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High Court relief to terminated TMBU employees

In a landmark ruling, the Patna High Court has overturned the termination of eight non-teaching staff members at Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, declaring it a 'complete violation of natural justice.' The court mandated payment of back wages and reinstatement of benefits, underlining the essential principle of the right to be heard.

Bihar government to set up 100 fast-track courts to dispose of pending cases

PATNA: Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who is also holding the portfolio of home department, on Sunday announced that 100 fast track courts (FTCs) would be established in Bihar for speedy disposal of pending cases in the courts. The fast track courts aim to reduce the burden on the judiciary and provide due attention and time to cases of a sensitive nature. Chaudhary said that these fast-track courts would lessen the burden on courts considerably, considering that more than 18 lakh cases were pending in various courts of the state. He informed eight fast-track courts have been proposed in Patna, while four courts each will be established in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. Home Minister said that three fast-track courts each would be set up in Nalanda (Biharsharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur, and Madhubani. Similarly, two fast-track courts each will operate in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Ara), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Khagaria. In addition, it is proposed to establish one fast-track court each in the Naugachhiaand Bagaha sub-divisional courts. Chaudhary said, cases jointly identified by the district magistrates and superintendents of Police will be disposed of on a priority basis. A large-scale recruitment of personnel will also be undertaken for the establishment of a total of 100 fast-track courts across 38 districts and sub-divisions of the state. A total of 900 positions are proposed for each court, comprising eight types of posts -- bench clerk, office clerk, stenographer, deposition writer, data entry operator, driver, process server, and peon or orderly. As many as 79 courts will be specially set up for the speedy disposal of cases pending under the Arms Act. Bihar government was of the opinion that quick resolution of serious cases like those under the Arms Act would improve law and order in the state, Chaudhary added.

Bihar to establish 100 Fast Track Courts for quicker disposal of pending criminal cases

Mr. Choudhary also informed that eight fast track courts are proposed in Patna, while four each will be established in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur.

Assam Minister's Cauliflower Post On NDA's Bihar Win Sparks Huge Row

Right in the middle of Friday afternoon, as counting of votes in Bihar pointed to a big NDA win, a minister in the Himanta Sarma cabinet celebrated it with a cauliflower post, a stark reminder of the 1989 Bhagalpur massacre.

Shashi Tharoor condemns Assam Ministers controversial Gobi farming post

Ashok Singhals Bihar approves Gobi farming post with cauliflower field image evoked a strong response from people who said the image was an apparent reference to the 1989 Bhagalpur violence in Bihar

'Bihar approves gobhi farming': Assam minister's post ignites fury; Shashi Tharoor reacts

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal's X post referencing gobhi farming after Bihar election results has ignited controversy. Critics believe it alludes to the 1989 Bhagalpur riots' cauliflower burial case, where victims' bodies were allegedly concealed under cauliflower fields. Social media users condemned the perceived insensitivity, prompting a response from Shashi Tharoor who denounced such massacres.

'Joint Statements Not My Job': Tharoor On Bihar Gobi Farming Row After Assam Minister's Post

Shashi Tharoor condemned any glorification of the 1989 Bhagalpur riots after Assam Minister Ashok Singhals 'gobi farming' post was linked by netizens to the massacre.

Controversy erupts as Assam minister Ashok Singhal's 'Gobi farming' post referring to Bhagalpur riot

GUWAHATI: An Assam ministers cryptic social media post has stoked controversy, with netizens linking it to the 1989 Bhagalpur riots between Hindus and Muslims. On Friday, when it was more or less clear that the NDA would sweep the Bihar elections, Assams Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal took to X and shared the photo of a cauliflower field, captioning it, Bihar approves Gobi farming. He did not provide any explanation, but a section of netizens linked it to the cauliflower burial case during the Bhagalpur riots, in which over 1,000 people were killed and an estimated 50,000 others displaced. At Logain village, buried bodies were camouflaged by the plantation of cauliflower. Following the Assam ministers social media post, reactions flooded in on X. Sums up nation we are living in! Ruling party politician is openly supporting violence, a user wrote. When Gobi farming is mockingly used to dehumanise an entire community, despite the painful history of violence in places like Bhagalpur and yet they complain why only Muslims become extremists. Dehumanisation has consequences, another user posted on the microblogging site. If this is how a cabinet minister acts, imagine the confidence it gives to the people who follow him, yet another user wrote. However, some users shared different viewpoints on the post. People are unnecessarily seething at this. He is actually talking about how a government scheme in Bihar that provided subsidy and support to cauliflower farmers contributed to NDA victory in Bihar. Another wrote, Cauliflower is one of the most nutritious vegetables and increasing cauliflower production is a key step towards building a healthy India. Singhal (56) is a two-time legislator who was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. He represents northern Assams Dhekiajuli constituency.

Bihar poll result: Assam Ministers cauliflower post stirs controversy

Netizens were quick to point out that Ashok Singhal was referring to an incident during the 1989 Bhagalpur riots

Meet actress, whose debut film bombed at box office, has worked with Dharmendra, Ajay Devgn, Priyanka Chopra, no solo hit yet; her father is...

Neha Sharma's father Ajeet Sharma is prominent Congress leader and has been a member of Bihar legislative assembly since 2014. He is fighting from Bhagalpur seat in the 2025 Bihar elections.

Bihar Election Result 2025: Bollywood actor Neha Sharma's star power fails to impress, father Congress candidate Ajeet Sharma trailing behind BJP's Rohit Pandey in Bhagalpur

BJP's Rohit Pandey is leading in Bhagalpur. Ajeet Sharma of INC is trailing with 17613 ( -7553) votes.

Bihar Polls: Actor Neha Sharmas Father Trails In Bhagalpur As BJP Gains Lead

Actor Neha Sharma's father Ajeet Sharma, a senior Congress leader, has held the Bhagalpur Assembly seat since 2014, winning again in 2015 and 2020.

Bihar assembly election: Litmus test for NDA, Mahagathbandhan in second and final phase

PATNA: The second phase of Bihar assembly polls will be like a litmus test for both ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, as both alliances are apparently evenly poised in the first round. The second phase of polling will take place in 122 constituencies across 20 districts of Bihar. After the first round of the election , held on November 6, which finished with a record voter turnout, the second phase polls to be held on Tuesday will decide which alliance will finally form the government in the state. As many as 40 seats in Tirhut, 24 in Seemanchal, 26 in Magadh, and 22 seats in Shahabad regions will go to the polls in the second phase. The 122 seats going to polls in the second and final phase are spread across 20 districts of Bihars central, western and northern regions. BJP traditionally dominated Tirhut, Saran, and northern Mithilanchal regions, whereas JD(U) has a strong ground in Bhagalpur. Mahagathbandhan , on the other hand, has dominant base in Magadh and Shahabad regions covering the districts of Jehabanad, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Arwal, and Nawada. Congress, however, does not have a strong influence in this region and it largely rallied on its allies. While the opposition Mahagathbandhan faces the challenge of repeating its performance in Shahabad and Magadh regions, the ruling NDA will have to perform better in these regions and also hold its electoral bastions intact. In the 2020 assembly elections, the NDA dominated in Tirhut, while the Mahagathbandhan performed better in Magadh and Shahabad regions. During that election, Mahagathbandhan won only seven out of the 24 assembly seats in Seemanchal, whereas NDA won 31 out of the 40 seats in Tirhut region. Opposition shielding infiltrators for vote bank politics: Shah Tirhut played a significant role in bringing the NDA to power. The Mahagathbandhan won only nine seats here in 2020 assembly election. This crushing defeat in this region kept the party away from power. If the NDA retains its grip on Tirhut and succeeds in breaching the Mahagathbandhans bastions in Magadh and Shahabad or if the Mahagathbandhan defends its hold in Magadh while making gains in Tirhut the overall electoral dynamics could shift significantly. The 24 seats in Seemanchal are crucial in determining the formation of the government. In the last assembly elections, out of the 24 seats in Seemanchal, the BJP won eight, JD (U) four, Congress five, RJD and CPI (ML) one each, while AIMIM won five seats. The Mahagathbandhan is trying to consolidate its core voters in Seemanchal, while the NDA is working to further strengthen its position there. The presence of AIMIM and Jan Suraaj Party has made the election a triangular contest. This time too, Seemanchal has witnessed a power-packed campaign by all political parties. From rallies by BJP bigwigs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to the Rahul Gandhi-led Voter Adhikar Yatra, all parties have walked the extra mile to woo the Seemanchal voters. The Magadh region includes Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Arwal districts. In 2020, Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM party held the Imamganj, Tikari, and Barachatti seats in Gaya district. In 2025, HAM candidates are facing tough competition on all three seats. BJP is contesting from Gaya Town, JD (U) from Belaganj, Congress from Wazirganj, and LJP from Sherghati. Similarly, the prestige of the state Congress president Rajesh Ram is at stake in Kutumba, Aurangabad. The situation has changed for NDA as union minister Chirag Paswans LJP (RV) and former union minister Upendra Kushwaha`s RLM are contesting the polls this time as allies of the ruling alliance. In addition to it, Bihar governments scheme, 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojan' may also tilt the balance in faovur of the NDA this time, remarked political analyst. Under the scheme, women have received Rs 10,000 for opening their own businesses as the government would provide subsequent support up to Rs 2 lakh. In the 2020 Assembly election, the Mahagathbandhan won 20 seats, though its performance in Magadh, like in Shahabad, was weakened by rifts among its Kushwaha and Scheduled Caste supporters. The NDA failed to win any seats in Magadhs three districts Jehanabad, Aurangabad, and Arwal. This time, the NDA has replaced several candidates in the region and allotted six seats to its new ally, LJP (RV), which had contested independently in 2020. Nitish Kumar was, is, and will be Bihar's CM: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad

