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Ganga flowing at severe level across various states: CWC

NEW DELHI: The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Wednesday warned flood situation was worsening across several states, with the Ganga flowing at a severe level at several monitoring sites amid persistent rainfall. According to the CWC's daily flood bulletin, the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhi Ghat in Patna in Bihar, Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Farakkha in West Bengal. The Kosi River is flowing above the danger level in Bihar, while the Burhi Gandak River in Bihar is flowing under severe conditions. The bulletin indicated a high probability of urban flooding in low-lying areas of northern Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh due to continuous rainfall and river swelling. The CWC has advised district administrations in affected states to activate flood response protocols.

The New Indian Express 23 Jul 2025 4:50 pm

Railways working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat trains across India

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a future-ready railway network, is working on an ambitious project to roll out 100 modern and hi-tech Amrit Bharat trains for various parts of the country. With the inauguration of four more Amrit Bharat trains from across Bihar on Friday by Prime Minister Modi, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat trains in the country has now reached seven, including the three that were already running including two in Bihars North and eastern regions. The Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, using entirely indigenous technology, with a running capacity of 130 kmph. Working towards the realisation of his vision for a future-ready railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off four new Amrit Bharat trains scheduled to run between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi; Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal); Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar); and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. On the sideline of this inaugural event, speaking to the TNIE on Friday here, a senior railway official said the Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured with the objective of providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for middle-class and economically weaker passengers. As a total of 3 Amrit Bharat trains have been currently operational across the country, now the number reached 7. The Ministry of Railway is working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat rakes in coming days this year and next to ensure safe and faster affordable rail services to poor and middle class people, added an official. He said that earlier, two Amrit Bharat trains had been running between Bihars Darbhanga Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. Now, the four more Amrit Bharat trains will start running in Bihar again with all passenger amenities like foldable snack table, mobile holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging ports, improved and comfortable seating, radium illuminated flooring strips, airline-style lighting that guides the way even in the dark and air spring body which ensures shock-free travel experience. A senior railway official, speaking about the features of Amrit Bharat trains, further added that the trains were equipped with modern and Divyangjan-friendly toilets, an electro-pneumatic flushing system, and automatic soap dispensers. On the safety front, the Amrit Bharat trains have been equipped with the facility of an EP-assisted brake system, and their coaches have been fitted with sealed gangways and vacuum evacuation systems. He further added The most interesting feature is that the railway has made the talk-back unit available in every coach of Amrit Bharat trains running in Bihar in a majority with fire detection system properly installed for the first time in non-AC coaches. Meanwhile, a railway official cited a conservative estimate that the four Amrit Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will ferry more than 56 lakh people from economically weaker and middle-class sections per month.

The New Indian Express 18 Jul 2025 2:45 pm

Modi to inaugurate major development projects in Bihar and Bengal today

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones and inaugurate major projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore in West Bengal and poll-bound Bihar on Friday. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains from different parts of Bihar. He will visit Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal for this purpose and will also address public meetings at both venues, according to a statement from the PMO. In Bihar, Modi will inaugurate a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga, alongside a state-of-the-art Incubation Facility at STPI in Patna. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendranagar Terminal (Patna) and New Delhi, as well as between BapudhamMotihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar), and between Darbhanga and Lucknow via Bhagalpur. The projects worth Rs 7,200 crore for the state form part of a broader initiative across the oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors. He will dedicate several railway projects to the nation, including the automatic signalling system between the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail lines to enhance efficiency in train operations. The doubling of the Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail linespart of the Darbhanga-Samastipur doubling projects valued at Rs 580 crorewill also be inaugurated. The Mithilanchal region, comprising electorally significant districts such as Darbhanga and Samastipur, will benefit from these developments. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for a Vande Bharat train maintenance facility at Patliputra. The Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project is estimated at `4,080 crore. In the road sector, the PM will lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ara-Mohania NH-319 and the Patna-Buxar NH-92, to reduce travel time. He will also inaugurate the four-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, valued at Rs 820 crore, which is a critical link connecting Ara town to the Golden Quadrilateral (NG-02). The Prime Minister will inaugurate a series of fisheries development projects. He will hand over keys to 12,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin scheme. In West Bengals Durgapur, the PM will unveil projects worth Rs 5,000 crore. He will lay the stone for the oil and gas infrastructure to be developed by BPCL and gas distribution project in Bankura and Purulia.

