PATNA, Feb. 23 -- The state assembly took a flavorful detour from routine political debates on Monday, as lawmakers from both the treasury and Opposition benches rallied to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the state's popular traditional sweets. What started with the demand for GI tag to Khobiya Lai, produced in the Barh region, turned into a broader call to protect and promote the state's rich culinary legacy.

Buoyed by the GI recognition to Mithila Makhana, which got the prestigious tag in 2022, legislators cutting across the party lines urged the minister to also consider sweets and other delicacies produced in their respective areas for their particular taste.

BJP MLA Siyaram Singh from the Barh raised the issue through ...