Cong fighting same battle against 'Modi empire' that Mahatma Gandhi fought against British: Priyanka

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses back-to-back rallies in Bihars Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Purnea districts, jabs the NDA government over katta remarks, unemployment and more

Rahul Gandhi accuses NDA of reducing Bihars people to labourers, vows revival under Mahagathbandhan

PATNA: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of urning the people of Bihar into labourers over the past 20 years. Addressing a public rally in Bhagalpur, the Congress MP appealed to people to support the Mahagathbandhan to enable it to form the next government in Bihar for the states rapid development. If you want industries to be set up, quality education, and good governance, then vote for Mahagathbandhan, he told the gathering. Gandhi also renewed his allegations of voter fraud in the Haryana Assembly elections, stating that Haryana has 20 million electors, but there are over 2.5 million fake voters in the states voter list. He claimed that members of the BJP live in Uttar Pradesh and vote in both Uttar Pradesh and Haryana . Gandhi alleged that the name of a Brazilian woman appeared 22 times in Haryanas voter list. In Haryana, one household has 500 voters, and another has 60. When we inquired, no one lived in the houses, he said, adding that the Congress had provided proof of how votes were stolen in Haryana. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Election Commission of conspiring to manipulate votes in Haryana, as well as vote theft in the Lok Sabha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh elections. He also criticised the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, accusing it of removing Mahagathbandhan supporters names and withholding voter lists until the last minute. Rahul said that the Prime Minister often talked about reducing data prices so that youth can make reels and earn money. But the money spent on data goes to big companies. This is an attempt to distract the youth so that they dont demand jobs, he told the crowd. He later interacted with the weavers of Bhagalpur, known as the Silk City of Bihar. Rahul was in Bhagalpur to address a rally in support of Mahagathbandhan candidates. Congress sitting MLA Ajeet Sharma, who is seeking re-election from the seat, was also present. On eve of Bihar polls, Rahul Gandhi drops 'H files', alleges theft of over 25 lakh votes in Haryana elections

Tejashwis favourite CM is Stalin, whose party compares Biharis with bidis: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for calling Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin his favourite CM, alleging that the DMK had previously insulted Biharis by comparing them to bidis. Someone asked Lalus son who his favourite CM is. He said Stalin, do you know who he is? His party compares Biharis with bidis. His party insults Biharis and disgraces them. Tejashwis favourite is this CM, Shah claimed at a rally in Bhagalpur. He also accused the DMK of opposing the construction of the Ram Temple and insulting Sanatan Dharma. The remarks come after Stalin last week criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged comments that DMK leaders harassed workers from Bihar, asking the PM to avoid cheap politics targeting Tamils ahead of elections. Shah also targeted the broader opposition, saying the RJD-Congress combine had no development agenda for Bihar. Lalu-Rahul-Rabri have not done anything for the poor, except patronising infiltrators who are taking away jobs, foodgrain, and other resources, he said. He described the Mahagathbandhan as a thagbandhan, lacking both policy direction and unity. Tejashwi Yadav says Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj will have no impact on Bihar polls Addressing security concerns, Shah alleged that Maoists reigned supreme in Bihars Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui, and other districts during Lalu Prasads tenure as Chief Minister and credited the current government with eliminating Naxalism. If you want to prevent jungle raj, vote for the NDA, he said. In this Naxal-affected area, around 150 Naxals had hijacked the Dhanbad-Patna Express, killing three people. The area was completely under Naxal control. But now, thanks to PM Modis efforts, it is Naxal-free. Earlier, voting used to end by 3 PM; now, people can vote till 5 PM, Shah said. He also took a dig at Lalu Prasad Yadav, claiming that if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, it would create a new department called Apaharan (kidnapping). He also criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not have the courage to respond to repeated terror attacks during the UPA regime. Shah further promised a series of development initiatives in Bihar if the NDA retains power. Speaking at rallies in Jamui and Bihpur, he announced plans for an electric vehicle manufacturing cluster, a defence corridor, world-class expressways, new highways, medical and engineering colleges, and an investment of Rs 20,000 crore in pisciculture. He also reiterated support for the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Goddess Sita in Bihar. On the political front, Shah warned voters about potential law-and-order issues under an RJD government. No one can prevent riots in Bhagalpur if the RJD wins the Bihar polls. You have to decide whether you want the kidnapping industry in Diara or the development of tourism, he said. BJP leaders, who cast votes in Delhi, also voted in first phase of Bihar polls: Rahul Gandhi

Bhagalpur showdown: Amit Shah warns against Osama, Rahul Gandhi urges Gen Z to stop vote chori

Bihar Elections 2025: Keep Jungle Raj at bay, says PM Modi in Araria and Bhagalpur

During a recent rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling warning to women and youth about the possible return of RJD's notorious 'jungle raj'. He drew upon the dark legacy of the party's governance from 1990 to 2005, a time that he said diminished Bihar's potential and crushed the hopes of a generation.

Congress Accuses NDA of Neglecting Bhagalpur, Seemanchal

Pradhan Mantri ka jhooth sabse mazboot! Today, the Prime Minister is visiting Bhagalpur and Seemanchal. On this occasion, we want to remind him of some of his past false promises and ask him a few direct questions, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

'Congress Can Never Wash Stains Of Bhagalpur Massacre': PM Modi In Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the RJD during an election rally in Bhagalpur, accusing both parties of dividing Bihar along caste and communal lines.

Congress-RJD protect infiltrators, dislike Lord Ram for vote bank politics: PM Modi in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the opposition RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar of appeasing infiltrators while displaying dislike for Lord Ram and Chhathi Maiya due to their vote bank politics. Addressing rallies in Bhagalpur and Araria, Modi alleged that the reluctance of opposition leaders to visit Ayodhya for the darshan of shrines dedicated to Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri and Maharshi Valmiki reflected their hatred for Dalits and backward classes. The naamdaar (Rahul Gandhi) of Congress called devotion to Chhathi Maiya a drama. They never visit Ayodhya to have a darshan of Lord Ram. I can understand their dislike for Lord Ram, but at least they could pay respects at the shrines of Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri and Maharshi Valmiki. Their reluctance shows their contempt for Dalits and backward classes, Modi said. The Prime Minister charged that the oppositions politics of appeasement has led them to protect infiltrators. The NDA is committed to driving out every infiltrator from the country. But the Congress-RJD protect them, take out yatras in their favour and spin misleading narratives, he alleged, in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra. Modi said that whenever the RJD-Congress come to power, they attempt to give backdoor entry to infiltrators. They do it for vote bank politics, but it ultimately harms the people. Infiltrators claim a share in what rightfully belongs to citizens, he said. Taking aim at the oppositions record in Bihar, Modi said, During 15 years of jungle raj, Bihar saw zero development, no highways, no bridges, no centres of higher learning. Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the NDA has worked hard to bring the state out of that era. Listing recent achievements, he said the state now has expressways, bridges over major rivers, four central universities and other institutions of higher education. Only the NDA can ensure this journey of growth continues uninterrupted, he asserted. Referring to the ongoing polling in 121 of the 243 Assembly segments in the first phase of elections, Modi said he was encouraged by the turnout. Our mothers, sisters and daughters have created a veritable fortress at polling booths to thwart the return of jungle raj, he said. He urged voters to remember the power of one vote, saying it had first brought social justice to Bihar and later ousted the 15-year jungle raj, which he said was marked by katta (country-made guns), kroorta (cruelty), katuta (bitterness), kushasan (misgovernance) and corruption. In the RJDs curriculum, a stands for apharan (kidnapping), f for firauti (ransom) and p for parivarvaad (dynasty rule), he said, adding that Congresss dictionary doesnt have words like swadeshi and atmanirbharta. Accusing the two parties of fomenting social strife, Modi said the RJD was responsible for caste violence and the Congress for communal riots like the infamous Bhagalpur riots of 1989, which was as much of a blot as the anti-Sikh violence of 1984. He also alleged that both parties were controlled by the most corrupt families in Bihar and the country and claimed infighting had already begun between them. In apparent reference to Gandhi he said People say the Congress naamdaar didnt even want to come to Bihar and was forcibly brought here. Now he is damaging the RJD. After elections, all these INDI Alliance partners will be seen breaking each others heads, Modi said. He further alleged that the RJD had put a katta to the Congresss head to name Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, and that the Congress, humiliated after its leader was dropped from RJD posters, was out to avenge the insult. Referring to Vikassheel Insan Party founder Mukesh Sahani, Modi said even the alliances deputy CM candidate was now speaking out against jungle raj. The jungle raj wallahs once lorded over you as if they were masters. Modi believes the people are his mai-baap, his family, he concluded.

