Over 30 Children Hospitalised In Bihar After Consuming Mid-Day Meal, Lizard Found In Food

Over 30 children were admitted to the hospital after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihar's Darbhanga district as a lizard was reportedly found in the food.

25 Children Admitted To Hospital After Eating Mid-Day Meal In Bihar

At least 25 children were hospitalised after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihar's Darbhanga district, with some alleging that a lizard was found in the food.

Ganga's surging waters submerge Varanasi temples, disrupting pedestrian access

LUCKNOW: As rivers across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the central and eastern regions, continue to swell, the Ganga in Varanasi is rising at an alarming rate, submerging one ghat after another and flooding temples along the riverfront. In the last 50 hours, the water level has surged by 2.96 metres. According to the Central Water Commission, the Ganga was measured at 62.28 metres at 8 am on Wednesday. It stood at 61.95 metres at 6 pm on Tuesday, and 59.32 metres at 6 am on Monday, marking an average rise of over 5 cm per hour. The current level, however, remains 8.31 metres below the official warning mark. With the advancing waterline, both small and large temples along the riverfront have started submerging. The Devi temple located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti site is now underwater. A similar situation has been reported at Manikarnika Ghat, which has also gone under. If the trend continues unchecked, pedestrian movement between ghats may soon become impossible, as the connecting pathways are likely to be submerged as well. The sandy stretch in front of Tulsi Ghat has already been swallowed by the river, and much of the soil accumulation near Assi Ghat has eroded. Nearly two-thirds of the sand dunes near Assi Ghat have disappeared under water. Water has reached the steps of several ghats, including Bhadaini, Janki Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Panchganga, Lalita, Man Singh, and Darbhanga Ghat. If the river continues to rise at the same pace, more ghats could become inaccessible by next week. As a precautionary measure, boats and barges stationed along the river have been pulled further inland. However, the strong current, combined with algae carried in by the floodwaters, is creating additional hazards by clogging boat routes and complicating navigation. Boatmen have begun conducting night watches to protect their vessels from damage or drifting. Amid the mounting flood concerns, the Varanasi district administration has gone on high alert. The District Magistrate chaired a review meeting and instructed all departments to remain on standby. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units have begun mobilising for emergency operations. Nearly 11 NDRF teams stationed in Varanasi are currently responsible for relief and rescue operations across 42 districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Punjab Police arrest travel agent behind fake college offer letter scam

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police have arrested the mastermind behind the fake offer letter scam, Brijesh Mishra. The scam lured hundreds of Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. Sources said that on June 24, Mishra was taken into custody after he landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Mishra, who hails from Thalwada in Darbhanga of Bihar, had boarded a flight from Toronto on June 22. Talking with TNIE , Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police of Jalandhar Harinder Singh Gill said, Brijesh Mishra was detained as soon as he landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, as a look-out circular (LOC) had been earlier issued against him in connection with cases registered against him. He was then handed over to a team of Jalandhar Police. We took him into custody on June 24, and yesterday (June 25), he was produced in local court in Jalandhar, and we got his seven-day police remand. Now we are questioning him as nine cases were registered against him in 2023 on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy in division number 6 police station, he said. Gill further said that he is being questioned about others involved in this racket, how he made these fake offer letters of colleges, how many students were contacted, and how much money he charged the victims. We will also be calling the parents of these students who filed the cases against the accused and record their statements, as well as ask them whether their children have been deported or still in Canada, and if so, doing what, he said. Unregistered agencies offer fake overseas jobs for youngsters in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on social media platforms Gill said that during the interrogation, Mishra confessed to having remained in the custody of the Canadian authorities for approximately one and a half years as he was detained. Then, after he was released from detention, he stayed for a few months in Surrey, British Columbia, before returning to India. On June 23, 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) apprehended Mishra while he was trying to sneak into the country illegally. The CBSA conducted a detailed investigation and zeroed in on Brijesh Mishras company Education and Migration, and slapped five charges, including those for counselling misrepresentation, unauthorised representation or advice for consideration, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In March 2023, approximately 700 students were issued deportation notices by the CBSA over fraudulent offer letters that had been provided to them by Mishra while processing their study visas. Mishra has been accused of running a fake offer letter racket through his consultancy, Education and Migration Services, based in Jalandhar. He allegedly duped hundreds of students between 2016 and 2020 by issuing forged admission letters of colleges in Canada, as scores of students discovered the fraud only after reaching Canada, where they were denied entry or deported when immigration authorities flagged their documents as fake.

