Patna: With the conclusion of the 17th Bihar Assembly term (November 2020–July 2025), a thorough performance evaluation conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch has closely examined the legislative contributions of all 243 MLAs. The report, based on RTI responses and official data, provides a detailed ‘report card’ covering attendance, questions posed, legislative involvement, and instances of party switching. The findings reveal a mixed landscape of democratic engagement, showcasing both exemplary legislators and a group of five ‘silent’ MLAs who failed to ask any questions throughout the entire five-year term. The assembly convened for only 146 days over five years. The 17th Assembly conducted 15 sessions, totaling 146 sittings, averaging merely 29 working days annually.
Numerous sessions concluded in as few as five sittings, prompting concerns regarding legislative efficiency in a state facing significant governance issues. A total of 22,505 questions were posed by 251 MLAs (including those elected through by-elections), averaging 179 questions per MLA. However, participation was notably uneven. The five most active MLAs were: Arun Shankar Prasad (BJP) with 275 questions, Manohar Prasad Singh (Congress) with 231 questions, Mukesh Kumar Yadav (RJD) with 230 questions, Ajay Kumar (CPI-M) with 229 questions, and Ajay Yadav (RJD) with 226 questions.
Conversely, five ‘silent’ MLAs did not ask any questions during their entire term, including notable figures such as Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former chief minister (who became an MP in 2024), Tej Pratap Yadav, a former RJD MLA (currently with Jan Shakti Janata Dal), Nitin Nabin (BJP), Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Lesi Singh. It is important to note that some ‘zero-question’ MLAs served as ministers during their tenure, as ministers typically respond to inquiries rather than initiate them, and their lack of questioning is not viewed as negligence. ADR emphasizes that engagement during Question Hour is crucial for MLAs to hold the government accountable, examine public expenditures, and address constituency concerns.
The noticeable disparities in participation underscore deficiencies in democratic oversight. The upcoming 2025 election has provided a clear mandate for the NDA, paving the way for the establishment of the 18th Bihar Assembly. As governance priorities are realigned, this report is anticipated to stimulate renewed discussions about transparency, performance metrics, and the influence of legislative accountability on candidate selection.