The New Indian Express 18 Jul 2025 7:25 am

42 Kg Ganja Seized from Palasa Railway Station

According to police, the network comprises suppliers from the Kandhamal district in Odisha who had formed connections with buyers in Bhagalpur and Patna. The accused in this case had at least twice before moved ganja from Odisha to Bihar.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Jul 2025 1:55 am

Railway Minister announces key projects for poll-bound Bihar; says Rs 10,000 crore budget allotted

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Patna on Monday ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains and that a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen railway infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. The NDA government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore in this year's budget for rail infrastructure in Bihar, Vaishnaw told reporters. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations, he added. The four new trains will include a daily train from Patna to Delhi, weekly services from Darbhanga and Malda to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, services from Saharsa to Amritsar in Punjab, and a daily service from Jogbani to Erode in Tamil Nadu. The minister also announced that the Karpoori Gram railway station would now come under the Samastipur railway division. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Sonpur railway division. Speaking about upcoming railway infrastructure projects, the minister announced that a third rail line between Bhagalpur and Jamalpur, covering a distance of 53 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore. He further added that the doubling of the BakhtiyarpurRajgirTilaiya rail route, spanning 104 kilometres, will be carried out at a cost of Rs 2,017 crore. Another major project the doubling of the RampurhatBhagalpur route is also being planned, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,000 crore and a total distance of 177 kilometres. The minister also spoke about developments in the technology sector. He announced that two new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) for Bihar are ready and will be inaugurated soon. One is the new STPI building in Patliputra, Patna, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 53 crore, and the other is an upcoming STPI in Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, son of Karpoori Thakur, was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials.

The New Indian Express 7 Jul 2025 8:41 pm

Meet woman, who cracked UPSC exam without coaching while working full-time, became IAS officer with AIR..., currently posted in...

She completed her schooling at Ishan International Public School, Patna, and later earned a degree in Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College.

DNA India 17 Jun 2025 7:03 am

Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls

BJP leadership might have a role in making Chief Ministers position uneasy By Tirthankar Mitra Bihar seems to have a penchant for being in the news be it owing to JPs call of total revolution or the Bhagalpur blindings or the fodder scam. The state finds itself in the news again as a new [] The post Chirag Paswan seeks to steal Nitish Kumars thunder in Bihar Assembly polls appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 9 Jun 2025 10:47 pm

Dalit woman dragged by hair during police raid in Bihar

A Dalit woman was dragged by her hair during a police raid with no woman officers present in the Nathnagar Pasi Tola area of Bhagalpur district, Bihar. The incident has triggered massive outrage among local residents. The incident reportedly took place on May 18. The 52-year-old Dalit woman, Jyothi Bharti, was attending to her ailing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 24 May 2025 7:44 pm

