Rahul calls Modi vote chor, questions PMs silence on election fraud charge during Bihar visit
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence over alleged vote theft in Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, saying the Prime Minister had failed to answer his questions on the issue. Responding to Modis remarks on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during his visit to Gaya in Bihar, Rahul alleged that the Prime Minister was deliberately silent on the contentious matter. The SIR is an attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the EC to steal your votes. They are trying their best to snatch your voting rights. The 'vote chor' came to Gayaji, but he did not say even a word on his government's attempt to steal votes with the help of the EC, Gandhi said during his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bhagalpur. The truth is that the Prime Minister, along with the Election Commission of India and the Bharatiya Janata Party, are bent on destroying democracy and the Constitution, and snatching away the votes of the people, he said. Rahul accused Modi of seeking to dismantle the constitutional principle of one person, one vote. He cited the example of a Congress supporter whose name was deleted from the electoral rolls during the first phase of the revision exercise. With SIR, the Modi government, in collusion with the Election Commission of India, was disenfranchising people who are supporters of Congress or RJD, the Lok Sabha LoP said. Vote Chori is an attack on the Constitution of India. The INDIA bloc will not allow the BJP to steal voting rights of the people of Bihar, he added. Speaking at a rally in Bihar, Modi in an indirect reference to SIR said, There is one more threat -- that of infiltrators (ghuspaithiye) that our nation faces, which I also spoke about in my Independence Day speech. They cannot be allowed to partake of the resources of our country. I have, therefore, called for a demography mission. But the Congress and the RJD want to protect these infiltrators for the sake of their vote bank politics. The allusion was to one of the stated objectives of SIR being the removal of names of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar from the electoral rolls. The EC, which has ordered the exercise in Bihar ahead of assembly polls, has made it clear that SIR will be undertaken across the country in due course. However, the INDIA bloc has been alleging that the exercise in Bihar was aimed at helping the BJP-led NDA in assembly polls through wrongful deletion of names of voters. During a stopover near Nathnagar in Bhagalpur, Rahul introduced a former Agniveer, Amarnath Jaiswal, who had suffered a serious hand injury and lost a finger in the line of duty. Jaiswal was discharged from the Army within two years, without any of the benefits that a regular soldier would have received in such circumstances. Rahul said the Modi government had closed avenues for the youth, calling the Agniveer scheme ill-advised and pointing to Jaiswals plight as an example of how recruits were left without support after service, even in cases of disability. He also said the government had crippled small and medium businesses through demonetisation, compounding unemployment. On the sixth day of his Yatra, the march passed through Bhagalpur, where large crowds gathered, chanting 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor' in reference to alleged electoral fraud in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Last Election Of Nitish Kumar: Tejashwi Yadav Expresses Confidence In Winning Bihar Polls
Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi led the Voter Adhikar Rally in Bhagalpur, challenging Nitish Kumar and highlighting voter list issues ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi launched a strong attack on PM Modi and the BJP-led NDA government during a rally in Bhagalpur, accusing them of attempting 'vote theft' in Bihar through the Election Commission. He alleged the government's policies are destroying employment opportunities for the youth, citing issues like paper leaks and the Agniveer scheme.
In sixth visit to Bihar this year, PM to visit Gaya ji, unveil bridge over Ganga in Mokama
The PM earlier this year visited Motihari, Bhagalpur, Madhubani, Rohtas, and Siwan districts to address public meetings, lay foundation stones, and unveil several large projects
Patna Diary | Lalu exhorts voters to unseat chor BJP govt
RJD chief Lalu Prasad took a jibe at the BJP, referring to it as thieves. Chor ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye (remove the thieves, make BJP run away and help us win), Lalu said at the launch of Vote Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram in Rohtas district. He appealed to the electorate to remove the BJP from power at any cost. He declared that only a united Opposition could topple the BJP, urging everyone to rally behind Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, uproot the ruling combine to save democracy. Despite his poor health, Lalu stood up from his chair and addressed the crowd, leaving his political rivals visibly unsettled. Ex-minister Nagmani joins saffron party The BJP is making all-out efforts to retain OBC and EBC votes ahead of the Assembly elections. Former Union minister and prominent Kushwaha leader Nagmani joined the BJP, vowing lifelong loyalty. His dramatic pledge sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd at the Milan Samaroh as he had changed political parties 11 times in the past. Son of a former freedom fighter, late Jagdeo Prasad, Nagmani claimed that Kushwaha votes will go in favour of the NDA in the assembly election as all three prominent Kushwaha leadersSamrat Choudhary, Upendra Kushwaha, and Nagmanihave come together before elections. Jain temples among tourist destinations Places like Vaishali, Ara, Patna, Rajgir, Pavapuri, and Champapuri will be developed as the Tirthankar circuit of Bihar under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana of the Union Government. These religious places, related to Lord Mahavirs life, will be included in the project, which will cost `33.96 crore. Ajay Mandal, MP, raised a question in the Lok Sabha about promoting Jain temples of Bihar, including in Bhagalpur, as tourist destinations. The Jain Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar encompasses significant sites related to Jainism, particularly those associated with lord Mahavir and other Tirthankars. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com
Partnership between EC-BJP; we'll not allow even one vote to be stolen in Bihar: Rahul Gandhi
NAWADA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that a partnership has been going on between the Election Commission and the BJP to steal votes, and asserted that the Mahagathbandhan will not allow even a single vote to be stolen in Bihar. Addressing a gathering at Bhagat Singh Chowk on the third day of his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Gandhi said the right to vote has been given to the people by the Constitution, and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from them. This is your right, given to you by the Constitution, and Modi, Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from you. (RJD's) Tejashwi (Yadav), I, and the other (Mahagathbandhan) leaders standing here want to tell them that we will not let you steal even a single vote in Bihar, Gandhi said. He alleged that the EC-BJP nexus has stolen elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, about 1 crore voters were mysteriously added between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Gandhi claimed. He said the Congress asked the EC to provide a machine-readable voters' list and CCTV footage, but the poll body refused. Now in Bihar, they are carrying out 'vote chori' in a new manner. They are doing this chori (theft) right before your eyes, but we will not let them steal votes, said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Opposition holds protest against SIR in Parliament complex Warning the people, he said, First, your voter card will go. Then your ration card will go. And finally, your land will be handed over to Adani and Ambani, Gandhi alleged. This country belongs to farmers, labourers, small traders, and the youthnot to a few billionaires like Adani and Ambani, he added. Gandhi said all the wrong laws, including GST and demonetisation, were aimed at benefiting a few billionaires. You give money and resources, and yet the country cannot give you employment. This has to change, and that is why we have started this Voter Adhikar Yatra, he said in his address to the people, standing atop his vehicle, flanked by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya. At the start of his address, Gandhi invited a person whose name had been removed from the voters list to speak. The person said he had been a polling agent in the Lok Sabha polls, but his name had been removed during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. There are lakhs of such people in Bihar who voted, but their names have now been cut from the voters list, Gandhi said. There is a partnership going on between the BJP and the Election Commission. They are colluding to indulge in vote chori, he charged. Asserting that vote chori is an attack on Bharat Mata , Gandhi on Monday had warned the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners of stern action once the INDIA bloc forms the government. Intensifying his attack on the Election Commission, Gandhi also said the whole country would demand an affidavit from the poll body and, if given time, his party would expose the vote chori in every Assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. On Tuesday, the Yatra began from Wazirganj in Gaya and entered Nawada later in the day. The Yatra will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. It is being undertaken in a hybrid modeon foot and by vehiclesimilar to Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The Yatra will also pass through Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, and Supaul. Rahul Gandhi will become PM after next Lok Sabha polls: RJD's Tejashwi at Bihar rally
Indias wildlife parks are thriving, but not always animals in them
Wildlife tourism is expanding into lesser-known areas, creating revenue for local communities but also posing threats to fragile ecosystems. Amboli and Bhigwan showcase community-led conservation efforts, while Chilika Lake and Bhagalpur highlight the challenges of balancing tourism with wildlife protection. Prioritizing conservation and responsible tourism practices are crucial for safeguarding biodiversity in these emerging hotspots.
Mobile Theft Accused Tied To Tree, Beaten Up By Angry Villagers In Bihar
A mobile theft accused was tied to a tree and beaten up after being caught by an angry mob of villager's in Bihar's Bhagalpur district.