Congress accuses NDA of making 'false promises', neglecting development of Bhagalpur, Seemanchal

The NITI Aayog report states: 52% of the population of Araria, 50% of the population of Purnia, more than 45% of the population of Kishanganj-Katihar, still struggle with multidimensional poverty, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh

From custody to campaign trail, jailed strongmen shape Bihars poll story

PATNA: As Bihar gears up for the first phase of assembly elections on November 6, muscle power continues to cast a long shadow over the states politics with jailed strongmen continuing to shape the campaign narrative through their political patrons. On Monday, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, despite his poor health, campaigned in Danapur for party candidate Ritlal Yadav, who is currently lodged in Bhagalpur Central Jail on charges of extortion, murder, and kidnapping for ransom. Joined by his daughter and RJD MP Misa Bharti, Lalu drew large crowds as flower petals were showered on his convoy. Ritlal, who had defeated BJPs Asha Sinha from the same seat in 2020, is in jail for allegedly threatening a builder for extortion money. In Mokama, the ruling JD(U) mounted a counter show of strength as Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary led a 30-km roadshow for another jailed candidate, Anant Singh. The influential local strongman, arrested last week for his alleged role in connection with the murder of Dular Chand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj Party. He has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody, but his campaign shows no signs of slowing down, with top JD(U) leaders taking charge on his behalf. Speaking to reporters, Lalan Singh dismissed the murder allegations as part of a larger conspiracy. Its Jai Jai for Modi and Nitish in Bihar. The NDA government will return to power under Nitish Kumars leadership. The incident was not spontaneous. There was a full conspiracy behind it, he said, urging police to expose everyone involved. As the campaign heats up, the scenes in Danapur and Mokama underscore an enduring reality of Bihars politics that candidates with criminal records continue to wield deep influence, often with the full backing of their political parties.

Bihar Election 2025: PM Modi to hold rallies in Saharsa, Katihar today; Nitish Kumar to campaign in Bhagalpur

As the Bihar election campaigning is in full swing, key leaders are gearing up for the first phase of voting. PM Modi will address two rallies in Saharsa and Katihar, seeking votes for 30 NDA candidates across two districts.

Bihar Election 2025: PM Modi to hold roadshow in Patna, rallies in Bhojpur and Nawada today

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold rallies in Saharsa and Katihar on 3 November, and in Araria and Bhagalpur on 6 November. Voting for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections will take place on 6 November across 121 constituencies.

4 Children Drown While Taking Bath In Ganga Ahead Of Chhath Puja In Bihar

Four children aged 10-15 drowned in the Ganges in Bhagalpur during Chhath festival.

4 Children Drown While Bathing In Ganges Ahead Of Chhath Puja In Bihar

Four children drowned in the Ganges on Monday morning while taking a bath ahead of the Chhath festival in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, police said.

Homecoming Vote: Migrant workers returning for Chhath puja could decide Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: With nearly 70 lakh Bihari migrant workers returning home for the Chhath festival on October 2728, just a week before the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls, political experts expect a surge in voter turnout across the state's 243 constituencies. The Assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting and results scheduled for November 14. According to estimates, around 2.5 to 3.1 crore Biharis work outside the state, including 8090 lakh who migrate annually for work as labourers, masons, mechanics, and other trades. The migrant workers coming home, mostly labourers and employees working in factories, construction sites, and offices across India, are being considered a decisive voter bloc. Many of them are likely to stay back and vote, especially in districts that recorded low polling in 2020. Both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan (opposition grand alliance) are urging migrant workers to stay back and vote, portraying it as a duty to ensure a better future for Bihar. The majority of those who come (for the festival) belong to Scheduled Castes and marginalised communities whose families benefit from government welfare schemes. Their womenfolk will certainly think of the NDA, not the RJD, claimed a BJP leader. However, RJD leaders disagreed, claiming that the migrant workers facing hardship in other BJP-ruled states would not vote for the NDA in Bihar. Those who face hardship outside Bihar due to unemployment and poor development under NDA rule will never vote for the NDA, said a senior RJD functionary. Those who feel humiliated or exploited in other states are less likely to vote for parties aligned with those governments, admitted a senior NDA leader, requesting anonymity. The NDA leader, however hoped that rust in Modi and the work done by Nitish Kumar may convince the migrant workers to back the JDU-led alliance. While the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan has made joblessness a central campaign issue, the ruling NDA has highlighted job creation and social welfare to counter the attack. Both camps are actively reaching out to returning migrants through local networks, community meetings, and WhatsApp groups. Districts such as Purnia, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Gaya, Jehanabad, Saran, Motihari, Jamui, Nawada, and Aurangabad all major hubs of outmigration are expected to see higher participation this time. Poll analysts believe the Kosi region, plagued by recurrent floods and high migration, could witness a sharp rise in voting, with nearly half of the returnees expected to stay through election day. Similar trends are anticipated in the Tirhut and Purnia divisions, depending on migrants ability to sustain themselves economically after Chhath. Waqf Act will be thrown into dustbin if INDIA bloc voted to power in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav JD(U) expels 11 leaders for anti-party activities in poll-bound Bihar

Bihar reality check: Only 35 Muslims get tickets

PATNA: A political slugfest has erupted in Bihar ahead of assembly polls over the RJD and other parties allegedly meting out shabby treatment to Muslims in distribution of tickets. Parties have fielded only 35 Muslim candidates even as Muslims constitute nearly 17.7% of the states population. The RJD and Congress, two major allies of the INDIA bloc who claim themselves to be well-wishers of Muslims, have together fielded 28 Muslim candidates. While the RJD, which is contesting 143 seats, has fielded 18 Muslim candidates, remaining 10 have been fielded by Congress, which is contesting 61 seats. The CPI-ML (Liberation) has fielded two Muslim candidates. Viakssheel Insaan Party led by Mukesh Sahani, another ally of the INDIA bloc, has fielded none. In the NDA camp, Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) has fielded four Muslim candidates out of 101 seats it is contesting this time. One ticket has been allotted to Muslim candidate by Union minister Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Patty (Ram Vilas). LJP (RV) is contesting 29 seats. In 2020 election, RJD had fielded 15 Muslims out of 144 candidates it had fielded. Congress had given tickets to 12 Muslim candidates out of 70 seats it contested. NDAs allies were less generous in distribution of tickets to Muslims as BJP did not give any ticket to Muslims. The JD (U), which had not named any Muslim candidate in its first list, finally gave four tickets to Muslims. Muslim representation in the Bihar assembly has fluctuated from time to time. Between 1990 and 2020, it averaged around 8%. The 2020 assembly had 19 Muslim MLAs, representing 7.81% of the 243-member House. In 2015, the number reached 24 (9.87%), one of the communitys highest levels. Declines in representation have followed changes in party nominations and alliances. Political analysts observed that Muslims got disenchanted with Congress after the 1989 Bhagalpur communal riots and also the partys role in controlling communal flare-ups during LK Advanis Ram Rath Yatra. They said RJD chief Lalu Prasad grabbed the opportunity to provide his party as an alternative before Muslims following their disenchantment with Congress. Muslims also having no other option switched over to the RJD fold in droves as the party built its electoral fortunes primarily on a platform of social justice, pitching for empowerment of OBCs, Dalits and Muslims. On secular parties not going the whole hog in distribution of tickets to Muslims, the analysts said these parties become cautious in apprehension of polarisation of votes against them in the event of showing too much generosity in distribution of tickets to them. Union Minister Chirag Paswan wrote on X, In 2005, my leader, my father late Ram Vilas Paswan Ji, even sacrificed his party to make way for a Muslim chief minister, but you (RJD) did not support him then. RJD was not ready to give a Muslim CM in 2005, and in 2025 they are still unwilling to give either a Muslim CM or a Deputy CM. If you remain a vote-bank ally, how will you gain respect or true participation?

BJP leader shot in Bihar's Bhagalpur; police probe underway

According to residents, the incident occurred when Bablu Yadav was taking a walk outside his house. At this time, Surjikhil resident Suraj Tanti arrived at the spot with his associates and allegedly fired two rounds at him.