Two killed, 50 injured as double-decker bus overturns on Lucknow-Agra Expressway

ETAWAH: Two passengers were killed and about 50 were injured when a double-decker bus travelling from Bihar to Delhi overturned and plunged into a ditch on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in the Saifai area early Thursday, police said. The accident occurred near the Mandi village when the speeding bus lost control while attempting to overtake a truck. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava said that the accident caused panic among the passengers. Passersby in other vehicles informed the police and highway security, he added. A joint rescue operation was launched to rescue the trapped passengers from the bus. The injured were transported by ambulance to the nearby Saifai Medical College Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were moved to the mortuary, said the SSP. The two deceased have been identified as Shaida (22), a resident of Bardah in Nepal, and Manoj Kumar (52) from Rampur Deeha in Bihar's Darbhanga. The bus was carrying around 80 passengers.

Bihar: Three get rigorous imprisonment in 1991 bank fraud case

New Delhi: A CBI court in Patna, Bihar, has sentenced three accused to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines in a bank fraud case filed in 1991. The court sentenced three accused two then Managers of Kshetriya Gramin Bank and a private person to three years rigorous imprisonment in Bihars Darbhanga. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Patna Diary | Nitish Kumar: A CM full of surprises

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar always has a surprise up his sleeve whenever he is in public. This time around, Nitish was participating at a public function in Darbhanga when, in the middle of his speech, he suddenly pointed at Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, saying, Our partys deputy CM has also arrived, stand up. After this, all the ministers, MPs and others sitting around him stood up while the audience clapped enthusiastically. Undoubtedly, the CM considers standing up as a sign of reverence. To that effect, he had appealed to people to stand up from their respective seats to welcome PM Modi during the Bikramganj rally, giving observers a reason to smile even as poll heat intensifies in Bihar. PK targets Lalu, Tejashwi over CM ambition Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor never misses a chance to take a dig at RJD chief and former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad. During his Bihar Badlao Yatra, he accused Lalu of aspiring to see his son, Tejashwi Yadav, as King of Bihar, even though he has not cleared class 9. Kishor clarified he is not criticising Lalu for his putra moh (affection for son) but praising him because people must learn how to take care of their children from the former CM. Lalu has always been worried about his family and not the people of Bihar, Kishor jibed. He is so worried about his child that he wants him to become king of Bihar. When I say this, people say I complain about him. No! We are praising Lalu Yadav. BJP MLA draws flak from rape-murder victims kin A piquant situation unfolded when BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Gupta asked family members of a rape-murder victim in Muzaffarpur to swear they were telling the truth about delay in treatment of the victim at Patna Medical College and Hospital. The victims family got agitated over the MLAs contention and alleged the latter didnt pay heed to their repeated calls for help when they visited the hospital for treatment of 9-year-old victim. As the situation heated up, deputy CM Vijay Sinha intervened and assured that justice would be done. Sinha said the government has taken a grave view of the incident and the offenders would not be spared. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com

Hate Pak as much as RSS, Hindutva groups protest deputy mayors post in Bihar

BJP workers and members of various Hindutva organisations staged a protest outside the office of a Bihar Congress leader, who also serves as the deputy mayor of Darbhanga, over her social media post comparing the RSS to Pakistan. Vice President of the Bihar Congress Minority Wing, Nazia Hasan, posted on social media, now deleted, likening Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Bihar government transfers 45 IAS officers in major bureaucratic reshuffle ahead of state polls