JD(U) rules out possibility of domicile policy being introduced in Bihar

PATNA: Janata Dal (United), a key ally of the ruling NDA, has ruled out introducing a domicile policy in Bihar a long-standing demand by opposition parties aimed at curbing migration and creating more jobs for local youth. Manish Kumar Verma, general secretary of JD(U), at an event in Bihars Bhagalpur, said that implementation of domicile policy in the state would be against provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Opposition is creating a confusion among people about it, he said. Former bureaucrat-turned-politician said that reserved seats were meant for local residents only, and they were entitled to get benefits from the reservation policy. However, unreserved seats were open to all, he said, adding that people from across the country worked in Bihar. Similarly, people from Bihar worked in various states. If anybody has any confusion about domicile policy, he/she should immediately talk to judicial officers of high court and the Supreme Court. The judicial officials will clear their confusion about domicile policy, JD(U) leader said. Verma, considered close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said that any citizen of India is entitled to apply for government jobs within the country on unreserved seats. These unreserved seats are open to all. Eligible candidates can apply and get jobs after being selected, he clarified. JD(U) leader said that if domicile policy is implemented in Bihar, those Biharis who were working in other states would be forced to leave the places and return to their home state. What will be the seen if all migrant workers from Bihar return to the home state, he added. He, however, admitted that the ratio of job creation in the state was less than the number of educated youths. This has led to a large-scale migration from Bihars Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar and other districts to other states. Verma said that Constitution of India provided right to its legitimate citizens to work in any state for their livelihood. We cant discriminate with people hailing from other states in the name of domicile policy in Bihar, he remarked. Without taking the name of Bihars Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, JD(U) general secretary said that some people were misleading people in the name of domicile policy. We have no confusion about the matter, he told the media. All opposition leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, have been raising the issue of domicile policy in their public meetings. Kishor alleged that Bihar government was playing with the future of its youths by not implementing domicile policy. Opposition leaders underlined the need of implementing domicile policy in the state to accommodate more educated youths in government jobs. The issue assumed significance in the wake of agitation earlier launched by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinees to press for re-examination of prelims. Political parties, including RJD, extended support to agitation launched by BPSC examinees.

The New Indian Express 5 May 2025 3:00 pm

PM inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna; applauds criketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 and heaped praise on 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who stunned the cricketing world with his 35-ball century in his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Bihar is hosting the prestigious national sporting event for the first time. The opening ceremony was organised at the Patliputra Sports Complex in the state capital and was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other dignitaries. While referring to young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshis spectacular performance in the IPL, Prime Minister Modi said it was an example of how consistent participation builds champions. We all have seen the outstanding performance of the son of Bihar. Not only dedication brought him success, but also his experience of playing at various levels. Jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega (the more you play, the more you shine), he noted. Suryavanshi hails from a small hamlet near Tajpur in Bihars Samastipur district. PM Modi also appreciated the growing importance of sports in India and said that the country was gradually developing a strong sports culture. The more this sporting culture spreads, the more Indias soft power will rise, he added. #WATCH | PM Modi virtually addresses the inauguration event of Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar's Patna. PM Modi says, ...You have to perform in the field as a sportsperson, but you also have to play your role as an ambassador of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Those athletes pic.twitter.com/y13vWSaJaA ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Putting emphasis on the spirit of national unity and cultural exchange, Modi called upon visiting athletes to embrace Bihars rich traditions and cuisine. Athletes from outside should try litti-chokha and taste Bihars famous makhana. Youre not just sportspersons on the field, but ambassadors of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat , he remarked. He further said that India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and that every state has to play a significant role in making it successful. The KIYG 2025 will run from May 4 to 15, with some of the sports being held in Delhi as well. Most of the competitions will take place in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, while three eventsshooting, gymnastics, and track cyclingwill be held in Delhi. Around 6,000 participants from 36 states and union territories are competing in the sporting event. The athletes will compete in 27 medal sports until May 15. In its seventh edition, the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 features 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport. E-sports has been introduced for the first time at KIYG. Bihar finished 27th in the last edition of KIYG held in Tamil Nadu.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2025 10:23 pm