Stage set for first phase of polls, 1.3K in fray for 121 seats

PATNA: In all, 1,314 candidates are left in the fray for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled on November 6. This phase covers 121 seats and will mainly see a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc. Eighteen districts are covered in this phase, with Muzaffarpur, Kurhani, Mahnar, and Bahadur seeing the highest number of contestants. Election Commission sources said 1,690 candidates had filed nominations between October 10 and 17, but 135 were rejected for technical reasons. The last day for withdrawal of nominations was on October 20. The phase will test the popularity of Bihar CM Nitish Kumars JD(U) and Lalu Prasads RJD. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary (Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), along with Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav (Raghopur), will be among the top leaders facing voters. The maximum number of 20 candidates each are in the fray in Kurhani and Muzaffarpur, while Alauli and Parbatta have the fewest, with five each. In Patna, 149 candidates are in the fray, with nine withdrawals. Paliganj has the highest competition with 14 contestants. Bhagalpur has 102 nominees, with Nathnagar seeing 21. Mahnar in Vaishali has 18 candidates, while Bahadur has 17. Key candidates include JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha from Mahnar and RJDs Bhola Yadav, a close aide of Lalu Prasad. Health Minister Mangal Pandey is contesting from Siwan, while Nitin Nabin, a former minister, is in the fray from Bankipur. Former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav will face RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav, seeking re-election from jail. Shashank Shekhar, IIT Delhi alumnus, is contesting Patna Sahib on a Congress ticket against BJPs Ratnesh Kushwaha. Other notable contestants include Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD), folk singer Maithili Thakur (Alinagar), Mohammad Shahabuddins son Osama Sahab (Raghunathpur), and ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (Sarairanjan), Shravan Kumar (Nalanda), Jibesh Mishra (Jale), Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga), and Ratnesh Sada (Sonbarsa).

Bihar assembly election: Two 'Bahubalis' flexing their muscles in Mokama

PATNA: Battlelines have been drawn between two don-turned politiciansAnant Singh and Surajbhan Singhin the Mokama assembly constituency in Bihars Patna district, which will go to polls in the first phase on November 6. Anant Singh , a four term former MLA, has thrown his hat in the electoral ring once again after stepping out of jail, is set to contest against Surajbhans wife Veena Devi of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Anant, fond of costly luxury cars, keeping horses, wearing hats and stylish spectacles, is popularly called Chhote Sarkar by his supporters. Lalu allotted RJDs symbol to Veena Devi, a former MP, late on Wednesday, paving way for filing nomination papers on Thursday. The two criminal-turned-politicians command strong influence not only within their Bhumihar community, but also among other social groups, thanks to their Robin Hood-like image. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly election, Anant Singh captured the high-profile Mokama seat as an RJD candidate but was later disqualified after his conviction under the Arms Act in 2022. His wife, Neelam Devi, won the ensuing bypoll but subsequently shifted her loyalty to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, voting in favour of the NDA during the floor test in February last year. This time, Anant Singhpopularly known as Chhote Sarkaris contesting on a JD(U) ticket, said Saurabh Kumar Singh, a resident of Mokama. Bihar assembly elections: Return of the dynasts on poll turf Mokama Tal, well-known for its pulse production, has a history of high-stakes contests often marred by violence. Elections here have seen gun power dominate as supporters clashed to secure victory for their leaders. The upcoming polls promise to be another fierce showdown of money and muscle power. JD(U) nominee Anant Singhs elder brother, Dilip Singh, earlier represented the constituency and also served as a minister in the RJD government. In the 2000 election, Surajbhan Singhrenowned locally as Dadadefeated Dilip Singh to clinch the seat for the first time. However, Anant Singh wrested the constituency from him in 2005 and has held it for four consecutive terms since. Despite facing at least 19 criminal cases, including charges of murder, kidnapping, and violations of the Arms Act, Anant Singh continues to enjoy massive popularity. His political clout was evident when his wife won an election even as he remained behind bars. Meanwhile, Surajbhan Singh is preparing to counter Chhote Sarkar with equal intensity. Surajbhans prestige is on the line in Mokama. He faces a formidable opponent from his own caste who can match both his influence and force, said Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Shankarbar Tola, Surajbhans native village. Bihar assembly elections: Poll bug bites women with top degrees As reports emerged that Surajbhans wife might enter the fray from Mokama, election preparations intensified at Anant Singhs hometown of Ladma, near Barh. Although Surajbhan is barred from contesting due to his conviction, hes determined to demonstrate his strength and settle scores with his rival, said one of his long-time supporters. By inducting Surajbhan Singh into the RJD, Tejashwi Yadav is seen as attempting to consolidate the partys support among the Bhumihar community. Recently, two other influential Bhumihar leadersBogo Singh from Begusarai and JD(U) MLA Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Khagariaalso joined the RJD and were allotted tickets in their respective constituencies. Sources indicate that the RJD plans to field Bhumihar candidates in about ten assembly constituencies this time. According to Bihars caste survey, Bhumihars account for 2.86% of the states population, while Brahmins make up 3.65%. In the politically crucial GangaSone beltcovering Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Begusarai, Samastipur, and Madhubanithe Bhumihar community continues to play a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes. Surajbhan, also a former MP from Balia in Begusarai, earlier resigned from former union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party and joined RJD.

Bihar Polls: Minutes Before Filing Nomination, One Phone Call Makes This Candidate Step Back

Bhagalpur has long been a politically significant seat for the Choubey family.

Bihar Poll Candidate Leaves To File Nomination, Then Drops Out At Father's Order

Upset over not getting a BJP ticket for Bihar's Bhagalpur, Arjit Shashwat Choubey, son of former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was about to file nomination as an Independent candidate. But a phone call changed everything.

Congress releases first list of 48 candidates for Bihar assembly polls

PATNA: After much hiccups, the Congress finally released its first official list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The list of candidates has been released by K C Venugopal, general secretary of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), late on Thursday. The party has given tickets to five women and four Muslim candidates in the first official announcement of its candidates. It has retained 11 sitting MLAs, which includes Bhagalpur, Kadwa, Manihari, Muzaffarpur, Rajapakar, Buxar, Rajpur, Kutumba, Kargahar, Hisua and Aurangabad. Congress and RJD leaders were in constant deliberations over some seats, including Kahalgaon, Vaishali and Narkatiaganj seats. The deadlock over seat-sharing among the INDIA bloc partners may have finally been broken hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge took matters into their own hands and talked to Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad over the phone on Thursday. The party had, a day before, started releasing the names of some candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar on the official handle of its Bihar unit. Congress had also posted photos of the candidates receiving their nomination certificates. This comes even as the seat-sharing arrangement between the Mahagathbandhan allies has not been officially finalised yet. According to the list, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram and Congress legislature party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan will contest from Kutumba and Korha (reserved) assembly constituencies respectively. In addition, Pratima Kumari has been fielded from Rajapakar (reserved), Shiv Prakash Garib Das from Bachhwara, Amita Bhushan from Begusarai and Braj Kishore Ravi from Rosera assembly constituencies. Similarly, Umesh Ram has been fielded from Sakra (reserved) constituency, Bijendra Choudhary from Muzaffarpur, Pratima Kumari from Rajapakar, Savita Kumari from Sonbarsa (reserved), and Punam Paswan from Korha assembly seat. Dr Chandan Yadav will be in the poll fray from Khagaria. Shyam Bihari Prasad will contest from Raxaul, Shashi Bhushan Rai from Govindganj and Wasi Ahmad from Bettiah. Amit Kumar Singh Tunna will fight from Riga, Navin Kumar from Bathnaha, Jayesh Mangal Singh from Bagaha, Amit Giri from Nautan, Abhishek Ranjan from Chanpatia, Nitu Kumari from Hisua, Awadhesh kumar Singh from Wazirganj, Anand Shanker Singh from Aurangabad, Santosh Mishra from Kargahar, and Mangal Ram from Chenari (reserved) seats. pic.twitter.com/io0WmcA5sG Congress (@INCIndia) October 16, 2025

Bihar: JD(U) MLA sits on dharna in front of CMs residence

Patna, Oct 14 (PTI) JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal, who is understood to have a slim chance of getting a party ticket for the upcoming assembly polls, on Tuesday sat on a dharna near Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars residence. Mandal, who is enjoying the fourth consecutive term from the Gopalpur seat in Bhagalpur district, reached 1, Anney Marg with a group of slogan-shouting supporters. When security personnel stopped him from entering the premises, pointing out that he did not have an appointment, Mandal sat down close to the gate. I will not budge till I get the party symbol from

Jan Suraaj Party names candidate for 65 Bihar seats; suspense continues over PK's Raghopur debut

PATNA: The Jan Suraaj Party on Monday announced its second list of candidates for 65 constituencies for the Bihar assembly elections, but kept under wraps its choice for the Raghopur seat from where its founder Prashant Kishor is expected to take on RJD's Tejashwi Yadav. Addressing a press conference, Kishor said that with this, the party has named candidates for 116 of the state's 243 seats. In the first list, we had announced candidates for 51 seats, and in the second list, we named nominees for 65 seats. Candidates for the remaining seats will be announced later, he said. Kishor said among the candidates announced so far, 31 belonged to the extremely weaker sections, 21 to Other Backwards Classes, and 21 are Muslims. The selection of candidates reflects the party's commitment to represent all sections of society, he said. The party has fielded Kamlesh Paswan from Harnaut, a seat long considered CM Nitish Kumar's stronghold, though he hasn't contested an assembly election there in three decades. Another notable name in the second list is advocate Abhay Kant Jha, who represented victims of the 1989 Bhagalpur communal riots. He will contest the elections from Bhagalpur. Among the other prominent candidates are retired police officer Nasrullah Khan in Nokha (Rohtas), academic Shashikant Prasad in Phulwari, and Dr Shahnawaz in Barharia (Siwan). Naval Kishore Chowdhary, a well-known economist, has been fielded from Bathnaha (SC) in Sitamarhi. The party has also fielded Tathagat Harshvardhan, son of former Union minister KK Tiwary, in the Buxar seat. Tiwary, elected from the Buxar Lok Sabha seat in 1980 and 1984, was a minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government. Among the party's Muslim candidates are Md Ekramul Haque (Thakurganj), Naaz Ahmad Khan alias Pappu Khan (Kesaria), and Aamir Haider (Bahadurpur). In the ST-reserved seat of Manihari in Katihar district, it has fielded Bablu Soren.

