Bhagalpur braces for a fierce bipolar battle between Congress and BJP
Bhagalpur is set for a high-stakes electoral battle between Congress incumbent Ajit Sharma and BJP nominee Rohit Pandey. The contest, largely bipolar, hinges on caste alignments and the influence of national leaders. Key local issues, including infrastructure and industry development, are also shaping the campaign.
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
Cong fighting same battle against Modi empire that Mahatma Gandhi fought against British: Priyanka
KATIHAR/BHAGALPUR Nov 8: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday claimed that her party was now fighting the same battle against the Modi empire that Mahatma Gandhi once fought against the British imperialists. Addressing back-to-back rallies in Bihars Katihar and Bhagalpur districts, Vadra claimed that PM Narendra Modi was not maintaining the dignity of his post by using words such as katta (country-made pistol). She alleged that on the one hand, the PM was hailing Vande Mataram, which stood for [] The post Cong fighting same battle against Modi empire that Mahatma Gandhi fought against British: Priyanka appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tea-sellers goat-cart ride steals show at PMs Bhagalpur rally
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
Congress alleges Rs 62,000-crore scam in power project handover to Adani in Bihar
Congress leader Pawan Khera has alleged a massive scam of nearly Rs 62,000 crore concerning a power project in Bhagalpur. He claims the Union government altered policies to benefit Adani Power Ltd. The project, initially planned as solar, was converted to thermal.
Bhagalpur showdown: Amit Shah warns against Osama, Rahul Gandhi urges Gen Z to stop vote chori
Adani Power quoted tariffs lower than Torrent, JSW to win Bihar's 2,400 MW Bhagalpur project tender
Adani Power secured Bihar's 2,400 MW Bhagalpur power project. The company offered the lowest tariff of Rs 6.075 per kWh in a competitive bidding process. This project is set to boost industrial activity and create jobs in Bihar. The state government highlighted the tariff's competitiveness. Adani's investment is expected to drive development.
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
Sanjay Chaudhary, identified as the 'honey man' of Bhagalpur, is grabbing the attention of fellow villagers as well as the authorities because of his tremendously successful honey venture. he took advantage of a government welfare programme through which he received guidance.
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.
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.
Modi to hold roadshow in Patna, poll rallies in Bhojpur and Nawada today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will energize Bihar's election campaign with rallies in Bhojpur, Nawada, Saharsa, Katihar, Araria, and Bhagalpur. A significant roadshow is planned for Patna on Sunday, covering 2.8km with extensive security and cultural welcomes. BJP is mobilizing large crowds, especially women, for the event, aiming to boost NDA candidates for the upcoming polls.
People of Bihar dont want return of jungle raj, says MP CM in Banka rally
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav urged voters in Bhagalpur and Banka to ensure an NDA clean sweep, highlighting Bihar's development under Nitish Kumar since 2005. He asserted the NDA guarantees development and rule of law, contrasting it with the opposition's alleged corruption and lawlessness.
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.
BJP leader Bablu Yadav shot amid Bihar polls: Cops claim old-rivalry attack; hunt on for attackers
A shocking incident has come to light from Bhagalpur amid the Bihar Assembly elections. In the TNB Law College Lane under Barari police station area, BJP leader Vivekanand Prasad alias Bablu Yadav was shot at on Friday, said Bhagalpur DSP Ajay Kumar Chaudhary.
