Gaya: With 13 of the 26 MLAs from Magadh division being first-timers, attention is on their performance during the forthcoming budget session of the Bihar assembly beginning Feb 2. Political observers say debutant legislators face closer scrutiny, as public expectations are high and, unlike seasoned lawmakers, their conduct and priorities are less predictable.Four first-time MLAs represent Tekari, Atri, Gurua and Sherghati constituencies in Gaya district. Among them, Gurua MLA Upendra Prasad has earlier served as a member of the legislative council, though he is a new entrant to the Bihar assembly.Congress leader Md Moosa said that even among the debutants, the performances of the Atri, Ghosi, Sherghati and Aurangabad MLAs would be watched more closely, albeit for different reasons. He noted that Atri MLA Romit Kumar and Ghosi MLA Rituraj Kumar, who are first cousins, are young, better educated than many of their peers and have won against formidable rivals.Speaking to this newspaper, Ghosi MLA Rituraj Kumar said flash floods remained a key concern in his constituency and he expected flood control measures to receive priority. He said he was also studying other issues affecting his area.Though Romit Kumar could not be reached, political watchers recalled his outspoken remarks at the inauguration of the Buddha Mahotsav, where he publicly criticised the arrangements despite being part of the ruling alliance. Observers believe this may signal a more forthright role in the assembly.The performance of Sherghati MLA Uday Kumar Singh is also expected to draw attention. He has long been associated with the sand mining business, which has attracted criticism from environmental quarters, with some pointing to a possible conflict of interest between his business and political role. At a recent DISHA meeting, a Rajya Sabha member submitted a proposal seeking long-term regulation of sand mining.Aurangabad MLA Trivikram Singh said he was not yet in a position to spell out his priorities. Observers, however, feel he will face pressure balancing local political factions while contending with the outsider tag.According to Kusum Kumari, former head of the women studies department at Magadh University, MLAs from Jahanabad district may face added scrutiny due to recent developments involving a medical aspirant from the district who died under mysterious circumstances in Patna.