Civil servants should act like craftsmen towards India's development: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stated that the country is beginning to build a strong foundation for a developed India. Addressing civil servants on the occasion of Civil Services Day, PM Modi said that since India has now become the most populous country in the world, achieving saturation of basic amenities must be our top priority. The Prime Minister remarked, Today, we are in a world that is changing at a fast pace. Our bureaucracy and policy-making cannot operate on outdated systems. That is why, since 2014, systemic change has been actively pursued. We are transforming ourselves at great speed. Elaborating on the policies being implemented by his government, PM Modi said, The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are making, are going to shape the future of the next thousand years. Cautioning against complacency amid global developments and emerging challenges, the Prime Minister stated, In rapid changing times, we have to keep a close watch on global challenges. You are seeing that Food, Water and Energy Security still remains a big challenge. This is a huge crisis, especially for Global South. Speaking about Indias domestic programmes, he noted, Indias aspirational society be it the youth, farmers, or women holds unprecedented dreams and ambitions. To fulfil these aspirations, we need an equally unprecedented pace of progress. A strong focus on last-mile delivery is essential. As the needs and aspirations of citizens evolve rapidly, civil services must also adapt to contemporary challenges. He claimed that India has undergone transformative changes in the past ten years. We are no longer just focused on growth, but on setting benchmarks in governance, transparency, and innovation. Our G20 Presidency is a strong example of this, he asserted, adding that over 200 meetings were held across more than 60 cities, creating an inclusive footprint never before seen in the history of the G20. This reflects our truly holistic approach. Touching upon the success of development initiatives, PM Modi said, We have often discussed aspirational districts, but the success of aspirational blocks is equally important. This programme was launched in January 2023, and within just two years, unprecedented changes have been seen in key indicatorshealth, social development, and basic infrastructure. Citing specific examples, he stated, In the Peeplu block of Tonk, Rajasthan, just two years ago, the measurement efficiency of children was around 20 percent at Anganwadi Centres. Today, it has risen to over 99 percent, he said, also mentioning Bihars Bhagalpur district, Jagdishpur block, which saw a significant improvementpregnant women registration rose from just 25 percent in the first quarter to over 90 percent. Similarly, in Jammu & Kashmirs Marwah block, institutional deliveries, which were previously at 30 percent, have now risen to 100 percent, the Prime Minister said. Discussing governance quality, he noted, I believe quality in governance is not achieved merely by launching schemes, but by ensuring how deeply they impact the citizens of India. Its about understanding the real, on-ground effect. He added that this impact has been observed across various districts from increased school attendance to the adoption of solar power. Many districts have fulfilled their commitments, and several have been recognised for their efforts, he said. The Prime Minister also emphasised the launch of Mission Manufacturing and attributed much of its success to MSMEs. Today, MSMEs, startups and young entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities. Therefore, ensuring competitiveness in the global supply chain is crucial. Their competition is not just with small entrepreneurs but with the entire world, he remarked. Describing civil servants as the architects of the nations future, PM Modi said, You are not just Civil Servant, you are the craftsman of a new India. To fulfil the responsibility of craftsman, we should enable ourselves, we should dedicate time to the goal. You see, you will be able to see developed India in front of your eyes. Prime Minister Modi also presented the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration to various civil servants for their outstanding performance in implementing schemes for holistic development on the ground. He also released an e-book featuring success stories and best practices in governance, and viewed a film made on the government's flagship schemes.