Indian Railways starts playing Chhath songs at over 100 stations across nation
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Bihars Chhath festival, Indian Railways has introduced a unique arrangement of playing popular folk songs dedicated to the Chhath festival at over 100 prominent stations across the country. In the first phase, this initiative has been implemented at 30 different stations, where announcements of train departures or arrivals pause for a while. During these intervals, folk songs sung by well-known singers such as Sharda Sinha, Nitu Kumari Navgeet, Vindyavasni Devi and others are played when no train information is being broadcast over the automated announcement system. The Railways has started playing Chhatha songs at more than 30 stations in Bihar, including Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonepur and others. Similar arrangements for playing Chhatha songs have also been made at New Delhi, Ghaziabad and Anand Vihar Terminal, which are now witnessing heavy footfall of passengers travelling to Bihar and other Hindi-speaking states for the festival. Confirming this to the newspaper, ED (I&P) Dileep Kumar of the Ministry of Railways said on Friday, Indian Railways has started broadcasting Chhatha songs at railway stations on the auspicious occasion of Chhatha Puja. The aim of this initiative is to connect the passengers with the auspicious spirit of the festival and make their journey more pleasant. This has been launched at almost all those stations that now witness large numbers of Bihar-bound passengers travelling for the Chhatha festival across the country. Savita Kumari, a passenger travelling from Kolkata to Patna with her family members for the Chhatha festival, said These devotional songs being played at railway stations during Chhatha Puja surcharge the ambience of station with religious festivity for the devotees, who either remain in wait to take trains or boarding in trains. A senior railway official told the newspaper that the Chhatha folk songs being played make passengers feel the fragrance of their home and culture, thereby infusing devotion and joy into their journey even when they remain away from their states. Begun on Friday, the initiative through the automatic announcement system will continue for several days after the end of Chhatha, covering the period when passengers make their return journeys. Others stations such as Banaras, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, Burdwan, Durgapur and Asansol in West Bengal, as well as Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab, are among the hundreds of stations where this initiative has been introduced. Currently, Indian Railways is operating more than 12,000 special train trips to manage the surge of passengers travelling from across the country to states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where the Chhatha festival is celebrated on a large scale.
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.
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.
'Vote chor' NDA govt also 'zameen chor' in Bihar, alleges Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Saturday accused the NDA government of being both a vote thief and a land grabber in Bihar, alleging it handed over over 1,000 acres in Bhagalpur to the Adani Group at a throwaway price for a power plant project.
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.
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
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
Insider track | V-Ps oath sparks superstition talk
When CP Radhakrishnan took the oath as Indias 15th Vice-President last Friday, his red shirt caught as much attention as the timing of the ceremony. It fell squarely within Pitra Paksha, a fortnight that Hindus generally consider inauspicious for fresh beginnings. Whispers echo in political corridors was this an oversight, or a calculated choice? Some argue the Suns strength, symbolised by red, shields the V-P from ill effects. Others recall that the previous V-P, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned suddenly, sparking murmurs about vastu flaws in the Vice-Presidents new enclave. While most dismiss it as superstition, the chatter persists: did the RSS-linked V-P deliberately align with astrological counsel, or did faith give way to formality? In Delhis political grapevine, even timing becomes destiny. Dynasty Returns in Bihar Polls Bihar, headed into polls this October and November, is abuzz with talk of political dynasties staging a comeback. Sons, grandsons, a granddaughter, and even a daughter-in-law of seven former chief ministers plus the son of the current CM Nitish Kumar are tipped to test their fortunes. Nishant Kumar, Nitishs son, may contest despite his fathers aversion to dynastic politics. From the RJD camp, Tej Pratap Yadav could follow his brother Tejashwis footsteps into the Assembly. Nitish Mishra, son of late CM Jagannath Mishra, is eyeing Jhanjharpur on a BJP ticket, while Karpoori Thakurs granddaughter Dr. Jagriti could enter from Jan Suraj. Speculation swirls around Lalus estranged daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai. She is also the granddaughter of the late CM Daroga Prasad Rai. Bihars political battleground, it seems, will echo with many family voices this time. Deepa Manjhi, daughter-in-law of former CM and Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, has plans to contest from a seat in Gaya district. Nikhil Mandal, grandson of the late CM, B.P. Mandal, and S.K. Singh, son of the late CM, Satish K. Singh, are also likely candidates. RJD, LJP flex poll muscles As Bihar heads to the polls, two regional parties the RJD and the LJP (RV) are making their senior partners uneasy. Both have hinted they could contest all 243 seats, sending