Whole country now knows EC 'stealing' elections in collusion with BJP: Rahul
SASARAM: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday claimed the whole country now knows that the Election Commission is stealing elections in collusion with the BJP and asserted that the INDIA bloc will not let their latest conspiracy to steal Bihar Assembly polls succeed, as he embarked on his 1,300 km 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in the state. Gandhi alleged that assembly and Lok Sabha polls were being stolen across the country and there was a conspiracy in Bihar to do the same through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing the gathering here at the launch event of the yatra covering over 20 districts in Bihar, Gandhi said while he was asked to submit an affidavit after his press conference exposing vote chori, no such demand was made from BJP leaders who made claims in their presser. In the whole country, assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being stolen and their latest conspiracy is to delete and add voters through SIR to steal the elections in Bihar, Gandhi charged. We have come here to tell you that we will not let them steal the election in Bihar. People of Bihar will not let them steal elections. The poor only have the power of vote and we will not let them steal polls, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. He said the whole country now knows what the EC is doing and the Congress showed how it is carrying out this heft. Wherever this theft is happening, be it Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, we will catch their theft and put it before the people, Gandhi said. He also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs the government along with billionaires. Your vote is stolen and then your money is handed over to 5-6 billionaires...the truth of SIR, the vote chori in Bihar, we will put it before the people, Gandhi said. He asserted that it is a fight to save the Constitution. Gandhi alleged that the RSS and the BJP are trying to erase the Constitution. In every election the BJP wins. In Maharashtra, all opinion polls said the INDIA bloc will win the assembly polls. In the Lok Sabha polls, our alliance won but after four months in the same Maharashtra, the BJP alliance swept the assembly polls as one crore voters were added through magic and wherever such additions happened, the BJP won, he claimed. Gandhi said the INDIA bloc parties complained to the EC and asked for video footage but the poll body refused. He said the Congress had shown that over one lakh votes were stolen in one assembly segment of a Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka in 2024 and the BJP won that parliamentary seat. The Congress leader said the EC asked for an affidavit from him over his press conference but did not ask the BJP leaders to do so when they held their presser and made claims. They say submit an affidavit on the data I had put forward when it is their data that I cited, Gandhi said. The yatra launch event here was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insaan Party's Mukesh Sahani, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(M)'s Subhashini Ali and CPI's P Sandosh Kumar. With the Assembly polls barely three months away, Gandhi, along with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, launched the yatra from BIADA Ground, Sasaram. After 16 days, the yatra will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra will be in a hybrid mode, on foot and by vehicle, as was Gandhi's Manipur to Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, party leaders said. It will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara.
Rahul Gandhi to launch Voter Adhikar Yatra from Bihar`s Sasaram
Announces 1300-km Vote Adhikar Yatra, building on the momentum from his voter fraud allegations against the BJP; The yatra will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chapra
BIHAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will embark on a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' across Bihar from here on Sunday, with his party asserting it will fight for the one person, one vote principle and not accept the Election Commission becoming a compartment of the BJP's so-called double engine. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, will undertake the 16-day and 1,300 km-long yatra from Sasaram, which will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, 16 days, 20+ districts, 1,300+ km. We are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is a fight to protect the most basic democratic right - 'one person, one vote'. 16 20+ 1,300+ .. - , pic.twitter.com/4zturHDnOl Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2025 Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution, he added. Addressing a press conference at the Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Congress's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, said, Whenever Rahul Gandhi ji has set out for a yatra, the democracy of this country has turned a page. 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' will be a historic march. It will prove to be a milestone in the history of our democracy. We will not accept that the Election Commission becomes a compartment of this so-called 'double engine'. We are fighting against this and will continue to do so in the future, he added. The party has been protesting against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging the EC's exercise is aimed at disenfranchising voters in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections due later this year. The Congress urged the people of Bihar to join the 'yatra' for their rights and entitlements so that democracy can get a direction from Bihar. The yatra, starting in Bihar from August 17, is a journey to make people aware because the conspirators will not be deterred and they will try to steal votes, Khera said. The yatra will conclude with a huge rally in Patna on September 1, and the people of the INDIA bloc will participate in it, he added. He added that the 'yatra' has been planned to fight for the right of 'one person-one vote'. It is possible to breathe freely in independent India because we have the power to vote. Rahul Gandhi has started a struggle so that every citizen of the country can breathe freely, Khera said. The way the game of adding and deducting fake votes was going on, the BJP people have been caught red-handed, he claimed, adding that ow, even ordinary citizens are giving evidence of vote theft. When our INDIA bloc colleagues and social workers appealed together, the Supreme Court also had to intervene. Public has woken up: Rahul Gandhi shares new video highlighting 'vote theft' This conspiracy was not just to snatch votes. It was a conspiracy to snatch your and our identity. Today, the right to vote is being snatched from the Dalits, the deprived, the oppressed, the exploited, the minorities; tomorrow their participation will be snatched, Khera alleged. He claimed that a conspiracy was being hatched to attack the poor, against which the people of the country have raised their voice. The 'yatra' will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chapra and Ara. At a press briefing in Patna, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that when the Election Commission announced the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, the