How a permanent upper house evolved through a century of Indian history

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Bihar Legislative Council is a rare political entity that never dissolves. From its 1913 origins in Patna to the creation of Jharkhand, this upper house has seen its membership fluctuate as the very borders of the state were redrawn.

The Bihar Legislative Council, or Vidhan Parishad, serves as the upper house of the state's bicameral legislature. Unlike the Legislative Assembly, the Council is a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution. To maintain continuity, the system ensures that approximately one-third of its members retire every two years, with individual members serving six-year terms.

The institution's structure has shifted significantly under various British-era acts. Following the Government of India Act 1919, the legislature transitioned from a unicameral to a bicameral system. By 1935, under a subsequent Act, the Council consisted of 29 members. The first session in a newly built building occurred on March 21, 1938, and the secretariat began operations on April 1, 1950.

Membership numbers have fluctuated alongside the state's geography. After the 1952 General Elections, the Council grew to 72 members, reaching 96 by 1958. However, the Bihar Reorganisation Act of 2000, which led to the creation of Jharkhand, reduced the total strength to 75 members. Today, members are indirectly elected through an electoral college, with constituencies representing the Legislative Assembly, local authorities, graduates, and teachers.

The Council's influence is reflected in its leadership and oversight. Several prominent individuals, such as B. Jagannath Mishra, Satyendra Narain Singh, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mandal, P. held the office of Chief Minister. Currently, the house utilizes 27 functional committees, including three financial committees composed of members from both state houses.

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