains tense, with calls for an apology and ongoing exchanges of statements likely to escalate the controversy in the coming days.