leaders of the INDIA bloc went to meet poll panel officials, who had stated that 20 per cent of the voters in Bihar would lose their franchise. We demanded a discussion on this issue in the House, but the BJP government did not consider it necessary. When the new draft list came out after SIR in Bihar, many irregularities were revealed. When we are asking for answers on this, the BLO (block-level officer) has no answer, he claimed. In such a situation, we have decided that the Congress will start a 'Voter Awareness Campaign'. In this, we will go to all districts of Bihar and make people aware, so that they are not deprived of their rights, Singh said. He also said that Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi is the voice of the poor, deprived, women, farmers, and labourers of the country. We request the people of Bihar to take part in this journey and help us in foiling the plans of the Election Commission-BJP, Singh added. Gandhi on Thursday said, We are waging a direct fight against 'vote chori' from Bihar with the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra. He asserted that his party will ensure a clean voters' list across the country. 'Vote chori' is not just an election issue but a decisive battle to protect democracy, the Constitution and the principle of 'one man, one vote', he had said. The Congress on Tuesday claimed that vote chori was a do-or-die issue for it, and announced a roadmap to take its allegations to the people through various activities. 'Got a chance to have tea with dead voters': Rahul Gandhi takes shot at EC over Bihar SIR
Bhagalpur woman, 120, stirs debate over worlds oldest person claim
Bhagalpurs 120-year-old voters age verified: Dist administration
CM Nitish reviews flood situation in Bihar, directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting regarding flooding in 10 districts of the state, where most of the rivers were flowing above the danger mark. Around 25 lakh people have been affected by the deluge. CM Nitish directed the officials concerned to remain alert and make necessary arrangements for the flood victims. Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar are among the worst-affected districts. During the meeting, CM was briefed by officials about the steps taken by the district administration. The officials informed the CM that 16 teams of NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into service to rescue people from flood-affected areas and shift them to safer places. The officials told the CM that the situation worsened in some districts due to torrential rains during the past 24 hours. While some rivers were in spate, incessant rains added to the woes of the people. Over 1,200 country boats have been engaged in rescue work. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the CM directed the district magistrates of flood-affected areas to prepare a list of flood-affected people and provide them with relief assistance at the earliest. However, no deaths have been reported in any district, the release claimed. CM was expected to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit districts, but it was deferred due to some unavoidable reasons. CM directed the officials to ensure payment to farmers against loss of standing crops due to floods. Rivers such as Ganga, Bagmati, Kosi, Punpun and Ghaghra are flowing above danger level at several places. Heavy downpour in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to a rise in the water level of these rivers, officials told the CM at the review meeting. The officials of the rural works department and road construction department were directed to ensure the repair of damaged roads in flood-hit districts.
Dispose all pending cases against MPs, MLAs: Bihar DGP instructs subordinates ahead of polls
PATNA: Bihar lawmakers with criminal antecedents have a tough time ahead as Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure timely investigation into the cases against MPs/MLAs and submission of chargesheets. Kumar has also asked SPs to initiate departmental proceedings against investigating officers who have been found lax in investigation of such cases. Delay in investigation lead to piling of pending cases, he said, adding that special MP/MLA courts have been set up for speedy trial of such cases. DGP has directed IGs and DIGs of all ranges to monitor investigation into such cases on a regular basis and send details of disposal of cases from districts under their jurisdiction to the police headquarters. Lapses on the part of investigating officers will not be tolerated, an ADG rank officer said. According to a report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), about 45 per cent of MLAs in Bihar have criminal records or criminal cases registered against them. Some of these cases were of serious nature, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnaping and crime against women. Similarly, 38 per cent MPs from the state have criminal cases pending against them. However, majority of the cases were registered against the lawmakers for defying prohibitionary orders, obstructions in government work, rioting and causing damages to nations property during protests. In addition, cases related to corruption, forgery and violation of model code of conduct during elections were pending against them in special MP/MLA courts. Reports suggested that Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Purnea have the highest number of cases against MPs/MLAs. The Patna high court has also directed special MP/MLA courts across the state to expedite cases pending against lawmakers. In fact, we want such cases to be disposed of before forthcoming assembly elections in the state, a senior police officer remarked.
2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2025 Calls for Green Growth to Power India's Economic Future
The awards ceremony recognised exemplary work across multiple categories, celebrating achievers such as Godrej Agrovet; IPL Biologicals; Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL); SeedWorks International Limited; Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur; Love Kumar, District Agriculture Officer & District Horticulture Officer, Jamtara; Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhagalpur; Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation; Dhaksha; and the Federation of Seed Industry of India.
Flood scene eases in Patna, but Bhagalpur faces rising waters
SSC stenographer 2025 exam cancelled? Heres everything we know so far
A notice circulating online claims the SSC Stenographer Grade C and D exam's first shift on August 8 at a Bhagalpur center has been cancelled due to technical issues. The alleged notification states affected candidates will be re-examined later, with SMS updates to follow. However, the Staff Selection Commission hasn't confirmed this on its official website.
Bihar unveils Rs 94.5 crore plan for digital libraries; approves 2400 MW power plant
The Bihar cabinet has approved significant initiatives, including establishing digital libraries in all 243 constituencies to enhance digital learning access. A 2400 MW thermal power plant in Bhagalpur got the green light, replacing a solar project. Inter-state bus services will be launched under a PPP model to improve transport. Land acquisition for industrial development across several districts was also authorized.