Bihar polls: AIMIM hints at formation of third front, announces 32 candidates

PATNA: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has released a list of 32 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar and has hinted at the formation of a third front, a move that could significantly impact the Oppositions INDIA bloc. AIMIM Bihar chief Akhtarul Iman stated that the party would field candidates from multiple constituencies, including Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, Araria, Gaya, Motihari, Nawada, Jamui, Bhagalpur, Siwan, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Vaishali, and Gopalganj. Interestingly, most of the seats where AIMIM plans to field candidates are currently held by members of the INDIA bloc. AIMIM had attempted to prevent the division of secular votes and unite against communal forces, but the larger coalition partners didnt cooperate, resulting in the formation of a third front, Iman asserted. He added that the party has released the list of 32 candidates out of the 100 seats it intends to contest in the 2025 assembly elections. The names of the candidates for the announced seats will be revealed soon, he said. Will join INDIA alliance in Bihar if AIMIM gets to contest six seats: Owaisi The AIMIM state president recalled that during the 2020 assembly elections, the party was accused of splitting secular votes. It is well known that we had written to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav seeking an alliance ahead of the 2025 assembly polls but received no response, he added. In the 2020 assembly election, AIMIM fielded candidates in 20 seats and won five. This performance was seen as having impacted the Grand Alliance, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. However, four of AIMIMs MLAs later switched over to the RJD, leaving Akhtarul Iman as the partys lone representative in the state assembly. AIMIM had contested the 2020 election in alliance with Mayawatis BSP and Upendra Kushwahas RLSP. The party had influenced the performance of Opposition parties in several constituencies. Kushwaha later joined the BJP-JD(U)-led NDA and formed a new party called the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). In the 2025 assembly election, RLM has been offered six seats. Muslims account for nearly 18 percent of the states population of over 13 crore, according to the 202223 state census.

Bihar to develop three major Ganga river road projects worth Rs 17,000 cr

Bihar is launching three major Rs 17,000 crore road projects along the Ganga river under the Hybrid Annuity Model to enhance connectivity, tourism, and economic activities. These projects, including Digha-Koilwar and Munger-Bhagalpur sections, will offer scenic routes and significantly reduce travel time. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will break ground for one project on October 4.

BJP may drop 18 MLAs as Shah crafts Bihar strategy

NEW DELHI: The BJP is expected to drop more than 18 MLAs in Bihar as it prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, amid reports of growing anti-incumbency sentiment against several long-serving legislators. Party sources have indicated that the party has largely finalised its list of candidates, with a formal announcement likely to follow the expected release of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India (EC) after October 6. According to a senior BJP functionary in Bihar, Union Home Minister and the partys chief strategist Amit Shah has held detailed discussions regarding candidate selection for over 145-150 Assembly constituencies. These include key districts such as Bettiah, Samastipur, Araria and several seats in the Seemanchal region. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the BJP had narrowly lost in nearly 35 constituencies, including Muzaffarpur, Kishanganj, Siwan, Sonpur, Raghopur, Bhagalpur, Danapur and Maner. Raghopur is currently represented by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the LoP in Bihar. In Maner, BJPs national OBC Morcha general secretary and a well-educated party leader Nikhil Anand, who had contested the last election also, is reportedly gaining significant traction ahead of the polls. His consistent public outreach and year-round accessibility have made him a strong contender against the RJD MLA Bhai Birendra. Within BJP circles, there is a buzz that several sitting MLAs, particularly those facing strong anti-incumbency sentiment, will be dropped in favour of fresh faces. The party is also said to be considering young candidates and prominent women leaders to field them as party candidates symbolising the Nari-shakti (women power) and Yuva-Shakti( Youth power)-that often figure and get a strong accent in PM Modis speech. There are also indications that the BJP may follow its Madhya Pradesh model by fielding sitting and former MPs in state elections. Names doing the rounds include Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, and former MPs such as Ram Kripal Yadav and RK Singh. State ministers, including Mangal Pandey, may also be considered for Assembly seats within their respective districts. Bihar sitting on time bomb of corruption: Tejashwi Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said on Sunday that Bihar was sitting on a time bomb of corruption and unemployment. He called Nitish Kumar the Dhritrashtra of corruption, saying the CM has not been acting against corrupt officials.

Amrit Bharat trains transform mobility, opportunities for Bihar residents

NEW DELHI: With the introduction of pairs of Amrit Bharat trains in Bihar, well ahead of the upcoming assembly elections this year, the NDA government, with the BJP as a key partner in the state and leading the national alliance at the Centre, appears to be achieving its intended electoral goals. Let whatever others issues aside, the introduction of Amrit Bharat trains in Bihar has made us think only of the BJP-led NDAbe it in the state or for the Centre. We now have trains to move and trains to go for earning livelihood. What have they (the Opposition) done for us so far? Nothing, angrily remarked Sohan Yadav, a resident of Chapra, supported by Runa Paswan, a daily wage labourer, and Niraj Singh, an upper caste person working as a shopkeeper, standing behind him in Saran. Sujjwal Tiwari, boarding an Amrit Bharat Express train in Bihar, hailed the introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express as a good, people-friendly move because of its facilities and comfort level. As Bihar has never been a stationary state, Indian Railways has added momentum to its transformation from a state of backwardness to one that is increasingly mobile, particularly in terms of transportation infrastructure and train services. Now, gone are the days when Bihars residents had to use overcrowded trains, stand in long queues, and endure slow connections. That picture is now changing. With the introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express, it has changed the book and now Bihar has a new face in the rail revolution of the country, a senior railway official told this newspaper. He added, The Amrit Bharat Express is indeed a people train, unlike premium trains which are beyond the reach of many families. Its sleeper prices are only slightly higher than older mail coaches, but the comfort is a million times better: no jerky ride, better seats, bio-vacuum toilets, charging plugs, updated safety systems, and a pantry car, too. To average Biharis, this gives a sense of pride. It is more pocket friendly and adds a modern touch to travel to Delhi or Mumbai. Fourteen Amrit Bharat services have been launched, and Bihar is the first state in the country connected with eleven Amrit Bharat Express trainsa testimony to the states centrality in Indias mobility narrative. Cities such as Patna, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Gaya, and Motihari now enjoy direct connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Bengaluru. The newly launched JogbaniErode Express spans an incredible 3,129 km, connecting the northeast corner of Bihar to the industrial belt of Tamil Nadubinding the nation together from top to bottom. It is not just a train for people; it is a bridge to opportunities and ambitions for migrant workers, students, and families, remarked a railway official. According to the Railways, farmers and small traders in Bihar can now deliver produce, textiles, and handicrafts to larger markets via built-in parcel vans, while the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is providing local artisans with new platforms to showcase their productssuch as Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpuri silk, and regional sweets. Already, rickshaw pullers, tea sellers, and hotels around these stations are finding more business as the footfall of passengers increases. Every train that stops is not only a source of travellers, but also an economic lifeblood to communities, remarked a railway official, citing the economic benefits of enhanced train services in a state like Bihar. He added that tourist destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Patna Sahib will also become more accessible, drawing both domestic and international tourists. The new GayaDelhi service, as an example, puts the most holy place of Buddhism in the world within the reach of the capital in one night. Likewise, the Ramayana Circuit is reinforced by the Delhi train, which serves Sitamarhi, the birthplace of Sita. And now that Biharis can more readily visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar or the ghats of Haridwar, those in those areas can explore the cultural treasure of Bihar, he said. Most importantly, the Amrit Bharat has sparked a wave of optimism. Bihar, long seen as an outlier in terms of infrastructure, is now becoming a hub for modernisation in the rail sector. This is because it is making youths pursue opportunities, families reunite, and villages join the national markets, as they become more connected, remarked a railway official.