PATNA: Ahead of Bihar Assembly polls due this year, the state government has transferred 45 IAS officers, including several district magistrates (DMs), in a major shake-up. Thirty-one officers of the Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) were also transferred as a part of the rejig, according to an order issued by the General Administration Department on Saturday. Besides, the state government also made new appointments in the Mahadalit Commission and the Scheduled Caste Commission. Patna DM Chandrasekhar Singh, an IAS officer of the 2010 batch, was appointed Commissioner of the Patna division. Gaya DM Thyagarajan S M of the 2011 batch was made the new DM of Patna, the order stated. Mayank Warwade, the previous Commissioner of the Patna division, was made the State Project Director of the Bihar Education Project Council. Darbhanga DM Rajeev Raushan was appointed the Commissioner of the Saran division, while Avneesh Kumar Singh was made the Commissioner of Munger division, and Raj Kumar the Commissioner of Tirhut division, it said. Thirteen IAS officers of the 2010 batch were promoted to the secretary rank. The Bihar government appointed Vishwanath Rishi as chairperson of the Mahadalit Commission, and Devendra Kumar as vice-chairperson of the SC Commission.

BJP Workers, Hindu Groups Protest After Darbhanga Deputy Mayor Compares RSS To Pakistan

CPIML-Liberation eyes expansion in north Bihar, aims to contest 40 seats in 2025 polls

NEW DELHI: With Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) negotiating seat-sharing talks for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPIML-Liberation) is preparing to contest at least 40 seats. Riding on its strong performance in 2020, winning 12 out of the 19 seats it contested, the partys general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya is looking to expand its influence in more districts across north and northwest Bihar. Confident of improving its tally in the forthcoming contest, he said that the party has been working on the ground, representing the aspirations and demands of the people of the state. Last time, we contested 19 seats and won 12. The Congress, by contrast, got 70 and got 19. So, this is a general perception that wherever CPIML contests, that actually improves the performance of the entire coalition in that area Our strike rate is high. In that area, where we are, you'll find that the Congress, RJD have also done better. So, this is the general perception, I guess, that CPIML should get more seats this time, said Bhattacharya. Currently, CPIML-Liberations strength is concentrated in 12 districts, mostly in south Bihar, with limited presence in regions such as Mithila and Champaran. Bhattacharya said the party aims to broaden its reach across Bihar, particularly in areas it did not contest previously. We are prepared but maybe there are some 40-odd seats where we think that we can even contest. We would like to spread the net wide. Maybe south Bihar and even in north Bihar. For example, Mithila region, last time we didn't contest a single seat in Darbhanga and Madhubani. We only contested two seats in Samastipur. Even in, let's say, Champaran, we contested only one seat. I think we need more seats there. May not be that much in East Bihar, the Left party leader added. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, Congress, and other Left parties, fell just short of a majority in the last election with 110 out of 243 seats. The return of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) to the alliance adds another layer to the ongoing seat-sharing discussions, with at least three rounds of talks already held. Bhattacharya expects a final agreement within two months. The elections in the state are scheduled for later this year. On the theme of campaigning in the state, Bhattacharya said that failed governance, crime and unemployment are going to be at the core of the upcoming elections. This time around, it should be a decisive kind of mandate There will be some kind of a definitely common campaign and common programme The agenda for Bihar elections is quite given. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had talked about development, good governance. But whatever he said, I think now the ground reality is just the opposite. Acute poverty, massive unemployment, massive out-migration, the education and the healthcare system is in a complete mess, he said.

Bihar court sentences BJP MLA to 2 years in jail over criminal intimidation case

A Bihar court in Darbhanga has sentenced BJP MLA Mishri Lal Yadav and his aide to two years in prison in connection with a 2019 criminal intimidation case. The court found them guilty of assault and cash snatching, imposing a fine of Rs one lakh each, with an additional month's imprisonment for non-payment.

