PATNA: On Friday, CM Nitish Kumar had a first-hand experience of the erratic power supply in Patna and the state as lights went out for around five minutes on the first day of the winter session of the state legislature that began on the day.

The power cut proved hollow the claims of Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) that it was gearing up for round-the-clock electricity supply in Patna, for which it had proposed a new 10% surcharge on consumers. The CM, at that time, was in his chamber in the state assembly meeting legislators and others.

It left the CM visibly annoyed. "Jisko azadi dijiye, yahi karne lagta hai (Give absolute freedom to anyone, and this is what they begin to do)," Kumar said, adding: "Yahi 24-hour supply hai (This is their 24-hour supply of power."

Kumar made it abundantly clear that there was no justification for the 'quality power' surcharge by BSEB in such a situation. Incidentally, BSEB has deferred its proposal for the time being.

The CM also expressed his concern over the delay in completion of the upcoming indoor stadium at Kankarbagh, and said that he would personally inspect the ongoing work. The stadium is under construction for the last 15 years.

TOI,Patna