January 22, 2026

Watch Bihar Vidhan Sabha Live: Assembly Proceedings, Centenary Pillar & Visitor Guide

🔴 Watch Live: Bihar Vidhan Sabha

The Live Stream Hub

Access the official broadcast from the Bihar Vidhan Mandal, Patna.

[PLACEHOLDER FOR YOUTUBE EMBED - BIHAR VIDHAN SABHA TV / DD BIHAR]

🔴 LIVE STATUS: Session-BasedBroadcast Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM (During Sessions).Key Sessions: Budget Session (Feb-March), Monsoon Session (July), Winter Session (November).Platform: YouTube (Bihar Vidhan Sabha Official) & Webcast.gov.in.Key Feature: The "Dhyan Aakarshan" (Calling Attention) hour is famous for heated debates on law and order.

Introduction: The Cradle of Indian Democracy

(Why Bihar Vidhan Sabha Matters)

To understand Indian politics, one must understand Bihar. Historically known as the land of the Licchavi Republic (the world’s first republic), Bihar has democracy in its DNA. Today, the Bihar Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) is the epicenter of this vibrant, often volatile, political culture.

Located near the Patna Secretariat, this House represents over 130 million people. It is here that the fate of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance) or the "NDA" (National Democratic Alliance) is decided—often overnight. Unlike other assemblies that follow a predictable script, the Bihar Assembly is famous for its "Floor Tests" (Confidence Motions), where governments fall and rise based on the shifting loyalties of its 243 MLAs.

But beyond the politics, the institution itself is a marvel. In 2021, the building completed 100 years of existence, a milestone marked by the Prime Minister's visit and the inauguration of the Shatabdi Stambh (Centenary Pillar). This guide takes you inside the historic "Italian Renaissance" building, explains why there is a Bodhi tree in the complex, and helps you decode the unique political lexicon of Patna.

🏛️ The Architecture: A Slice of Rome in Patna

Most Indian assemblies built by the British look purely colonial (Victorian). The Bihar Vidhan Sabha is unique.

1. The Italian Renaissance Style

Built in 1920 and inaugurated in 1921 by Lord Satyendra Prasanna Sinha (the first Indian Governor of a province), the building was designed by architect A.M. Millwood.

  • The Look: It features a massive longitudinal hall with a semicircular facade. The columns and arches are inspired by the Roman Amphitheaters and the Italian Renaissance style, making it distinct from the Gothic style of Mumbai’s CST or the Lutyens style of Delhi.
  • The "Cut-Marks": If you look closely at the outer plaster, you will see specific "cut-marks" at regular intervals. This was an architectural technique to give the building a rugged, stone-like appearance despite being made of brick and mortar.

2. The Shatabdi Smriti Stambh (Centenary Pillar)

In July 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a massive commemorative pillar within the complex to mark 100 years of the Assembly.

  • Height: 40 feet.
  • Design:
    • The foundation is made of Jaisalmer stone.
    • The structure features 243 leaves, symbolizing the 243 MLAs of the Assembly.
    • It also has 75 leaves representing the 75 members of the Vidhan Parishad (Council).
    • At the top sits the State Emblem of Bihar (The Bodhi Tree with Swastikas), cast in bronze.
  • Significance: It is the first structure in independent India dedicated solely to the history of a state legislature.

3. The Shatabdi Smriti Udyan (Garden)

Next to the pillar lies a garden containing 100 varieties of medicinal plants. The centerpiece is a "Kalpataru" sapling planted by the PM, symbolizing the wish-fulfilling tree of Indian mythology.

⚖️ The Two Houses: The Bicameral Structure

Like Maharashtra and UP, Bihar retains a Bicameral Legislature.

1. Bihar Vidhan Sabha (Lower House)

  • Strength: 243 MLAs.
  • The Power: This is where the Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) sits. It holds the power of the purse (Budget).
  • Reservation: 38 seats are reserved for SCs and 2 for STs.

2. Bihar Vidhan Parishad (Upper House)

  • Strength: 75 MLCs.
  • History: It is older than the Assembly! The first sitting of the Council was held in 1913 at Patna College, before the current building was constructed.
  • Composition: Includes teachers, graduates, and local body representatives.
  • Role: It acts as a check on hasty legislation. Many senior leaders who lose assembly elections are accommodated here to remain Ministers.

📅 The Daily Schedule: "Shunya Kaal" & "Calling Attention"

The Bihar Assembly is known for its intense "Zero Hour" where members fight for the Speaker's eye.

11:00 AM: Question Hour (Prashna Kaal)

  • The System: The first hour is strictly for questions.
  • Short Notice Questions: Bihar MLAs frequently use this tool to ask questions on urgent matters (like a bridge collapse or flood relief) with a notice period shorter than the usual 10 days.

12:00 PM: Zero Hour (Shunya Kaal)

  • The Chaos: Unlike Parliament where Zero Hour is regulated, in Bihar, this is often the most chaotic time. MLAs rush to the "Well of the House" (the empty space in front of the Speaker) to demand answers on local crimes or police inaction.
  • The Speaker's Role: The Speaker often has to adjourn the house for 15 minutes to let tempers cool.

2:00 PM: Dhyan Aakarshan (Calling Attention)

  • The Feature: This is a specific procedural device used extensively in Bihar. An MLA calls the attention of a Minister to a "matter of urgent public importance." The Minister must make a statement.
  • Why watch: This is where the government is held accountable for specific incidents, such as a paper leak in the BPSC exam or a delay in paddy procurement.

🦁 Political Dynamics: The "Paltu Ram" Phenomenon

Note: In political reporting, neutrality is key. We describe the phenomenon without taking sides.

To watch the Bihar Assembly is to watch the art of the "Flip-Flop." The state has seen frequent changes in government coalitions within the same 5-year term.

  • The Key Players:
    • JDU (Janata Dal-United): Led by Nitish Kumar, often the "Kingmaker" or King.
    • RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal): Led by Tejashwi Yadav, representing a massive social justice base.
    • BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party): The national party with a strong upper-caste and OBC base.
  • The Floor Test: Because alliances shift (e.g., JDU moving from RJD to BJP and back), the "Vote of Confidence" is a recurring spectacle. These are the most-watched live streams, often lasting late into the night.

🎟️ Visitor's Guide: How to Watch in Person

Citizens can visit the Public Gallery (Darshak Dirgha) to watch the session.

The Process:

  1. Online Application: The Bihar Vidhan Sabha has launched a portal for visitor passes (check vidhansabha.bih.nic.in during sessions).
  2. Offline Route: The most common method is still physical. You must go to the Reception Counter near the North Gate.
  3. MLA Recommendation: A letter or signature from a sitting MLA is mandatory.
  4. Security:
    • Frisking: It is extremely strict. Even belts and wallets are sometimes disallowed.
    • No Black Cloth: In recent sessions, security has often prevented visitors wearing black shirts/masks from entering, fearing they might be used for protest flags.
  5. The Museum: A new Legislative Museum (Vidhan Mandal Sangrahalaya) is coming up within the complex, which will be open to the public without an MLA recommendation once fully operational.

To track the pulse of Patna:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the "Jeevika" group mentioned often in the Assembly?

Jeevika is the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society. It is a massive network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involving over 1.2 crore women.

  • Why it matters: The Chief Minister frequently cites "Jeevika Didis" as the backbone of Bihar's rural economy. Any debate on rural development will feature this term.

Q2. Is alcohol allowed in the Vidhan Sabha?

Strictly No. Bihar is a Dry State (Prohibition is in force).

  • The Pledge: Every year on "Nashamukti Diwas," MLAs take a pledge inside the complex not to consume liquor.
  • The Controversy: Occasionally, empty bottles found in the premises spark massive debates in the House, which you might see on the live stream.

Q3. Can I file an RTI to the Bihar Vidhan Sabha?

Yes. The Vidhan Sabha Secretariat falls under the RTI Act. You can ask for details on MLA attendance, funds utilization, and committee reports.

Q4. What is the "Library" of the Vidhan Sabha?

The Bihar Vidhan Sabha houses one of the largest legislative libraries in India.

  • Collection: It has rare manuscripts, including original copies of the Constitution and debates from the 1920s.
  • Access: Restricted to Members and Researchers (with permission).

Q5. Why are there two buildings in the complex?

The complex houses both the Assembly (Italian Renaissance style) and the Council (a separate building nearby). They are connected by corridors. The Central Hall is the common area used for joint sessions.

Stay tuned to Sansad Online. From the banks of the Ganges to the floor of the House, we bring you the debates that shape the heart of India.