Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejahswi Yadav expressed grief over the deaths of 83 people due to the lightning that struck several parts of Bihar on Thursday.
Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said that these are very unfortunate deaths as majority of people were farmers and labourers who belonged to the underprivileged section of the society and were already struggling hard to earn their livelihood due to nationwide lockdown.
"The government should provide atleast Rs 10 lakh each in compensation to the families of the deceased. It is a big loss for the state as the Coronavirus crisis had disrupted the normal functioning. The rise in prices post lockdown is also a matter of concern for such people and they should be provided with a minimum amount of Rs 10 lakh to survive."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased killed by lightning in various districts of Bihar on Thursday.
READ: Bihar lightning deaths: CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex gratia
At least 83 people were killed by lightning in various districts of Bihar while many people were reported to be injured as heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed several areas of north India on Thursday, according to Chief Minister's Office.
Out of the 83 dead in Bihar, 13 people were killed in Gopalganj district alone. Apart from this, three persons were killed by lightning in Khagaria and Aurangabad districts each, two each in Jehanabad, Kishanganj, West Champaran, Jamui, Purnia, Supaul, Kaimur and Buxar and one each died in Saran, Shivhar, Samastipur, Madhepura and Sitamarhi, according to officials.
Due to thunderstorms, two people each lost their lives in West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jamui, Jahanabad, Purnia, Supaul, Buxar, Kaimur while one death each was reported in Samastipur, Shivhar, Saran, Sitamarhi and Madhepura.
Most of the people who died were working in the fields.