a subtle warning to allies. Tejashwi Yadavs remark, ready to contest from 243 seats, was read as a nudge to the Congress, whose presence in Bihar politics has faded to the margins. Chirag Paswan of LJP (RV), meanwhile, continues to style himself as Modis Hanuman, asserting his partys readiness to go it alone if needed. Yet, with equal ease, he tempers his tone: Being in alliance means contesting on all seats. Behind the smiles and slogans, the message is clear in Bihars high-stakes chessboard, regional players want to be treated as equals. Railways key to 2029 campaign pitch The BJP seems to be scripting its 2029 campaign on the steel backbone of Indian Railways. Party leaders speak of railing the Opposition through railways. It is learnt that the massive work being carried out by Indian Railways is intended to be one of the main USPs in 2029 connecting areas long bereft of rail services, and running trains to reach the pulse of common people who, until now, lacked railway connectivity. Projects in previously inaccessible areas, such as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla link in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bairabi-Sairang line in Mizoram, the Ratlam-Nagda upgrade in Madhya Pradesh, and the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat stretch in Jharkhand, are likely to be among the headline achievements. The political message is simple: connecting villages and towns equals connecting voters. Simian trouble in power corridors For decades, bureaucrats in Delhis high-security North and South Blocks had unlikely co-workers monkeys. From stealing files to startling diplomats, the simians became part of Raisina Hill lore. However, with ministries shifting out, no more guarding tiffins or shooing away troops of langurs mid-meeting. Yet, with the Blocks falling silent, a new worry rises. The colonial buildings are set to host artefacts in the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. Officials fear the same monkeys, roaming unchecked, could damage priceless relics displayed in courtyards. From nuisance to heritage threat, the monkey saga has entered a new chapter. Kartavya Bhawan appeals to some While senior CSS officers may dislike the new, compact, open workstations at Kartavya Bhavan-3, junior staff find the relocation from North Block appealing. The latter appreciate its location near Janpath and Connaught Place, which provides them with convenient access to shopping during work breaks. At an informal briefing, Union Minister Jitendra Singh observed that younger employees seem content, possibly due to this proximity, countering assumptions of widespread dissatisfaction with the move.
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
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.
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).
Govt committed to boosting pace of economic development in Bihar, says Modi
The central government approves projects to improve connectivity in Bihar. The Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur corridor will be four-laned. This project aims to reduce travel time and increase employment. The Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line will also be doubled. These projects will benefit people in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The expansion aligns with the vision of a developed India.
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.
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
'Voter Adhikar Yatra': Rahul meets Makhana farmers in Bihar's Katihar
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met Makhana farmers in their farms in Katihar during his on-going 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. In a video, Rahul was seen entering the pond along with farmers and interacting with them. Notably, Bihar contributes to 90 percent of Makhana production in India. Later, Rahul shared pictures on X and wrote, Bihar produces 90 percent of the world's makhana, but the farmers and labourers who toil day and night under the sun and also in rain do not even earn one percent of the profits. Today, I met these farmers in their fields and learned about their struggles. In big cities, it sells for Rs 1000-2000 rupees per Kg, but these hardworking people, the foundation of the entire industry, receive only a nominal price. Who are these farmers and labourers? Extremely backwards, and Dalit-Bahujan. All the hard work is done by these 99 percent Bahujans, while the profit goes to just one percent of middlemen. The vote-stealing government neither values nor cares for them - neither providing income nor justice. The right to vote and the right to the fruits of their skill are two sides of the same coin - and we will not let either be taken away, Rahul added. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech this year had announced that a special Makhana Board would be set up in Bihar for improving production, marketing, value addition of Makhana. In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Bhagalpur had revealed that he loved makhanas or foxnuts so much so that he had them at least 300 out of 365 days. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar will be joined by a number of chief ministers and senior leaders from different states and parties from across the country, showcasing INDIA bloc leaders solidarity before the state goes to polls in October-November. Senior leaders, including Congress MP and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, and Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, will join it at different places in the state over the next week.
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.
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
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.
BIHAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will embark on a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' across Bihar from here on Sunday, with his party asserting it will fight for the one person, one vote principle and not accept the Election Commission becoming a compartment of the BJP's so-called double engine. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, will undertake the 16-day and 1,300 km-long yatra from Sasaram, which will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, 16 days, 20+ districts, 1,300+ km. We are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is a fight to protect the most basic democratic right - 'one person, one vote'. 16 20+ 1,300+ .. - , pic.twitter.com/4zturHDnOl Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2025 Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution, he added. Addressing a press conference at the Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Congress's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, said, Whenever Rahul Gandhi ji has set out for a yatra, the democracy of this country has turned a page. 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' will be a historic march. It will prove to be a milestone in the history of our democracy. We will not accept that the Election Commission becomes a compartment of this so-called 'double engine'. We are fighting against this and will continue to do so in the future, he added. The party has been protesting against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging the EC's exercise is aimed at disenfranchising voters in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections due later this year. The Congress urged the people of Bihar to join the 'yatra' for their rights and entitlements so that democracy can get a direction from Bihar. The yatra, starting in Bihar from August 17, is a journey to make people aware because the conspirators will not be deterred and they will try to steal votes, Khera said. The yatra will conclude with a huge rally in Patna on September 1, and the people of the INDIA bloc will participate in it, he added. He added that the 'yatra' has been planned to fight for the right of 'one person-one vote'. It is possible to breathe freely in independent India because we have the power to vote. Rahul Gandhi has started a struggle so that every citizen of the country can breathe freely, Khera said. The way the game of adding and deducting fake votes was going on, the BJP people have been caught red-handed, he claimed, adding that ow, even ordinary citizens are giving evidence of vote theft. When our INDIA bloc colleagues and social workers appealed together, the Supreme Court also had to intervene. Public has woken up: Rahul Gandhi shares new video highlighting 'vote theft' This conspiracy was not just to snatch votes. It was a conspiracy to snatch your and our identity. Today, the right to vote is being snatched from the Dalits, the deprived, the oppressed, the exploited, the minorities; tomorrow their participation will be snatched, Khera alleged. He claimed that a conspiracy was being hatched to attack the poor, against which the people of the country have raised their voice. The 'yatra' will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chapra and Ara. At a press briefing in Patna, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that when the Election Commission announced the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, the leaders of the INDIA bloc went to meet poll panel officials, who had stated that 20 per cent of the voters in Bihar would lose their franchise. We demanded a discussion on this issue in the House, but the BJP government did not consider it necessary. When the new draft list came out after SIR in Bihar, many irregularities were revealed. When we are asking for answers on this, the BLO (block-level officer) has no answer, he claimed. In such a situation, we have decided that the Congress will start a 'Voter Awareness Campaign'. In this, we will go to all districts of Bihar and make people aware, so that they are not deprived of their rights, Singh said. He also said that Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi is the voice of the poor, deprived, women, farmers, and labourers of the country. We request the people of Bihar to take part in this journey and help us in foiling the plans of the Election Commission-BJP, Singh added. Gandhi on Thursday said, We are waging a direct fight against 'vote chori' from Bihar with the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra. He asserted that his party will ensure a clean voters' list across the country. 'Vote chori' is not just an election issue but a decisive battle to protect democracy, the Constitution and the principle of 'one man, one vote', he had said. The Congress on Tuesday claimed that vote chori was a do-or-die issue for it, and announced a roadmap to take its allegations to the people through various activities. 'Got a chance to have tea with dead voters': Rahul Gandhi takes shot at EC over Bihar SIR
CM Nitish reviews flood situation in Bihar, directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting regarding flooding in 10 districts of the state, where most of the rivers were flowing above the danger mark. Around 25 lakh people have been affected by the deluge. CM Nitish directed the officials concerned to remain alert and make necessary arrangements for the flood victims. Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar are among the worst-affected districts. During the meeting, CM was briefed by officials about the steps taken by the district administration. The officials informed the CM that 16 teams of NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into service to rescue people from flood-affected areas and shift them to safer places. The officials told the CM that the situation worsened in some districts due to torrential rains during the past 24 hours. While some rivers were in spate, incessant rains added to the woes of the people. Over 1,200 country boats have been engaged in rescue work. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the CM directed the district magistrates of flood-affected areas to prepare a list of flood-affected people and provide them with relief assistance at the earliest. However, no deaths have been reported in any district, the release claimed. CM was expected to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit districts, but it was deferred due to some unavoidable reasons. CM directed the officials to ensure payment to farmers against loss of standing crops due to floods. Rivers such as Ganga, Bagmati, Kosi, Punpun and Ghaghra are flowing above danger level at several places. Heavy downpour in the catchment areas of Nepal has led to a rise in the water level of these rivers, officials told the CM at the review meeting. The officials of the rural works department and road construction department were directed to ensure the repair of damaged roads in flood-hit districts.
