Patna / The Times of India
Bihar MP Pappu Yadav faces a case for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by distributing money to flood victims in Vaishali. The registration is based on CCTV footage and an official's statement, with investigations underway. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has outlined procedures for the dignified identification of burqa-clad women voters during the upcoming assembly polls.
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party unveiled its first 51 candidates for Bihar polls, prioritizing individuals from non-political backgrounds. The list features doctors, academics, retired officers, a singer, and Karpoori Thakur's granddaughter, aiming to offer a fresh alternative. Caste equations were considered, with representation from EBC, OBC, general, and Muslim communities, alongside women and a transgender candidate.
The NDA has criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav's promise of a govt job for every family in Bihar. Leaders highlighted CM Nitish Kumar's pledge of one crore jobs over five years, questioning the feasibility and sincerity of Yadav's claims.
LJP(RV) has authorised party president Chirag Paswan to make all decisions regarding seat-sharing and candidates for the Bihar assembly elections. Despite past actions, party sources confirm Chirag is not unhappy and will remain with the NDA. The party is seeking specific seats from allies, including JD(U), HAM(S), and BJP.
Patna district is facilitating postal ballots for 32,036 electors with disabilities and 34,260 voters aged over 85 to ensure their participation in the assembly election. This initiative, under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allows absentee voters to cast their vote via postal ballot, with dedicated teams to visit their residences.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has slammed Bihar's current government. He called it a double engine govt without fuel and released a chargesheet against the ruling alliance. Ramesh stated the state is at a decisive turn, urging people to choose development. He also accused the RSS-BJP of toppling governments over reservation demands.
Jan Suraaj has nominated Dr. Vijay Kumar Gupta, a local laparoscopic surgeon, as its candidate for the Ara assembly constituency. Dr. Gupta, emphasizing his deep roots in the town, aims to develop Ara as a state capital periphery region to boost employment and curb migration. He expressed confidence in strong local support for his candidature.
Bihar elections will see a massive deployment of approximately 8.5 lakh officials, including polling personnel, police, and observers, to ensure a smooth and orderly process. For the first time, each of the 243 constituencies will have a dedicated general observer. Voters can also utilize the 'Book-a-Call to BLO' facility and call 1950 for assistance and to register complaints.
Buxar police apprehended 36 individuals in a special drive, seizing significant quantities of illicit liquor and illegal firecrackers. The operation also led to the execution of 42 warrants and a district-wide traffic enforcement campaign, collecting substantial fines. This initiative aims to bolster law and order and combat illegal activities.
A 19-year-old youth, Ahmad Hussain, is in critical condition after being shot in the face near his home in Siwan district. The incident occurred while he was returning from delivering food. Police are investigating the attack and examining CCTV footage, with villagers demanding increased security and swift arrests.
NDA partners are nearing a seat-sharing consensus for the Bihar elections, with a joint announcement expected soon. While JD(U) and BJP are likely to contest around 100 seats each, LJP(RV) is set to get 25, and HAM(S) and RLM are also finalizing their allocations. Candidate finalization is underway.
A 17-year-old boy and his mother were arrested in Patna after an eight-year-old girl was found raped and murdered, her body stuffed in a sack. The accused allegedly lured the child to an under-construction house, assaulted her, and then electrocuted her. His mother reportedly helped conceal the crime. Both face serious charges.
Bihar experienced a dramatic surge in cybercrime in 2023, with cases more than doubling to 4,450. The state now ranks fourth nationally in cybercrime chargesheet rates and leads in ATM fraud. Fraud remains the dominant motive, highlighting growing online vulnerabilities for citizens across the nation.
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party unveiled its first 51 candidates for Bihar polls, featuring professionals and leaders' kin, notably Karpoori Thakur's granddaughter. Aiming to offer an alternative, the list includes doctors, academics, retired officers, a lawyer, singer, and a transgender candidate, balancing caste equations and community representation to surprise voters.
Independent MLAs in Bihar are facing a tough battle for relevance amidst intense political polarization. Historically significant numbers have dwindled, with major alliances like INDIA and NDA dominating the landscape. Even prominent figures are now seeking party tickets, suggesting a challenging future for lone voices in the upcoming 2025 assembly elections.
Buxar authorities intercepted a truck at Veer Kunwar Singh checkpost, seizing 2,655 litres of liquor valued at approximately Rs 40 lakh. The consignment, originating from Haryana and destined for Patna, was discovered during a routine inspection. A Haryana resident, Ajit Singh, was arrested and is being interrogated to expose the smuggling network.
Bihar's health department has ordered a re-examination of cough syrups supplied in the state following child deaths elsewhere. While government hospitals' medicines passed NABL tests, the decision was prompted by national concerns. Separately, a private firm's ORS was banned due to seal failures, leading to its blacklisting.
Patliputra University is set to commence undergraduate and postgraduate semester examinations from November 20, involving over 2.90 lakh students. The entire examination process is slated for completion by December 20. To ensure fairness, exams will be held at designated centres across Patna and Nalanda districts under strict surveillance. Detailed schedules and guidelines will be released soon.
Patna police, bolstered by CAPF, have intensified security measures following the model code of conduct's implementation. Authorities are actively monitoring wanted criminals and individuals with outstanding warrants to ensure a disruption-free election. Proposals to extern 184 individuals have been approved, with 32 border checkposts and surveillance teams now operational across the district.
To manage the surge in passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has announced the operation of two special Vande Bharat trains between Patna and New Delhi. These semi-high-speed trains will run on a temporary basis from October 11 to November 17, offering enhanced travel experience with modern amenities.