High alert in Bihar after 15 to 20 drones spotted entering from Nepal, hovering for 40 minutes

PATNA: A high alert was sounded by Bihar police in districts along the India-Nepal border on Tuesday, after 15 to 20 drones were sighted entering Indian airspace from Nepal on Monday night. The drones hovered for about 40 minutes in areas under the Kamla Border Outpost (BoP) in Madhubani district before returning to Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Deputy Commandant Vivek Ojha confirmed that 1520 drone-like equipment were sighted moving in the sky in areas falling under Kamla border police outpost at around 7.30 pm on Monday. They returned to Nepal after moving from west-east direction. The equipment entered Indian airspace and returned towards northern Nepal. Ojha further added that SSB personnel deployed at the Janki Nagar BoP spotted the equipment as they returned to Nepal. The SSB officials immediately alerted their seniors, who, in turn, passed on the message to officials at Darbhanga Air Force and Delhi Air Force stations, he said. Following this, the authorities declared a high alert along the international border. The SSB also made inquiries with security officials from Nepal regarding any routine flying drone exercises, but they reportedly denied conducting any such activity. The exact nature and purpose of the drones remain under investigation, Deputy Commandant Ojha told this reporter over the phone. Rakesh Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Galgalia police station, said an intensive checking operation had been launched in the border areas. Strict vigil is being maintained and people coming from Nepal are being frisked for security reasons, the SHO said, adding that dog squads and scanning machines had been pressed into service. He further noted that instructions had been issued to patrolling personnel to conduct thorough checks of vehicles entering Indian territory from Nepal. Patrolling along the India-Nepal border has been intensified after Operation Sindoor, he said. Police personnel in plain clothes have also been deployed to keep a tab on the movement of suspicious persons. The 48th Battalion of the SSB has been deployed in Madhubani district, which shares its border with Nepal. Vivek Ojha serves as the Deputy Commandant of the battalion. Meanwhile, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) has convened a meeting of all Inspectors General (IGs) and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) at the police headquarters to review law and order ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting is considered significant in the wake of a sudden rise in crime across the state.

'Weakest CM': RJD questions Nitish's 'mental state' after he places flowerpot on bureaucrat's head at public event

PATNA: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday placed a flowerpot on the head of a senior IAS officer who gifted it to him during a programme, prompting the opposition RJD to raise questions about his mental state. The incident happened at the LN Mishra Institute in Patna, where the CM laid foundation stones for projects worth around Rs 10 crore and handed over appointment letters to 20 newly-recruited faculty members. Additional Chief Secretary (Education) S Siddharth gifted a flowerpot to Kumar, who placed it on the head of the bureaucrat soon after receiving it, leaving those present there bemused. Siddharth promptly removed it and walked away as onlookers smiled. A clip of the entire episode went viral on social media, adding to the CM's list of unusual public moments. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary said the incident was shocking and shameful. His activities are bringing shame to the state. This shows that his mind is not under his control. He is being controlled by a group of bureaucrats. He is the weakest CM Bihar has ever had, he claimed. In March, Kumar abruptly left the stage ahead of the national anthem during the inauguration of the Sepak Takraw World Cup in Patna. In November last year, he made an attempt to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet at a public event in Darbhanga.

ABVP protests Rahul Gandhis surprise visit to DUSU, likens it to rejected actor crashing a student play

Rahul Gandhi's unscheduled visit to Delhi University's student union office created controversy. ABVP protested, calling it a political stunt. University officials stated they were not informed. NSUI defended the visit, citing the president's right to host guests. This incident has intensified divisions between student groups. Similar event occurred in Darbhanga earlier this year.

Bihar BJP MLA Mishri Lal Yadav arrested, jailed in connection with 2019 assault case

PATNA: BJPs Alinagar MLA Mishri Lal Yadav on Thursday was taken into custody and subsequently sent to jail in connection with an assault case of 2019 in Bihars Darbhanga district. The court had earlier sentenced him to three-month imprisonment for voluntarily causing hurt to one Umesh Mishra in January 2019. Suman Kumar Diwakar, additional district and sessions judge of Special MP/MLA court, Darbhanga, ordered to take the MLA into custody when he deposed before the court. MLA Yadav had filed an appeal against the verdict of the court awarding him three-month jail and a fine of Rs 500. The court had found MLA Yadav and another accused Suresh Yadav guilty in the case. Talking to media persons in the court premises, MLA Yadav said that he had appealed against the order of the MP/MLA court, which has listed the case for hearing on Thursday. When I deposed, the court took me into custody for 24 hours. I have to abide by the order of the court and go to jail, he said. He, however, described the action against him as out of political vendetta. On February 23, the special judge-cum-additional chief judicial magistrate Karuna Nidhi Prasad Arya of Special MP/MLA court in Darbhanga held MLA Mishri Lal Yadav and Suresh Yadav guilty and awarded them three-month jail. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 500 each. The two accused were found guilty under section 323 of IPC (voluntarily causing hurt). The case relates to attack and voluntary causing hurt to one Umesh Mishra, a resident of Samaila village, on January 29, 2019. The complaint against the accused was lodged in the concerned police station on January 30, 2019. The complainant Umesh Mishra alleged that he was attacked by the MLA and his associate when he had gone for morning walk on the fateful day. The chargesheet was filed in the court on October 12, 2019. The court took cognisance of the case on April 17, 2020.