125-yr-old Bihar voter sparks row
PATNA: Minta Devi, a resident of Bihars Siwan district, was thrilled to receive her Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) last month, allowing her to vote for the first time. However, her excitement turned to dismay when she noticed her voter ID listed her birth year as 1900making her 125 years oldinstead of the correct 1990 as per her Aadhaar card. The discrepancy came to light after Opposition leaders, including Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, highlighted the case during protests against Bihars electoral roll revision. Some even wore T-shirts featuring Mintas photo with the slogan At 124 and not out. Minta, who had applied for the voter card online in April, blamed a technical glitch for the error. I had applied for my voter card through the online system in April with all the required information, she told this reporter over the phone on Tuesday. She, however, hastened to add that it was not her fault that her EPIC card listed her wrong date of birth. My date of birth has been mentioned incorrectly in the voter card due to a technical glitch, but it should be rectified immediately, she said, adding that only then would she be eligible to exercise her franchise for the first time. Her husband Dhananjay Kumar Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, revealed that her wife had applied for a new voter card from her in-laws address at Arjanipur, Siswa Khurd village under Darauda Assembly constituency in Siwan district. Mintas name was earlier listed in the voter card at her parents house near Chhapra in Saran district, but she had never voted there. She was very much excited after receiving the EPIC number at her in-laws address. But she became sad after she came to know about a technical error in her EPIC, Dhananjay remarked. Minta is enjoying a good laugh over the goof-up. However, the Siwan district administration has issued a statement, claiming that the would-be voter of the Daraunda Assembly segment has been contacted and remedial steps were taken well before the anomaly made headlines. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) of polling booth number 94 contacted Minta and initiated a correction process. The district administration assured her that the error would be rectified soon. The BLO received the form for correction in her date of birth. The error will be rectified within the stipulated time, a press note issued by Sohail Ahmed, deputy election officer of Siwan, said. According to a statement issued by the collectorate of Siwan, An application was obtained from Minta Devi on August 10 for rectifying the error, to which her attention was drawn by the BLO. It will be dealt with during the claims and objections phase (of special intensive revision of electoral rolls). Meanwhile, in Bhagalpur, another case surfaced where a woman, Asha Devi, a resident of Feku Tola village under Pirpaithy assembly constituency, was officially listed as 120 years old in her EPIC. Unlike Mintas case, BLO (polling booth number 292), Farzana Khatoon, in her report, confirmed that Asha Devis age was correct in her EPIC, and she is 120 years old. 341 of 13,970 claims filed during SIR disposed of: ECI The ECI on Tuesday said that the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer and his team of Electoral Registration Officers have disposed of 341 out of the 13,970 claims filed by voters for adding their names to the draft list and removing ineligible voters as part of the SIR in the state. Since the draft electoral rolls were published on August 1, not a single complaint has been filed by any political party in the past 12 days, the poll panel said.