Bihar Congress protests land allotment to Adani power plant in Bhagalpur

PATNA: Congress on Thursday took out a protest march in the state capital to express its displeasure over the allotment of 1050 acres of land to Adani Group for setting up a power plant at Pirpaithi in Bhagalpur district. The march, led by state Congress president Rajesh Ram, began from Sadaquat Ashram and culminated at Rajendra Babu Memorial in Bansghat. Party workers raised slogans against the government and the industrialists throughout the rally. Leader of the legislature party in the assembly, Dr Shakeel Ahmad Khan, and former state chief Madan Mohan Jha were prominent among those who participated in the protest march. A heavy police deployment was made in the wake of a protest march taken out by the Opposition party. Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Ram alleged that land of farmers was acquired by the state government against their wishes. The farmers were held hostage when they wanted to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state on September 15, he added. The Congress state chief claimed that farmers were forced to sign the agreement for their land for the proposed power plant. We will fight for justice of these farmers. Congress will not remain silent on the issue, he told the gathering. Congress secretary in-charge Shahnawaz Alam alleged that 10 lakh trees would be felled to pave the way for setting up the power plant with a capacity to generate 2400 MWs. The power plant will be set up in three phases with each to generate 800 MW of electricity. We had heard about vote theft. Now its about theft of trees, said Shahnawaz, while slamming the NDA government at the Centre and in the state to work for the benefit of the Corporate Houses. He dubbed the allotment of land as land scam. Congress leaders said that the agitation would continue as farmers land had been allotted to a Corporate House at a token price of Rs 1 per year. He said that the foundation stone of the proposed power plant at Pirpaithi was laid by PM Narendra Modi. Earlier, the first meeting of newly formed state election committee was held at party office to discuss the election strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. All the 39 members authorised the party high command to select candidates for the election.

4,271 voters in single house: AAP alleges major irregularity in UP electoral rolls

LUCKNOW: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the electoral rolls of Uttar Pradesh, claiming that 4,271 voters have been found enrolled in a single house in Mahoba district. Addressing a press conference here, Singh said, Yesterday I told you about two houses in Mahoba where 243 and 185 voters were found, which was shocking. Today I have found another case where 4,271 voters are registered in a single house. If there are 4,271 votes in one house, the family should have around 12,000 members. Someone will have to find such a large family. Singh also alleged that vote theft started in Uttar Pradesh with the collusion of the BJP and the Election Commission. In a sarcastic remark, the AAP leader said, I want to tell the owner of this house (in Mahoba), if he contests the village pradhan's election, he will win. No one else needs to vote (other than his family members). Singh claimed that in the village where this house is located, there are around 16,000 voters in total, making the alleged anomaly even more serious. He also targeted the ruling BJP-JD(U) alliance over land allotment in Bihar's Bhagalpur, alleging that the state government gave 1,050 acres of land to industrialist Gautam Adani's group for three power plants at a nominal price of Re 1 per acre for 25 years. Not only was the land given for Re 1, but a guarantee was also given that whatever electricity you produce will be purchased at Rs 7 per unit for the next 25 years. Whether people get power at Rs 10, Rs 11 or Rs 12 (per unit) doesn't matter to the government. But the prime minister's friend must not face any trouble, Singh said. He also claimed that the land was acquired between 2012 and 2013 by the then BJP-JD(U) government, and compensation was paid to the farmers from the public exchequer. The government could have sold the land at a higher price to generate revenue but it gave it to Adani for Re 1 per acre for 25 years, Singh said. The AAP leader also claimed that official records classify the land as arren in around 70 per cent of its area, while there stand nearly 10 lakh trees, including mango trees that produce the Malda variety of the fruit. The government is only concerned about money-making, not the environment or trees, Singh claimed. He also said that employment, farmers' welfare and environmental issues are not on the government's priority list. The priority is to make money in the name of cricket and by setting up power plants like these. That is why I keep saying that Modi ji is not the prime minister of India, he is the prime minister of Adani, Singh said, as he urged people to decide if they are happy or angry with such policies. AAP's Uttar Pradesh president Sabhajit Singh said the party will hold a meeting of its senior office-bearers in Lucknow on September 20 to discuss electoral roll-related issues, among others. Like in Mahoba, the party will focus on similar irregularities in other districts as well. Our focus is on ensuring that no eligible voter is left out and no bogus voter is added to the list. The issue will be taken up in the meeting, he said. Will interfere in case of illegality: SC sets October 7 for final hearing on pleas against Bihar SIR

Congress accuses government of gifting 1,050 acres of land in Bihars Bhagalpur to Gautam Adani

At a press conference in Delhi, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the government of withdrawing from the project in favour of Adani

1,050 acres of land in Bihar's Bhagalpur 'gifted' to Adani as BJP defeat in state 'imminent, claims Congress

The Congress party made serious allegations against the Modi government. They claimed the government gifted 1,050 acres of land in Bhagalpur, Bihar, to the Adani Group. This land was allegedly for a power plant. The Congress stated the land was given at a rate of 1 rupee per year for 33 years.

PM rally imposes burden of Rs 100 crore on Bihar: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav

PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming rally in Bihars Purnea will impose a financial burden of Rs 100 crore on the state. In a post on X, Tejashwi wrote, Honourable Prime Minister Modi Ji, before showering a deluge of empty promises in Purnea today, kindly take note of the dilapidated rural roads, schools without teachers, crumbling health centres, and the public issues troubling women and youth plagued by inflation, poverty, unemployment, and migration within a 2-3 kilometer radius of your rally venue. You must have surely noticed the deplorable condition of Purneas medical college yesterday. , 2-3 , , , , pic.twitter.com/vctmbVDcTX Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) September 15, 2025 He continued, Sir, a single rally of yours imposes a hefty financial burden of Rs 100 crore on a poor state like Bihar. You have held numerous rallies in Bihar. With thousands of crores of such a massive amount, the boundary walls of Bihars schools, playgrounds, and separate toilets for girls in schools could have been constructed, and human resources and medicines could have been arranged for health centers. He also pointed out that government employees including teachers and primary health care workers are forced to abandon their duties and gather crowds for the PM's events. Prime Minister Ji, do you remember that 11.5 years ago, from this very Purnea district, you promised to grant special category status to Bihar. What happened to that promise? Are you once again coming to sell false promises and empty rhetoric to the people of Bihar before the elections? he asked. RJD leader Tejashwi to embark on five-day Bihar Adhikar Yatra from Jehanabad beginning Sept. 16 Criticising the NDA government in Bihar led by chief minister Nitish Kumar, the RJD leader said that the PM loudly proclaims 'Jungle Raj, Jungle Raj' to drown out the failures of the government formed 11 years ago at the centre and 20 years ago in the state. Your shortcomings and public welfare issues got buried in this imaginary noise. But Bihar and its people are now well aware of your pretense, and therefore, lies will no longer work in Bihar, he claimed. Earlier, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad had slammed PM Modi over false promises made to people of Bihar. People know your joomlas. Now they will not be misled by your joomlas and teach you a lesson in the upcoming assembly elections, he said, while reacting to PMs frequent visit to election bound Bihar. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Purnea today to inaugurate newly developed Purnea airport terminal. In addition, he is expected to launch the National Makhana Board and other development projects worth Rs.3,600 crore on the occasion. He will also lay foundation stone of a Thermal Power project in Bhagalpur and flag off multiple trains. Poll-bound Bihar to get several projects across sectors during PM Modis visit on September 15

Adani Power to invest $3 billion to set up 2400 MW power project in Bihar

The Adani group company, in a statement, said that it has signed a 25-year Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd. (BSPGCL) to supply power from the project that will come up at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur district of the state

Gautam Adani signs Rs 300000000000 pact with BSPGCL, will generate employmentfor over 10000 people in Bihar, to generate power of...

Under the agreement, the India's largest private sector thermal power generator would supply the proposed power from a greenfield ultra super critical plant to be set up at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur district of Bihar. Read here to know more about this project.

Adani Power To Build 2,400-MW Thermal Power Plant In Bihar

The power will be sourced from a new greenfield ultra super critical plant to be constructed in the Pirpainti area of Bihar's Bhagalpur district.

Poll-bound Bihar to get several projects across sectors during PM Modis visit on September 15

NEW DELHI: Poll-bound Bihar is set to receive a host of new schemes and infrastructure development projects, including the National Makhana Board, on September 15, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state to lay the foundation stone for these schemes and inaugurate many of them. The National Makhana Board is being established to promote production and technological advancement, strengthen post-harvest management, encourage value addition and processing, and facilitate marketing, export, and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting cultivators. As Bihar officially accounts for approximately 90% of the countrys total Makhana production, the establishment of the board is expected to significantly benefit cultivators in districts such as Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria. These areas serve as the main hubs for Makhana production due to favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil. In addition to the Makhana Board, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Interim Terminal Building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger handling capacity in the region. Purnea is one of the key cities in Bihars Seemanchal area. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth approximately Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea, including the foundation stone for a 3x800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. According to an official statement from the PMO, this will be Bihars largest private sector investment, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. The project, designed on ultra-super critical low-emission technology, will provide dedicated power and strengthen Bihars energy security. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, worth over Rs 2,680 crore. This initiative focuses on upgrading the canal through desilting, reconstruction of damaged structures, and renovation of the settling basin, while enhancing its discharge capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs. The project aims to benefit multiple districts in northeastern Bihar through improved irrigation, flood control, and agricultural resilience. In terms of rail connectivity and infrastructure, Bihar is also set to benefit from several major initiatives. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Rail Line between Bikramshila and Katareah, valued at over Rs 2,170 crore, providing a direct rail link across the River Ganga. He will also inaugurate the new Rail Line between Araria and Galgalia (Thakurganj), worth over Rs 4,410 crore. Additionally, he will flag off a train on the ArariaGalgalia section, establishing direct rail connectivity between Araria and Kishanganj districts, significantly improving accessibility across northeastern Bihar. The Prime Minister will also launch the Vande Bharat Express Train between Jogbani and Danapur, directly benefiting districts such as Araria, Purnea, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Begusarai, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Patna. Furthermore, he will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express Trains between Saharsa and Chheharta (Amritsar), and between Jogbani and Erode. In Purnea, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sex-Sorted Semen Facility, a state-of-the-art semen station under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Capable of producing 5 lakh sex-sorted semen doses annually, it is the first of its kind in Eastern and Northeastern India. The facility employs indigenously developed technology launched in October 2024, aligning with the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By enabling higher chances of female calf births, the technology is expected to help small and marginal farmers, as well as landless labourers, secure more replacement heifers, reduce economic stress, and raise incomes through improved dairy productivity. As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 35,000 rural beneficiaries under PMAY (R) and 5,920 urban beneficiaries under PMAY (U), and will personally hand over keys to some of them. In addition, he will distribute Community Investment Funds worth around Rs 500 crore to Cluster Level Federations under the DAY-NRLM scheme, handing over cheques to several CLF Presidents.