The New Indian Express 21 Apr 2025 2:11 pm

SC dismisses plea by Bihar DSP seeking to quash FIR against him in rape case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed a plea filed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Somesh Kumar Mishra, who sought the quashing of an FIR registered against him nearly a decade after the alleged crime, and at a location different from where the offence occurred. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan refused to quash the FIR and dismissed Mishras plea. We are dismissing your (Mishras) petition on the ground of delay, not on the ground of merit, the court stated in its order. Mishra, a former trainee DSP and currently posted in Gopalganj, Bihar, had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the top court challenging the Patna High Courts 2022 decision, which had also refused to quash the FIR. Following the apex court's decision, Mishra will now face trial in Bhagalpur. He has been chargesheeted by the investigating agency under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the prosecution, Mishra is accused of raping the victim at gunpoint between 2009 and 2012. According to Mishra's lawyer, Shailendra Mani Tripathi, the case against him was initiated without the due process of law. The case has been initiated without the lodging of an FIR, which is contrary to legal requirements. And also there is no content prescribed in the FIR. The proceedings are not in accordance with the law. The FIR indicates that the distance from the place of occurrence to the police station is 2 kilometres. However, it has been alleged that the incident took place in Delhi, Tripathy alleged. Furthermore, there are no allegations pertaining to Bhagalpur in the entire report. Thepolice, without any jurisdiction, conducted an arbitrary investigation and then filed a charge sheet in the Sessions Court, Bhagalpur, he said. Mishra in his plea, stated that the police inquiry against him was conducted without following the due process of law. According to Mishra's plea, instead of approaching a police station and filing a complaint, the victim had sent an email to the Bihar police academy Rajgir in 2019, which was forwarded by the DIG to the additional DGP and Deputy Director of Bihar Police. Following this, the additional DGP ordered the DIG to submit an inquiry report within a week. As part of the inquiry, the victim was asked by the police to come to the police academy in Rajgir. On January 25, 2020, the victim along with her husband, appeared before the sexual harassment committee at Bihar police academy and informed that the said incident had happened a decade ago. The plea stated that following this, instead of lodging the FIR in Delhi, where the offense occurred, the police registered a case at Bihar's Bhagalpur on March 20, 2020. Mishrawas arrested in November 2020, and was granted bail the next month. Claiming that the allegations against him are baseless and fabricated with an intent to ruin his life and career, Mishra alleged that he had been targeted at a time when he was trying to settle in life with his dream job and thinking of starting a family life. The FIR is based on false and fabricated facts, as such, the same is liable to be quashed. There was a substantial delay (about a decade) in lodging the FIR and no plausible explanation regarding this has been given. Delay in lodging the FIR, itself shows that it is done after much thought and consultation, due to mala-fide intention, he alleged.

The New Indian Express 20 Apr 2025 12:21 am

SC to hear plea of Bihar DSP seeking to quash rape case filed against him in different city after 10 years

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to adjudicate on April 17, a plea filed by asenior police officer seeking to quash a rape case filed against him after the delay of ten years. The FIR was allegedly registered at a different place, away from where the crime had taken place. The accused, Somesh Kumar Mishra, a former trainee DSP presently working as DSP in Bihar's Gopalganj, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the top court seeking to quash the FIR against him. Mishra moved SC after the Patna High Court in 2022 refused to quash the FIR against him. According to the prosecution, Mishra is accused of sexually assaulting the victim at gunpoint between the years 2009 and 2012. According to Mishra's lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, the case against him was initiated without the due process of law. The case has been initiated without the lodging of an FIR, which is contrary to legal requirements. And also there is no content prescribed in the FIR. The proceedings are not in accordance with the law. The FIR indicates that the distance from the place of occurrence to the police station is 2 kilometers. However, it has been alleged that the incident took place in Delhi, Tripathy alleged. Furthermore, there are no allegations pertaining to Bhagalpur in the entire report. Thepolice, without any jurisdiction, conducted an arbitrary investigation and then filed a charge sheet in the Sessions Court, Bhagalpur, he said. Mishra in his plea, stated that the police inquiry against him was conducted without following the due process of law. According to Mishra's plea, instead of approaching a police station and filing a complaint, the victim had sent an email to the Bihar police academy Rajgir in 2019, which was forwarded by the DIG to the additional DGP and Deputy Director of Bihar Police. Following this, the additional DGP ordered the DIG to submit an inquiry report within a week. As part of the inquiry, the victim was asked by the police to come to the police academy in Rajgir. On January 25, 2020, the victim along with her husband, appeared before the sexual harassment committee at Bihar police academy and informed that the said incident had happened a decade ago. The plea stated that following this, instead of lodging the FIR in Delhi, where the offense occurred, the police registered a case at Bihar's Bhagalpur on March 20, 2020. Mishrawas arrested in November 2020, and was granted bail the next month. Claiming that the allegations against him are baseless and fabricated with an intent to ruin his life and career, Mishra alleged that he had been targeted at a time when he was trying to settle in life with his dream job and thinking of starting a family life. The FIR is based on false and fabricated facts, as such, the same is liable to be quashed. There was a substantial delay (about a decade) in lodging the FIR and no plausible explanation regarding this has been given. Delay in lodging the FIR, itself shows that it is done after much thought and consultation, due to mala-fide intention, he alleged.