Would have expelled Vijay Shah for life had he been in my party: LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan

PATNA: Assailing Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi , Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan here on Monday said that had Shah been in his party, he would have expelled him for life. In response to a media query, Chirag said that the entire nation is proud of the Indian Army for their successful implementation of Operation Sindoor after the terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Had such a person (Shah) been in my party, he would have been expelled for life for his such a demeaning remark against the Army officer, he asserted. Chirags LJP(RV) is an ally of BJP led NDA both in the state and at the Centre. Minister Shah stirred up a controversy after he called Colonel Sofiya, who briefed the media about the Operation Sindoor against the terrorists, as sister of terrorists. SC rejects MP minister Vijay Shah's apology on Col Sofiya Qureshi, orders SIT probe The Hajipur MP said that the entire nation felt ashamed of Shah's remarks on Operation Sindoor. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has taken a strong exception of Shahs statement. However, BJP is yet to take any disciplinary action against the party leader. Chirag called on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at 1 Anne Marg residence to discuss development of the state ahead of assembly elections. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of inauguration of two-day International Buyer Seller Meet, Chirag said that there is no vacancy for chief ministers post in Bihar as incumbent CM Nitish Kumar will lead the NDA even after the 2025 assembly elections. Assembly elections in the state are slated to be held in October-November. Chirag made this remark while talking to media persons in Darbhanga after calling on chief minister earlier at his 1 Anne Marg residence in the state capital. He also shared a photo with Nitish on his social media account. During the meeting, which last for about half an hour, the two leaders discussed about states development and NDAs strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting with JD(U) supremo two days after executive committee meeting of LJP(RV) assumed significance as assembly elections are due later this year.

Bihar Congress accuses State government of trying to thwart Rahul Gandhis event in Darbhanga

Despite the denial of permission, Rahul had addressed the gathering at the Darbhanga hostel, holding up a photograph of Dr. Ambedkar. Later, two FIRs were lodged against Mr. Gandhi and over 100 party workers

Should be sent to jail: BJP's Dilip Jaiswal slams Rahul Gandhi for attending program at Darbhanga's Ambedkar hostel

BJP Bihar President Dilip Jaiswal criticized Rahul Gandhi for attending a program at Darbhanga's Ambedkar hostel without permission, demanding his imprisonment. Jaiswal asserted that Bihar, being the land of Chanakya, cannot be fooled by Gandhi. This comes after Gandhi alleged that Bihar Police tried to stop him from visiting the hostel, leading to potential legal action for violating CrPC 163.

