- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
There are once again signs of a major reshuffle in Bihar's politics. Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh, hinting at a split in the Congress legislative party, has claimed that a big 'game' (khela) will be seen in state politics after Kharmas, and the NDA's numerical strength will increase. His statement is being seen as a potential split within Congress and an expansion of the ruling coalition.
Internal Discontent: Congress MLAs In Touch With NDA
Minister Sanjay Singh said that many Congress MLAs and leaders are unhappy with the current style of functioning and are in constant contact with the NDA. He indicated that recent developments in Madhubani and what transpired in Congress meetings after the election also clearly show internal discontent.
According to him, as soon as Kharmas ends, many Congress MLAs could join the NDA. The minister also said that this is not just speculation but a ground reality that everyone will see in the coming days. Overall, Minister Sanjay Singh's statement signals a political challenge for Congress.
Zero Tolerance: Strict Action Against Negligent Contractors
Along with the political statement, Minister Sanjay Singh also reiterated his strict stance on the functioning of his department. He clarified that no negligence of any kind will be tolerated in the PHED and strict action will be taken against contractors who are negligent in their work.
He said that those who are lax in work related to government revenue and public interest will not be spared under any circumstances. This shows that the Nitish government is inclined to move forward with strictness and discipline on the administrative front.
New Rules: Outstanding Electricity Bills To Block Future Contracts
Minister Sanjay Singh also mentioned the department's strictness regarding electricity bill payments. He stated that contractors whose office electricity bills are outstanding will not be given any new contracts in the future.
This measure is beginning to show a positive effect:
- Previously, the department's daily electricity bill payments were around Rs 2,500,000.
- This has now increased to about Rs 40,000,000 per day.
- He said that officers and employees are now taking this matter seriously.
Focus On Transparency: Message To New Engineers
After attending an orientation programme for 104 newly appointed assistant engineers at the Bapu Tower auditorium in Patna, the minister said that the department's focus is on transparency and accountability. He told the new engineers to complete people's work respectfully and on time, adding that the better they work, the better future and recognition they will receive.