Dispose all pending cases against MPs, MLAs: Bihar DGP instructs subordinates ahead of polls
PATNA: Bihar lawmakers with criminal antecedents have a tough time ahead as Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure timely investigation into the cases against MPs/MLAs and submission of chargesheets. Kumar has also asked SPs to initiate departmental proceedings against investigating officers who have been found lax in investigation of such cases. Delay in investigation lead to piling of pending cases, he said, adding that special MP/MLA courts have been set up for speedy trial of such cases. DGP has directed IGs and DIGs of all ranges to monitor investigation into such cases on a regular basis and send details of disposal of cases from districts under their jurisdiction to the police headquarters. Lapses on the part of investigating officers will not be tolerated, an ADG rank officer said. According to a report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), about 45 per cent of MLAs in Bihar have criminal records or criminal cases registered against them. Some of these cases were of serious nature, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnaping and crime against women. Similarly, 38 per cent MPs from the state have criminal cases pending against them. However, majority of the cases were registered against the lawmakers for defying prohibitionary orders, obstructions in government work, rioting and causing damages to nations property during protests. In addition, cases related to corruption, forgery and violation of model code of conduct during elections were pending against them in special MP/MLA courts. Reports suggested that Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Purnea have the highest number of cases against MPs/MLAs. The Patna high court has also directed special MP/MLA courts across the state to expedite cases pending against lawmakers. In fact, we want such cases to be disposed of before forthcoming assembly elections in the state, a senior police officer remarked.
2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2025 Calls for Green Growth to Power India's Economic Future
The awards ceremony recognised exemplary work across multiple categories, celebrating achievers such as Godrej Agrovet; IPL Biologicals; Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL); SeedWorks International Limited; Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur; Love Kumar, District Agriculture Officer & District Horticulture Officer, Jamtara; Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhagalpur; Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation; Dhaksha; and the Federation of Seed Industry of India.
Flood situation along the Ganga river continues, school in Varanasi shut for two days
Flooding persists in Ganga's northern regions, Varanasi, and Patna, leading to evacuations. The Ganga's floodwaters are shifting eastward towards Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur. Water levels in Buxar, Patna, and Hathidah are above danger levels. Varanasi schools are closed due to flooding. Uttar Pradesh ministers are inspecting affected areas. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed a team to oversee relief operations.
Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident
Patna, Aug 4 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of five Kanwariyas in a road accident on the Shahkund-Sultanganj main road in Bhagalpur district last night. Kumar said that the accident was extremely distressing and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This accident is deeply saddening. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased, he said. The Chief Minister also wished speedy recovery to those injured in [] The post Nitish mourns death of five Kanwariyas in Bhagalpur road accident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Five Kanwariyas Killed, Two Injured As DJ Vehicle Hits Live Wire In Bihar's Bhagalpur
The devotees had collected holy water from Sultanganj and were part of the annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of kanwariyas each year.
Bihar: At least 5 kanwariyas killed in Bhagalpur after DJ vehicle hits high-tension wire
According to police reports, the group of young devotees was enroute to Jayesthgaur Nathsthan to offer prayers, having collected Ganga water from Sultanganj as part of the fourth and final Monday of the Shrawani Mela.
Rivers in spate in Bihar after heavy rain, CM directs officials to remain alert
PATNA: The water levels in several rivers in Bihar have risen due to heavy rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all officials concerned to remain alert. According to the latest district-wise rainfall bulletin issued by the Meteorological Department on Sunday, Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Patna, Banka, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gayaji, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda and Vaishali since August 2. Several key roads and many low-lying areas in Patna were waterlogged following incessant rain in the state capital on Sunday. The Meteorological Department issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for several districts, including Patna, Gayaji, Jamui, Aurangabad, Khagaria, Banka, Vaishali, Samastipur, Seikhpura, Lakhisarai, East Champaran, Arwal, West Champaran and Nawada for the next 48 hours. Officials of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) said that incessant rain in several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise, they said. Besides, incessant rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal has also led to the rivers touching or flowing above the danger level in several places, they added. No causality has been reported so far, and in certain areas in East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, villagers of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places by the district administration. Owing to moderate to heavy rain in certain areas in the state, major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla, and Adahrwa, are maintaining a rising trend in their courses in the past couple of days, the latest report of the WRD said. Ganga is flowing above the danger level in Bhagalpur, and at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in Patna, Burhi Gandak in East Champaran, and Kosi in Supaul and Khagaria, it added. Almost all rivers are maintaining a rising trend throughout their courses, engulfing low-lying localities along their courses. However, all embankments are safe, a senior WRD official said. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Sunday inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). According to a statement issued by the DMD, During the inspection, the CM reviewed the rainfall situation in the state, water levels of rivers, and the status of crop coverage. Bihar Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the CM about the rainfall situation in the state. The CM directed all officials concerned to remain alert, it added. From June 1 to August 3 this year, the state recorded 409 mm of rainfall, which is 22 per cent less than normal. The ACS also mentioned that the state received good rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 25 mm or more rainfall recorded in 222 blocks across the state, the statement said. Regarding the current water levels of rivers in the state, the ACS said that the water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak and some other rivers have risen, but the situation is currently under control. Providing details on crop coverage, he stated that as of August 3, paddy crop coverage in the state stands at 79.43 percent, whereas it was 67.38 percent during the same period last year. It is expected that 100 per cent coverage will be achieved by August 15 under normal circumstances, the statement added.
Bhagalpur-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will now run from Jamalpur from August 16, ending the long wait of passengers from Munger and nearby district.
PM KISAN 20th installment: PM Modi to release funds today, check eligibility and other details
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme during his visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24.
'Give Me Euthanasia, Case After Case Against Me': RJD MLA Breaks Down In Patna Court
In a highly emotional appeal during his court appearance, RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav -- who has been lodged in Bhagalpur Central Jail since May 1 -- said he has no one to fight for him
In a dramatic incident caught on camera on the Bhagalpur-Muzaffarpur Janseva Intercity Express near Bihar's Munger, a thief, after stealing a mobile phone from a passenger, clung to the footboard of the moving train and later jumped off while it was crossing a bridge.
Ganga flowing at severe level across various states: CWC
NEW DELHI: The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Wednesday warned flood situation was worsening across several states, with the Ganga flowing at a severe level at several monitoring sites amid persistent rainfall. According to the CWC's daily flood bulletin, the Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Hathidah and Gandhi Ghat in Patna in Bihar, Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Farakkha in West Bengal. The Kosi River is flowing above the danger level in Bihar, while the Burhi Gandak River in Bihar is flowing under severe conditions. The bulletin indicated a high probability of urban flooding in low-lying areas of northern Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh due to continuous rainfall and river swelling. The CWC has advised district administrations in affected states to activate flood response protocols.
Railways working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat trains across India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a future-ready railway network, is working on an ambitious project to roll out 100 modern and hi-tech Amrit Bharat trains for various parts of the country. With the inauguration of four more Amrit Bharat trains from across Bihar on Friday by Prime Minister Modi, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat trains in the country has now reached seven, including the three that were already running including two in Bihars North and eastern regions. The Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, using entirely indigenous technology, with a running capacity of 130 kmph. Working towards the realisation of his vision for a future-ready railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off four new Amrit Bharat trains scheduled to run between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi; Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal); Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar); and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. On the sideline of this inaugural event, speaking to the TNIE on Friday here, a senior railway official said the Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured with the objective of providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for middle-class and economically weaker passengers. As a total of 3 Amrit Bharat trains have been currently operational across the country, now the number reached 7. The Ministry of Railway is working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat rakes in coming days this year and next to ensure safe and faster affordable rail services to poor and middle class people, added an official. He said that earlier, two Amrit Bharat trains had been running between Bihars Darbhanga Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. Now, the four more Amrit Bharat trains will start running in Bihar again with all passenger amenities like foldable snack table, mobile holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging ports, improved and comfortable seating, radium illuminated flooring strips, airline-style lighting that guides the way even in the dark and air spring body which ensures shock-free travel experience. A senior railway official, speaking about the features of Amrit Bharat trains, further added that the trains were equipped with modern and Divyangjan-friendly toilets, an electro-pneumatic flushing system, and automatic soap dispensers. On the safety front, the Amrit Bharat trains have been equipped with the facility of an EP-assisted brake system, and their coaches have been fitted with sealed gangways and vacuum evacuation systems. He further added The most interesting feature is that the railway has made the talk-back unit available in every coach of Amrit Bharat trains running in Bihar in a majority with fire detection system properly installed for the first time in non-AC coaches. Meanwhile, a railway official cited a conservative estimate that the four Amrit Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will ferry more than 56 lakh people from economically weaker and middle-class sections per month.
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.
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.