Rahul says will continue to fight for quota in pvt edu institutions

PATNA: Congress MP and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ordered a nationwide caste census out of fear of the countrys deprived sections. Interacting with students from SC, ST, OBC and EBC categories at Ambedkar Hostel in Bihars Darbhanga district as part of the partys Shiksha Nyay Samvad programme, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister conceded the demand to avoid backlash from the deprived sections. He exhorted youngsters to remain focused on three demands: an effective caste census, like in Congress-ruled Telangana, reservations in private educational institutions, and the release of funds under the SC/ST sub-plan. Rahul said that youngsters cant expect these things from the ruling NDA. But rest assured that your interest will be taken care of when we come to power, be in Bihar or at the Centre, it emphasised. He said he would continue fighting for reservations in private educational institutions. I will make sure that you are not distracted from your focus and you get your rights. You all have to understand your strength, he told the gathering. He alleged that the Prime Minister was against the caste census. I told PM Modi in parliament that he has to conduct a caste census. Due to pressure and fear of backlash from the public, PM Modi ordered a caste census. But the fact is that he is against caste census and the Constitution, he asserted. Congress stages protest as Rahul Gandhi stopped from entering Ambedkar Hostel in Bihar The former Congress president alleged that the ruling dispensation at the Centre only cared about business magnates and not about societys deprived sections. The system is working for the benefit of only five per cent of the population. Dalits, OBCs and tribals have no say, be in the government, the corporate or even in the media, he added. Braving the blistering sun, he reached the hostel, the original venue for the partys programme. Late Wednesday evening, the district administration shifted the venue to Town Hall, citing security reasons. Armed security personnel were deployed en route to the hostel and Town Hall. However, Gandhi reached the original venue by taking a circuitous route. He claimed the district administration attempted to stop him: As you are aware, my car was stopped at the gate of Mithila University. But I didnt relent. I exited the car and took a circuitous route to reach here on foot. He clarified that Bihars BJP-JD(U) government could not stop him because of the strength and support of the people. Do you realise why the government in Bihar could not stop me? It was because I am propelled by the vast pool of energy that you embody. It is the same energy before which Narendra Modi had to bow, he told the crowd. He described Bihars NDA government as double-engine dhokhebaaz sarkaar and exhorted the people to uproot it. Meanwhile, Darbhanga district magistrate Rajiv Raushan said action would be initiated against the Congress leader for defying the official directive, clarifying that the venue was shifted due to security and legal concerns. Earlier, Congress workers staged a protest outside Ambedkar Welfare Hostels entrance gate to pressure the officials to allow Gandhi in. Rahul later watched the movie Phule before leaving for New Delhi. District admin tried to stop me but failed, says LoP Armed security personnel were deployed en route to the hostel and Town Hall. However, Gandhi reached the original venue by taking a circuitous route. He claimed the district admin attempted to stop him: My car was stopped at the gate of Mithila University. But I didnt relent. I exited the car and took a circuitous route to reach here on foot. He said Bihar govt could not stop him, as he had public support.

Can't Stop Us: Row Over Rahul Gandhi's Visit To Bihar Hostel, Case Filed

Congress's Rahul Gandhi landed in controversy today after he went to meet students in Bihar at a hostel in Darbhanga, disregarding police barriers.

Is communicating with Dalits a sin, asks Congress over Rahul Gandhi's Darbhanga address permission

It is the height of dictatorship that the JDU-BJP government prevented Rahul Gandhi from attending the 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad' program at the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, says Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress stages protest as Rahul Gandhi stopped from entering Ambedkar Hostel in Bihar

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped by police while trying to enter the Ambedkar Hostel in Bihars Darbhanga district, where he was to interact with students of SC/ST, OBC and EBC under the partys Siksha Nyay Samvad. Sources said Rahul Gandhis vehicle was stopped outside the hostel by police personnel deployed at the site. While workers of the Congress staged a protest at the entrance gate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha remained seated in his car for a considerable amount of time. A verbal altercation broke out between district administration officials and Congress workers over the opening of the entrance gate to the Ambedkar Hostel. Officials informed that the venue had been shifted to the Town Hall citing security concerns. However, Congress leaders insisted on holding the programme at the originally planned venue. As police personnel did not open the entrance gate, Rahul got down from his car and walked to the hostel where a large number of students were waiting for him. Later interacting with students, Rahul said, Mujhe kayar samjha tha kya? Fire hun mein (Did they consider me a coward? I am like fire). Initially he reached the District Town Hall, the venue shifted by the district administration. But later he decided to reach the Ambedkar Hostel where the programme was fixed earlier. This led to a chaotic situation in the divisional headquarters down. Rahul alleged that the double engine government in Bihar and at the Centre has failed to deliver justice to SC/ST students. He demanded reservation for the students in private educational institutions and removal of 50 per reservation cap. Expressing his anguish over polices action, Gandhi said, India is a democratic country. It is run by the Constitution and not dictatorship. No one can stop us from raising our voice for social justice and education. The Congress leader said that his party would continue its fight to secure reservations in private educational institutions across the country. Bihar police tried to stop me. But they couldnt do so because youths of the country are behind me, he told the gathering. He reiterated the partys three key demands: conducting a caste census, implementing reservations in private educational institutions, and enforcing the SC/ST sub-plan. After Darbhanga, Rahul left for Patnas party headquarters in Sadaquat Ashram where he watched the movie, Phule . Reacting to Darbhanga district authoritys action to stop Rahul Gandhi to enter Ambedkar Hostel, Congress spokesperson Ajay Dubey said in Patna that the district officials were acting at the behest of BJP-JD(U) led government. This is not fair as venue was decided much earlier, he told the media. He alleged that hundreds of students belonging to the SC/ST, OBC and EBC categories were denied entry into Darbhanga by the district officials. Our leader wants to interact with SC/ST students. What is wrong in it? In a democratic set up, everybody has the liberty to interact with people, he added.