'Peace will soon return to trouble-torn Nepal,' says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

PATNA: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday expressed confidence that peace would return to Nepal soon. Talking to media persons in Patna, Goyal said that the Indian government is keeping a close watch on the turmoil in the neighbouring country following the violent Gen-G protests. He assured that there is no need to worry, citing Indias track record of evacuating citizens of the country even from war zones. Our foreign ministry is monitoring the situation closely. I spoke to our ambassador last night and a helpline has been set up for anyone in need, he added. The union minister also took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav for the latters stubbornness to tender an apology over objectionable remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother in Bihars Darbhanga district. Public movement allowed for few hours amid extended prohibitory orders in violence-hit Nepal He dismissed speculation around Tejashwis possible chief ministerial candidacy, saying, Nitish Kumar remains unchallenged, and the NDA government will be formed again in Bihar after the assembly elections. Goyal also announced two major road projects for Biharthe Mokama-Munger four-lane corridor and the Bhagalpur-Dumka routewith a combined cost of Rs 4,447 crore. He said the projects reflected Bihars rapid progress under the double engine government. He also insisted that people of Bihar would not like to return to what he described as Jungle raj. People of Bihar are very intelligent. They know that Bihar would progress under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish, he said in response to a media query. Meanwhile, Union BJP president J P Nadda is expected to reach Patna to hold talks with senior party leaders and members of the partys core committee on September 13. Nadda will discuss the election strategy at the proposed meeting. The assembly elections in the State are due in October-November. Nepal president says seeking solution to crisis 'as soon as possible' Three dead in clashes in Nepal prison, over 15,000 inmates escape from different jails amid unrest

Bihar Elections 2025: Centre Approves Infra Projects Worth Rs 7,616 Crore Ahead of Polls

Bihar Elections 2025: The project will likely connect regional cities including Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger to Bhagalpur.

Cabinet approves doubling of BhagalpurDumkaRampurhat single railway line costing 3,169 Crore

The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability, an Indian Railways spokesperson said

Centre approves rail, road projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar

NEW DELHI: In a major pre-poll boost ahead of Bihar assembly elections in October-November, the government on Wednesday approved two key infrastructure projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for the state. Briefing media about the decisions taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the first of the two projects is the construction of 82 Kms green field Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed National Highway corridor worth Rs 4,447 crore. The second decision has been taken for doubling of the 177 kms Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail line with an estimated cost of Rs 3,169 crore, as both of these are likely to be completed in the next three years, the Minister informed. According to an official release, the construction of the four-lane access-control highway project is estimated to generate nearly 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and another 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment, creating an opportunity to foster additional employment to boost economic activity in the state. - 4- , - https://t.co/dSxOAJAzMT Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025 It further said that the road project would support an average vehicle speed of 80 km/h, with a design speed of 100 km/h, as the aim is to reduce the overall travel time by approximately 1.5 hours. The increased economic activity in the region is expected to drive up the freight movement and the traffic on the Mokama-Munger section in the future, Vaishnaw said. Meanwhile, the 177-km Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail project will significantly improve connectivity among Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, as the multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across the Indian Railways network, the Minister said. Noting that the railway cargo had been on the decline since Independence and had hit a low of 27 percent in recent times, Vaishnaw said, with the slew of measures taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same has now risen to nearly 29 percent. He said the approval of infrastructure projects worth Rs 11 lakh crore during Prime Minister Modis third term reflects a transformational change that is boosting employment and improving the lives of people across the country. According to the government release, the new doubling of the railway line project will serve five districts covering 441 villages and about 28.72 lakh people in the three states as the national transport monolith expands its network nationwide. Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham), Tarapith (Shakti Peeth) etc., attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country, the government said in the note. This route has been termed as an essential route for the transportation of commodities like coal, cement, fertilisers, bricks and stones, it said, adding that after the completion of the project, the transportation capacity is expected to become 5 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

Cabinet nod to construction of 4-lane Mokama-Munger road project in Bihar

The section passes through or provides connectivity to important regional cities such as Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger connecting to Bhagalpur

Bihar railway and road connectivity projects get cabinet nod

The CCEA has greenlit two significant transport infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 7,000 crore, aimed at enhancing connectivity in Bihar and neighboring states. These projects include the Mokama-Munger highway section and the doubling of the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line. These initiatives are poised to boost freight traffic and support key industrial and logistics hubs in the region.

Cabinet clears key road and rail projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 7,616 crore for infrastructure projects, including a four-lane highway between Mokama and Munger and the doubling of the BhagalpurDumkaRampurhat railway line. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic activity across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, generating employment and facilitating freight movement.

20,000 RSS volunteers working at grassroots in Bihar to boost NDA's chances in assembly polls

NEW DELHI: With Bihar set for a keenly fought battle at the polls following the Opposition's launch of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', the RSS the ideological mentor of the BJP has reportedly intensified its groundwork in the state to smoothen the pitch for the BJP-led NDA. Over 20,000 RSS volunteers are discreetly advancing the organisations mission at the grassroots level by promoting the Sanghs nationalist ideology and highlighting how the government's actions are aligned with the Sanghs vision of the national interest. With Bihar poised for a high-stakes triangular contest in a majority of assembly constituencies after the entry of political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's newly formed Jan Suraj Party, the role of the Sangh on the ground has become more crucial. In an emerging situation where the Opposition-led by the RJD with the Congress has started creating a fake narrative on SIR and other issues against the government, our duty as citizens is also to dispel these narratives on the ground. The Sangh is dedicated to the nation and the people as the world's largest social organisation, remarked a Sangh volunteer, neither denying the presence of Sangh volunteers on the ground nor admitting it on record. Although the Sangh does not directly engage in political campaigning, its volunteers, who are called Swayamsevaks, continue to actively promote its nationalist and Hindutva ideologies to help create a favourable ground for the saffron party in the electoral arena. As part of its nationwide strategy to mark its centenary celebrations beginning this Vijayadashami which falls on October 2 this year the Sangh is planning outreach efforts across the country, including in the remote areas of Bihar. A series of public interactions have been planned to deepen the Sanghs connection with the masses. Topics such as the success of Operation Sindoor, the SIR whether it is needed in the country or not and other issues designed to bring about social change in the broader interest of the public, will be actively addressed during the centenary year. Sources indicated that Sangh volunteers are already active on the ground in many districts across Bihar, including Siwan, Buxar, Ara, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Purnia, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Rohtas, West Champaran, Vaishali, and others. With the aim of educating and making people aware of national issues and interests, the Sanghs volunteers are reportedly well ahead in their ground-level work in the run-up to the assembly elections. The RSS has also deployed volunteers from other states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and others to assist in groundwork ahead of its centenary functions, which coincide with the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for November this year. Even in Bihars Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population, the Sangh has an organised presence, with volunteers working in a disciplined manner to inspire people towards nationalist ideologies. The entire state of Bihar has been divided into four zones, each managed by experienced Sangh volunteers working in coordination with volunteers from other RSS-inspired social organisations. The Sanghs volunteers, affiliated with several RSS-inspired organisations such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Sanskar Bharti, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and the Rashtriya Shaikshanik Mahasangh are also on the ground ahead of the elections, in the same coordinated manner they had adopted in Haryana and Maharashtra prior to the assembly polls there. A senior source closely associated with the Sangh said the centenary-related activities in Bihar have already commenced, but they are expected to gain momentum after 22 September the conclusion of the inauspicious Pitra-Paksha period, which begins on September 7. Numerous Hindu Sammelans are scheduled to be held in Bihars interior regions as part of the centenary events, coinciding with the growing election fervour in the state.