Flood situation along the Ganga river continues, school in Varanasi shut for two days
Flooding persists in Ganga's northern regions, Varanasi, and Patna, leading to evacuations. The Ganga's floodwaters are shifting eastward towards Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur. Water levels in Buxar, Patna, and Hathidah are above danger levels. Varanasi schools are closed due to flooding. Uttar Pradesh ministers are inspecting affected areas. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed a team to oversee relief operations.
Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident
Patna, Aug 4 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of five Kanwariyas in a road accident on the Shahkund-Sultanganj main road in Bhagalpur district last night. Kumar said that the accident was extremely distressing and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This accident is deeply saddening. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased, he said. The Chief Minister also wished speedy recovery to those injured in [] The post Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Five Kanwariyas Killed, Two Injured As DJ Vehicle Hits Live Wire In Bihar's Bhagalpur
The devotees had collected holy water from Sultanganj and were part of the annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of kanwariyas each year.
Rivers in spate in Bihar after heavy rain, CM directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: The water levels in several rivers in Bihar have risen due to heavy rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all officials concerned to remain alert. According to the latest district-wise rainfall bulletin issued by the Meteorological Department on Sunday, Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Patna, Banka, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gayaji, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda and Vaishali since August 2. Several key roads and many low-lying areas in Patna were waterlogged following incessant rain in the state capital on Sunday. The Meteorological Department issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for several districts, including Patna, Gayaji, Jamui, Aurangabad, Khagaria, Banka, Vaishali, Samastipur, Seikhpura, Lakhisarai, East Champaran, Arwal, West Champaran and Nawada for the next 48 hours. Officials of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) said that incessant rain in several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise, they said. Besides, incessant rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal has also led to the rivers touching or flowing above the danger level in several places, they added. No causality has been reported so far, and in certain areas in East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, villagers of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places by the district administration. Owing to moderate to heavy rain in certain areas in the state, major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla, and Adahrwa, are maintaining a rising trend in their courses in the past couple of days, the latest report of the WRD said. Ganga is flowing above the danger level in Bhagalpur, and at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in Patna, Burhi Gandak in East Champaran, and Kosi in Supaul and Khagaria, it added. Almost all rivers are maintaining a rising trend throughout their courses, engulfing low-lying localities along their courses. However, all embankments are safe, a senior WRD official said. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Sunday inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). According to a statement issued by the DMD, During the inspection, the CM reviewed the rainfall situation in the state, water levels of rivers, and the status of crop coverage. Bihar Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the CM about the rainfall situation in the state. The CM directed all officials concerned to remain alert, it added. From June 1 to August 3 this year, the state recorded 409 mm of rainfall, which is 22 per cent less than normal. The ACS also mentioned that the state received good rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 25 mm or more rainfall recorded in 222 blocks across the state, the statement said. Regarding the current water levels of rivers in the state, the ACS said that the water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak and some other rivers have risen, but the situation is currently under control. Providing details on crop coverage, he stated that as of August 3, paddy crop coverage in the state stands at 79.43 percent, whereas it was 67.38 percent during the same period last year. It is expected that 100 per cent coverage will be achieved by August 15 under normal circumstances, the statement added.
Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will now run from Jamalpur from August 16, ending the long wait of passengers from Munger and nearby district.
PM KISAN 20th installment: PM Modi to release funds today, check eligibility and other details
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme during his visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24.
'Give Me Euthanasia, Case After Case Against Me': RJD MLA Breaks Down In Patna Court
In a highly emotional appeal during his court appearance, RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav -- who has been lodged in Bhagalpur Central Jail since May 1 -- said he has no one to fight for him
Government to hold 1,000 stakeholder meetings, workshops, outreach programmes on India-UK trade pact
NEW DELHI: The government will organise as many as 1,000 outreach programmes, including stakeholder meetings, workshops, awareness drives and feedback sessions, in the next 20 days across the country to sensitise industry and states on the India-UK trade agreement , sources said. The exercise is aimed at ensuring effective implementation and maximising benefits from the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA), which was signed on July 24. They said that there is a plan to hold sector-wise outreach programmes. Respective line ministries will also hold programmes on the agreement. Teams will also visit different states to inform them about the benefits of this trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a meeting with the leather and textiles sector on the trade pact here on Monday. Goyal on July 26 said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already instructed him to talk to specific industry segments that will become far more competitive now after the implementation of this pact. I will be having sectoral meetings with every sector till the Parliament is going on and after that I will go to all states, he has said. Bhagalpur silk (Bihar), Pashmina shawls (Jammu and Kashmir), Kolhapuri chappal (Maharashtra), and Thanjavur dolls (Tamil Nadu) will now prominently appear on shelves in malls and shops across Britain, as the India-UK free trade agreement will provide duty concessions to a host of traditional products manufactured here. Other such goods, which will benefit from the pact, include Baluchari sarees (West Bengal), Bandhini (Gujarati tie-dye textile art), Kanchipuram sarees, and Tiruppur knitwear. The minister will also travel to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and talk to the fishermen community about the opportunity that this pact opens for them. I will visit tech centres of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Gurugram (and inform) how the double contribution convention pact (DCC) will help them expand their services exports, Goyal has said, adding, we will be sensitising the sectors to get the best out this agreement. We will send delegations to UK... and prepare the ground work in the next few months while their parliamentary approval is going on so that we can start leveraging the FTA as soon as it is operational, he added. India-UK FTA allows India to temporarily hike tariff if UK imports surge The pact will see 99 per cent of Indian exports enter the UK duty-free, when it comes into force. It will also reduce tariffs on British products such as cars, cosmetics, and whisky. The deal aims to double the USD 56-billion trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies by 2030. While India has opened its market to various consumer goods, including chocolates, biscuits, and cosmetics, it will gain greater access to export products such as textiles, furniture, footwear, gems and jewellery, sports goods, and toys. Also, Indian companies, such as TCS and Infosys, operating in the UK won't have to make social security contributions for up to three years for employees who move from India. Under the pact, tariffs on Scotch whisky will be reduced from 150 per cent to 75 per cent immediately, and further lowered to 40 per cent by 2035. On automobiles, India will reduce import duties to 10 per cent over five years, down from the current rate of up to 110 per cent, under a gradually liberalised quota system. India has provided duty concessions to the UK auto exporters only on large petrol and diesel vehicles and high-priced EVs, while protecting sensitive segments of the domestic automotive industry, especially mid and small cars and low-priced EVs, under the trade pact. India will also get duty-free access to several agri goods in the UK, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, turmeric, pepper, cardamom, and processed goods like ready-to-eat food, mango pulp, pickles, and pulses. Marine products such as shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feeds, currently taxed between 4.2 per cent and 8.5 per cent, will become duty-free once the pact comes into force. In the textiles segment, India is facing a duty disadvantage vis-a-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan and Cambodia, which have duty-free access to the UK market. Now this FTA would eliminate the tariff on textile imports from India, thereby enhancing its price competitiveness in the UK market. On the services front, the agreement will enable Indian financial services players to expand their footprint in Britain, enhance their competitiveness and serve the Indian diaspora and businesses. For digitally delivered financial services, the UK has provided market access with respect to the various sub-sectors under both insurance and insurance-related, and banking and other financial services. India has right to take corrective steps if UK imposes carbon tax
In a dramatic incident caught on camera on the Bhagalpur-Muzaffarpur Janseva Intercity Express near Bihar's Munger, a thief, after stealing a mobile phone from a passenger, clung to the footboard of the moving train and later jumped off while it was crossing a bridge.
Ganga flowing at severe level across various states: CWC
NEW DELHI: The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Wednesday warned flood situation was worsening across several states, with the Ganga flowing at a severe level at several monitoring sites amid persistent rainfall. According to the CWC's daily flood bulletin, the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhi Ghat in Patna in Bihar, Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Farakkha in West Bengal. The Kosi River is flowing above the danger level in Bihar, while the Burhi Gandak River in Bihar is flowing under severe conditions. The bulletin indicated a high probability of urban flooding in low-lying areas of northern Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh due to continuous rainfall and river swelling. The CWC has advised district administrations in affected states to activate flood response protocols.