Congress stages protest as Rahul Gandhi stopped from entering Ambedkar Hotel in Bihar

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped by police while trying to enter the Ambedkar Hostel in Bihars Darbhanga district, where he was to interact with students of SC/ST, OBC and EBC under the partys Siksha Nyay Samvad. Sources said Rahul Gandhis vehicle was stopped outside the hostel by police personnel deployed at the site. While workers of the Congress staged a protest at the entrance gate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha remained seated in his car for a considerable amount of time. A verbal altercation broke out between district administration officials and Congress workers over the opening of the entrance gate to the Ambedkar Hostel. Officials informed that the venue had been shifted to the Town Hall citing security concerns. However, Congress leaders insisted on holding the programme at the originally planned venue. As police personnel did not open the entrance gate, Rahul got down from his car and walked to the hostel where a large number of students were waiting for him. Later interacting with students, Rahul said, Mujhe kayar samjha tha kya? Fire hun mein (Did they consider me a coward? I am like fire). Initially he reached the District Town Hall, the venue shifted by the district administration. But later he decided to reach the Ambedkar Hostel where the programme was fixed earlier. This led to a chaotic situation in the divisional headquarters down. Rahul alleged that the double engine government in Bihar and at the Centre has failed to deliver justice to SC/ST students. He demanded reservation for the students in private educational institutions and removal of 50 per reservation cap. Expressing his anguish over polices action, Gandhi said, India is a democratic country. It is run by the Constitution and not dictatorship. No one can stop us from raising our voice for social justice and education. The Congress leader said that his party would continue its fight to secure reservations in private educational institutions across the country. Bihar police tried to stop me. But they couldnt do so because youths of the country are behind me, he told the gathering. He reiterated the partys three key demands: conducting a caste census, implementing reservations in private educational institutions, and enforcing the SC/ST sub-plan. After Darbhanga, Rahul left for Patnas party headquarters in Sadaquat Ashram where he watched the movie, Phule . Reacting to Darbhanga district authoritys action to stop Rahul Gandhi to enter Ambedkar Hostel, Congress spokesperson Ajay Dubey said in Patna that the district officials were acting at the behest of BJP-JD(U) led government. This is not fair as venue was decided much earlier, he told the media. He alleged that hundreds of students belonging to the SC/ST, OBC and EBC categories were denied entry into Darbhanga by the district officials. Our leader wants to interact with SC/ST students. What is wrong in it? In a democratic set up, everybody has the liberty to interact with people, he added.

PM Modi agreed to caste census out of fear: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi alleged that Narendra Modi agreed to a caste census due to fear of backlash. He spoke to students in Darbhanga, Bihar, defying attempts to stop him. Gandhi criticized the government for serving the interests of a small percentage of the population. He urged students to focus on caste census, reservations, and funds for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Despite police ban, Rahul Gandhi reaches Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga

Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to interact with the SC, ST and OBC students; lashes out at Bihar police, Mr. Gandhi says that Indian is not governed not by dictatorship.

I will demand for reservations in private institutions: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi pledged to fight for reservation in private educational institutions while addressing a gathering in Darbhanga, