During Question Hour in the Bihar Assembly on Monday, the state’s youngest legislator, Maithili Thakur, openly raised alarm over the dangerous condition of a government hospital in her Alinagar constituency, putting Health Minister Mangal Pandey in an uncomfortable spot.
The first-time MLA expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s written response, which stated that the hospital only needed minor repairs. Thakur countered this claim on the floor of the House, saying the actual situation was far more serious and could lead to a major mishap if ignored.
According to her, the hospital building is in such poor shape that it cannot be considered safe for patients or staff. She warned that the structure could collapse or cause an accident at any moment, directly challenging the official assessment presented in the Assembly.
Thakur further revealed that the hospital is currently functioning from just one small room and lacks even basic medical facilities. She also highlighted the shortage of doctors, stating that although the hospital earlier had two MBBS doctors, not a single doctor is posted there now.
“I have personally visited the hospital. The reply says the building is fine, but what I saw on the ground is completely different,” she told the House, demanding that the issue be reviewed again.
Clarifying her stand, Thakur said she was not trying to corner the minister politically but was speaking purely in the interest of the people of her constituency. She appealed to the health minister to reassess the situation and take urgent corrective steps.
“I respect the health minister and his experience. I am only requesting him to look into this matter again and ensure proper healthcare for the public,” she added.
Her repeated intervention created brief tension inside the Assembly. Opposition MLAs supported her claims by thumping desks, while several ruling party members appeared uneasy. The Speaker had to step in to calm the House and resume proceedings.
Soon after, a video of the exchange went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention as it showed a young MLA questioning her own party’s minister over governance issues.