Railways working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat trains across India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a future-ready railway network, is working on an ambitious project to roll out 100 modern and hi-tech Amrit Bharat trains for various parts of the country. With the inauguration of four more Amrit Bharat trains from across Bihar on Friday by Prime Minister Modi, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat trains in the country has now reached seven, including the three that were already running including two in Bihars North and eastern regions. The Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, using entirely indigenous technology, with a running capacity of 130 kmph. Working towards the realisation of his vision for a future-ready railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off four new Amrit Bharat trains scheduled to run between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi; Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal); Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar); and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. On the sideline of this inaugural event, speaking to the TNIE on Friday here, a senior railway official said the Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured with the objective of providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for middle-class and economically weaker passengers. As a total of 3 Amrit Bharat trains have been currently operational across the country, now the number reached 7. The Ministry of Railway is working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat rakes in coming days this year and next to ensure safe and faster affordable rail services to poor and middle class people, added an official. He said that earlier, two Amrit Bharat trains had been running between Bihars Darbhanga Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. Now, the four more Amrit Bharat trains will start running in Bihar again with all passenger amenities like foldable snack table, mobile holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging ports, improved and comfortable seating, radium illuminated flooring strips, airline-style lighting that guides the way even in the dark and air spring body which ensures shock-free travel experience. A senior railway official, speaking about the features of Amrit Bharat trains, further added that the trains were equipped with modern and Divyangjan-friendly toilets, an electro-pneumatic flushing system, and automatic soap dispensers. On the safety front, the Amrit Bharat trains have been equipped with the facility of an EP-assisted brake system, and their coaches have been fitted with sealed gangways and vacuum evacuation systems. He further added The most interesting feature is that the railway has made the talk-back unit available in every coach of Amrit Bharat trains running in Bihar in a majority with fire detection system properly installed for the first time in non-AC coaches. Meanwhile, a railway official cited a conservative estimate that the four Amrit Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will ferry more than 56 lakh people from economically weaker and middle-class sections per month.
42 Kg Ganja Seized from Palasa Railway Station
According to police, the network comprises suppliers from the Kandhamal district in Odisha who had formed connections with buyers in Bhagalpur and Patna. The accused in this case had at least twice before moved ganja from Odisha to Bihar.
Railway Minister announces key projects for poll-bound Bihar; says Rs 10,000 crore budget allotted
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Patna on Monday ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains and that a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen railway infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. The NDA government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore in this year's budget for rail infrastructure in Bihar, Vaishnaw told reporters. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations, he added. The four new trains will include a daily train from Patna to Delhi, weekly services from Darbhanga and Malda to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, services from Saharsa to Amritsar in Punjab, and a daily service from Jogbani to Erode in Tamil Nadu. The minister also announced that the Karpoori Gram railway station would now come under the Samastipur railway division. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Sonpur railway division. Speaking about upcoming railway infrastructure projects, the minister announced that a third rail line between Bhagalpur and Jamalpur, covering a distance of 53 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore. He further added that the doubling of the BakhtiyarpurRajgirTilaiya rail route, spanning 104 kilometres, will be carried out at a cost of Rs 2,017 crore. Another major project the doubling of the RampurhatBhagalpur route is also being planned, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,000 crore and a total distance of 177 kilometres. The minister also spoke about developments in the technology sector. He announced that two new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) for Bihar are ready and will be inaugurated soon. One is the new STPI building in Patliputra, Patna, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 53 crore, and the other is an upcoming STPI in Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, son of Karpoori Thakur, was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials.
She completed her schooling at Ishan International Public School, Patna, and later earned a degree in Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College.
Modi to visit Bihar for 4th time this year on June 20
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be back in Bihar on June 20, the fourth time this year and his seventh visit to the state after he took oath for the third term in June 2024. This time around, Modi will visit Siwan, considered a stronghold of main opposition RJD, where he is scheduled to address a mega political rally. A team of senior BJP leaders on Monday visited Siwan to take stock of preparations for the Modi rally. During the RJD regime, then RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin was said to call the shots in Siwan; merely his name spelt terror across Bihar, observers say. The don-turned-politicians family is considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad to this day. On June 30, PM Modi had addressed a rally at Bikramganj in Rohtas district, a part of Shahabad region where NDA performed poorly both in the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2020 assembly elections. Earlier, he visited Bhagalpur and Madhubani. From an administrative point of view, entire state has been divided into nine major regions. Shahabad region comprises Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas and Kaimur districts where Oppositions Grand Alliance won 15 out of 22 seats in 2020 assembly polls. In Magadh region, which comprises Gaya Ji, Aurangabad, Nawada and Jehanabad, the opposition bloc secured win on 16 out of 25 seats. A senior BJP leader said the PMs rally has been finalised in areas where the Opposition bloc performed better than the NDA in previous assembly elections. PM will announce several development projects for the region ahead of polls to woo voters. For NDA Shahabad region and adjoining Magadh region may prove to be a challenging battleground as it could win only 18 out of 49 seats in the two regions in the last election. Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi besides former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha have been roped in to improve NDAs performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions. Kushwaha told the press on Monday that the NDA could pull a spectacular performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions if all its constituents BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM and RLM contest the election in complete coordination. A message should go across all sections of the society that NDA is fully united and contesting elections without any misgiving to improve its seat tally in both regions, he said. Oppn tally in 2020 assembly Shahabad: 15 of 22 seats Magadh: 16 of 25 seats Patna: 10 out of 21 seats Kosi: 6 out of 11 seats Mithilanchal: 18 of 47 seats Tirhut: 11 of 42 seats Saran, which includes Siwan: 15 out of 24 seats
Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls
BJP leadership might have a role in making Chief Ministers position uneasy By Tirthankar Mitra Bihar seems to have a penchant for being in the news be it owing to JPs call of total revolution or the Bhagalpur blindings or the fodder scam. The state finds itself in the news again as a new [] The post Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls appeared first on Northlines .