The New Indian Express 14 Apr 2025 10:10 pm

Poster war between RJD, JD(U) erupts in Bihar ahead of assembly elections

PATNA: Poster war between the main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Prasad and ruling Janata Dal (United) led by chief minister Nitish Kumar has begun ahead of the Bihar assembly elections due later this year. On Wednesday, posters erupted at different locations in the state capital, including Beerchand Patel Marg, where the offices of many political parties are located, drawing a parallel between two stalwarts, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. The posters claimed that the Lalu era was marked by communal clashes. At least 12 major incidents of communal violence occurred in Bihar between 1090 and 2005 in which a number of people lost their lives, and their property was damaged. Communal clashes took place at frequent intervals and fear was writ large on the face of people during Lalu era. On the other hand, there is communal peace and the rule of law prevails in the state during Nitish Kumars regime, the posters read. The posters contained the list of major communal incidents reported during the Lalu era. These include Sasaram riots in Rohtas district on March 30, 1990, communal flare-up in Sitamarhi on October 7,1992, which left 44 dead and communal riots in Bhagalpur, Araria, Samastipur and Darbhanga May 29-30, 1996. Similar incidents took place in Patna on January 1, 1997, Nalanda and Munger on October 1, 1998, Sasaram (Rohtas) and Biharsharif (Nalanda) on January 1, 2000, Nalanda on March 9, 2001, Darbhanga on January 2, 2003, Munger on January 16, 2003 and Ara (Bhojpur) on October 5, 2003, respectively. On the other hand, posters claimed that there was peace and harmony among members of different communities during Nitishs regime. Those involved in riots were brought to book and also prosecuted by the court for their offences. There is sushashan (good governance in Bihar), the posters read. Reacting to the latest posters put up on the Beerchand Patel Marg, JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar said that he had no knowledge about the individual or groups that put up the posters in the state capital. But there is truth in these posters. Communal riots had become an order of the day during Lalus era, he added.

The New Indian Express 2 Apr 2025 12:35 pm

Modi, Rahul to firm up high-stakes Bihar battle plank with April rallies

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Bihar on April 24 in the run-up to the state assembly polls due in October-November. He will address panchayat representatives on the occasion of the National Panchayati Raj Day in Madhubani district. Addtionally, the PM will lay foundation stone and inaugurate several development projects on the occasion. On Monday, Union minister of state for Panchayati Raj Lalan Singh, deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and state industries minister Nitish Mishra reviewed the preparedness for the PMs visit. It will be Modis second visit to the state since January this year. Senior BJP leaders said on Monday that PM Modi will make frequent visits to the poll-bound state to boost morale of party workers ahead of the assembly elections. He will also announce several development projects for Bihar. On February 24, Modi had visited Bhagalpur to release the 19th instalment of the PM Kishan Samman Nidhi scheme; besides addressing a rally at the airport ground, the PM also interacted with farmers from neighbouring districts. BJP sources said several Union ministers are set to visit the state ahead of the assembly polls. On March 29 and 30, Union home minister visited Bihar and addressed a rally at Gopalganj, the native district of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav where he launched a scathing attack on the RJDs first family. Shah also held a meeting with top NDA leaders at Chief Minister Nitish Kumars residence where, among other issues, seat sharing was also discussed. The NDA partners reportedly submitted a list of seats from which each party wanted to contest from. All roads lead to Bihar On the other hand, the opposition INDIA bloc is also gearing up for the upcoming Bihar elections. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is set to visit the stae on April 7 to take part in the Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan in Patna. Before his visit, state Congress has launched a campaign to garner support.

The New Indian Express 1 Apr 2025 7:26 am