Bihar police on high alert as three LeT terrorists infiltrate state ahead of assembly polls

PATNA: The State Police Headquarters has issued a high-alert across Bihar following specific intelligence inputs that three suspected operatives of the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have infiltrated the state through the Nepal border and may be planning to disrupt the upcoming assembly elections. The identified individuals are Hasnain Ali (from Rawalpindi, Pakistan), Adil Hussain (Umarkot, Pakistan), and Mohammad Usman (Bahawalpur, Pakistan). Intelligence reports indicate that the trio arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, in the second week of August and successfully crossed into the Indian territory in Bihar during the third week. Authorities believe they were aided by a local Nepali resident. In response, districts along the vulnerable India-Nepal border have been placed on maximum alert. Detailed descriptions of the suspects have been circulated to all police units to aid in their apprehension. The alert gains further urgency following a recent arrest in the region. On September 5, Nazre Saddam, a resident of Barahpur in Bhagalpur district, was arrested in Motihari, East Champaran, for his involvement in circulating high-quality Indian counterfeit currency. This has raised concerns that the terror module may be seeking to finance its operations. We have launched an intensive search operation against the suspected LeT operatives. All precautionary measures are being taken to ensure security in the region, especially with the elections approaching, stated a senior police officer. Suspected LeT agent arrested by NIA in Bihars Gopalganj This incident is not an isolated one for Bihar, which has emerged as a transit point for terrorist activities in recent years. In 2020, Ezaz Yusuf Lakdawala, a key aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, was arrested in Patna. Furthermore, in 2019, Ezaz Ahmad alias Amir, an operative linked to the Bangladesh-based Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB), was apprehended in Gaya. Amir was a prime suspect in the 2014 Burdwan blast and was also connected to a low-intensity explosion at Bodh Gaya in 2018. Adding to the pattern, on March 19 of this year, two JMB members from Bangladesh, Khairul Mandal and Abu Sultan, were arrested near Patna Junction, with Islamic State (IS) propaganda materials recovered from their possession. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately, assuring that all efforts are underway to neutralize the threat and ensure peaceful elections

Nod to overhaul street vendor scheme

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday cleared proposals covering social welfare, infrastructure, and sports, chief among them being the extension of the PM Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, the approval of four railway projects, and backing Gujarats bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The extension of the PM SVANidhi scheme will benefit street vendors, who are the backbone of urban markets. The scheme, which offers collateral-free loans to help vendors keep their businesses running, will now continue until March 31, 2030, as per the decision of the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister. The government has earmarked Rs 7,332 crore for the restructured programme. The first tranche of loans under the scheme has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, while the second has gone up from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. The third tranche remains unchanged at Rs 50,000. To encourage digital transactions, vendors who repay their second loan will be given a UPI-linked RuPay credit card. They will also be able to earn cashback incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for retail and wholesale transactions. The schemes reach is being expanded beyond statutory towns to census towns, meaning more small vendors in smaller urban areas will come under its fold. On infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved four railway projects worth Rs 12,328 crore. These include a new railway line in Gujarats Kutch district and three multi-tracking projects in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam. The government in the statement said, The above projects aim to ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods. These initiatives will provide connectivity and improve travel convenience, besides reducing logistic cost and decreasing dependence on oil imports. The Kutch project will cover the DeshalparHajipirLuna and VayorLakhpat routes, adding 145 route km and 164 track km to Gujarats railway network. With a cost of Rs 2,526 crore, it is expected to be completed in three years and will connect some of the most remote areas of the region. The other three projects focus on easing congestion and improving travel. The 173 km Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)Wadi third and fourth line across Karnataka and Telangana will cost Rs 5,012 crore and take five years. Bihars BhagalpurJamalpur third line, covering 53 km, will cost Rs 1,156 crore and is expected to be completed within three years. Assams 194 km FurkatingNew Tinsukia doubling project is expected to cost Rs 3,634 crore and is scheduled for completion within four years.

Bihar: Two Pakistani nationals found on voter list; removal process initiated

In Bhagalpur, Bihar, two elderly women who immigrated from Pakistan in 1956 were found to be on the voter list, a fact flagged by the Home Ministry. Despite verification during the Special Intensive Revision, the district administration has initiated the process to remove their names following orders from the District Magistrate.

Names of two alleged Pakistani nationals detected in Bihar voter list, probe underway

PATNA: Authorities in Bihars Bhagalpur district have moved to delete the names of two alleged Pakistani nationals from the electoral rolls and cancel their voter identity cards, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over infiltration at a rally in the state. The women, identified as Imrana Khanam alias Imrana Khatoon and Firdousia Khanam alias Firdousia Khatoon, are said to be from Rangpur village in Pakistans Khushab district, Punjab province, and have been living in Bhagalpur despite their visas expiring years ago. Officials said the women possessed Aadhaar and voter identity cards, but during a special revision of electoral rolls they were found to be living in India illegally on expired visas that had never been renewed. Sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) acted after the publication of draft electoral rolls on August 1. The ECI has sought a detailed report from the Bhagalpur district administration. District magistrate-cum-district election officer Nawal Kishore Singh said an investigation was conducted, and a report from the booth-level officer (BLO) confirmed the two Pakistani citizens names were on the voter list. During initial inquiry, it was confirmed that the two women were natives of Pakistan and had been staying in India illegally. The process of deleting their names from the electoral rolls and cancelling their EPIC cards has started on the basis of the BLOs report, Singh told reporters. The DM said a report would be sent to the ECI after the process was concluded. He added that the draft electoral roll was published on August 1 and those whose names were missing could submit forms with the required documents for correction. According to an MHA probe, Firdousia arrived in India on a three-month visa on January 19, 1956, while Imrana entered on a three-year visa. In a related case, Pakistani national Mohammad Aslam reportedly entered India on May 24, 2002, on a two-year visa and obtained an Aadhaar card, officials said. The state intelligence agency, Special Branch, has also alerted police headquarters about foreign nationals overstaying in Bihar districts and possessing Aadhaar and EPIC numbers. Districts along the India-Nepal and Bangladesh borders have been identified as the most vulnerable to infiltration. At a rally in Gaya on Friday, PM Modi claimed the growing population of illegal immigrants was a concern for the country and vowed to expel them. He said the demography of Bihars border areas was changing rapidly and added: We will not allow immigrants to take away jobs meant for the people of Bihar. The demographic mission will soon start its work and throw out every illegal immigrant from the country. BJP dares Opposition to dissolve state assemblies, says protests over Bihar voter list meant to shield infiltrators

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.

'Entire country knows he steals votes': Rahul Gandhi's big charge on PM Modi; Bihar yatra reaches Bhagalpur

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

SIR new weapon for 'vote chori', will protect 'one person, one vote': Rahul

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a ew weapon for vote chori and vowed to protect the one person, one vote principle by stopping vote theft. Gandhi made the remarks in a post on his WhatsApp channel while talking about his meeting with a group of people who had cast their votes in the previous Lok Sabha election but their names were deleted from the electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in Bihar. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha met the group at the launch of his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday. In his post in Hindi along with a picture of the meeting, Gandhi said, The SIR is a new weapon for vote theft. Coincidentally, these people standing with me in this picture are a 'living' proof of this theft. All of them had cast their votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election -- but by the time the Bihar Assembly polls came, their identity, their existence were erased from the democracy of India, he said. Do you know who they are? Raj Mohan Singh (70): Farmer and retired soldier; Umravati Devi (35): Dalit and labourer; Dhanjay Kumar Bind (30): Backward class and labourer; Sita Devi (45): Woman and former MGNREGA labourer; Raju Devi (55): Backward class and labourer; Mohmuddin Ansari (52): Minority and labourer, he said. The collusion of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission (EC) is punishing them for being Bahujan and poor -- even our soldiers were not spared -- Gandhi said. Neither will they have a vote nor identity or rights, he added. Due to social discrimination and economic conditions, they are unable to fight against the conspiracy of the system. We stand here with them to protect the most basic right of 'one person, one vote', the Congress leader asserted. This is a question of rights and of everyone's participation in a democracy, he said, adding that we will not let it end under any circumstances. Later, in Aurangabad, Gandhi met another set of people who had voted in earlier elections but their names were deleted from the new draft voter list. Sharing an over-four-minute video of his interaction in Aurangabad, Gandhi said, The votes of people who voted in the last four-five elections were also stolen in Bihar. And, when asked for the reason, the only answer received was -- an order has come from above. This is a fight for the rights of the poor -- we will not stop. We will stop vote theft, he said. In the video, Gandhi is seen interacting with people whose names have been deleted from the voters' list. He was accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party's Mukesh Sahani and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya. Gandhi told the group that the Narendra Modi government brought in a law in 2023 to ensure that no one can take action against those who run the EC and it was completely wrong. Meanwhile, Gandhi, Yadav and Sahani also prayed at the Devkund Surya Mandir in Aurangabad as their Voter Adhikar Yatra entered its second day. Travelling from Kutumba, the yatra reached Gayaji on Monday evening. Embarking on the 1,300-km Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram, Gandhi accused the EC on Sunday of stealing elections in collusion with the BJP and asserted that the INDIA opposition bloc will not let their latest conspiracy to steal the Bihar polls through the SIR exercise succeed. After 16 days, the yatra is scheduled to conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra is being undertaken in a hybrid mode, on foot and by vehicles, as was Gandhi's Manipur-to-Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It will pass through Aurangabad, Gayaji, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara.

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.