Dalit woman dragged by hair during police raid in Bihar
A Dalit woman was dragged by her hair during a police raid with no woman officers present in the Nathnagar Pasi Tola area of Bhagalpur district, Bihar. The incident has triggered massive outrage among local residents. The incident reportedly took place on May 18. The 52-year-old Dalit woman, Jyothi Bharti, was attending to her ailing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
JD(U) rules out possibility of domicile policy being introduced in Bihar
PATNA: Janata Dal (United), a key ally of the ruling NDA, has ruled out introducing a domicile policy in Bihar a long-standing demand by opposition parties aimed at curbing migration and creating more jobs for local youth. Manish Kumar Verma, general secretary of JD(U), at an event in Bihars Bhagalpur, said that implementation of domicile policy in the state would be against provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Opposition is creating a confusion among people about it, he said. Former bureaucrat-turned-politician said that reserved seats were meant for local residents only, and they were entitled to get benefits from the reservation policy. However, unreserved seats were open to all, he said, adding that people from across the country worked in Bihar. Similarly, people from Bihar worked in various states. If anybody has any confusion about domicile policy, he/she should immediately talk to judicial officers of high court and the Supreme Court. The judicial officials will clear their confusion about domicile policy, JD(U) leader said. Verma, considered close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said that any citizen of India is entitled to apply for government jobs within the country on unreserved seats. These unreserved seats are open to all. Eligible candidates can apply and get jobs after being selected, he clarified. JD(U) leader said that if domicile policy is implemented in Bihar, those Biharis who were working in other states would be forced to leave the places and return to their home state. What will be the seen if all migrant workers from Bihar return to the home state, he added. He, however, admitted that the ratio of job creation in the state was less than the number of educated youths. This has led to a large-scale migration from Bihars Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar and other districts to other states. Verma said that Constitution of India provided right to its legitimate citizens to work in any state for their livelihood. We cant discriminate with people hailing from other states in the name of domicile policy in Bihar, he remarked. Without taking the name of Bihars Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, JD(U) general secretary said that some people were misleading people in the name of domicile policy. We have no confusion about the matter, he told the media. All opposition leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, have been raising the issue of domicile policy in their public meetings. Kishor alleged that Bihar government was playing with the future of its youths by not implementing domicile policy. Opposition leaders underlined the need of implementing domicile policy in the state to accommodate more educated youths in government jobs. The issue assumed significance in the wake of agitation earlier launched by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinees to press for re-examination of prelims. Political parties, including RJD, extended support to agitation launched by BPSC examinees.
PM inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna; applauds criketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 and heaped praise on 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who stunned the cricketing world with his 35-ball century in his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Bihar is hosting the prestigious national sporting event for the first time. The opening ceremony was organised at the Patliputra Sports Complex in the state capital and was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other dignitaries. While referring to young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshis spectacular performance in the IPL, Prime Minister Modi said it was an example of how consistent participation builds champions. We all have seen the outstanding performance of the son of Bihar. Not only dedication brought him success, but also his experience of playing at various levels. Jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega (the more you play, the more you shine), he noted. Suryavanshi hails from a small hamlet near Tajpur in Bihars Samastipur district. PM Modi also appreciated the growing importance of sports in India and said that the country was gradually developing a strong sports culture. The more this sporting culture spreads, the more Indias soft power will rise, he added. #WATCH | PM Modi virtually addresses the inauguration event of Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar's Patna. PM Modi says, ...You have to perform in the field as a sportsperson, but you also have to play your role as an ambassador of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Those athletes pic.twitter.com/y13vWSaJaA ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Putting emphasis on the spirit of national unity and cultural exchange, Modi called upon visiting athletes to embrace Bihars rich traditions and cuisine. Athletes from outside should try litti-chokha and taste Bihars famous makhana. Youre not just sportspersons on the field, but ambassadors of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat , he remarked. He further said that India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and that every state has to play a significant role in making it successful. The KIYG 2025 will run from May 4 to 15, with some of the sports being held in Delhi as well. Most of the competitions will take place in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, while three eventsshooting, gymnastics, and track cyclingwill be held in Delhi. Around 6,000 participants from 36 states and union territories are competing in the sporting event. The athletes will compete in 27 medal sports until May 15. In its seventh edition, the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 features 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport. E-sports has been introduced for the first time at KIYG. Bihar finished 27th in the last edition of KIYG held in Tamil Nadu.
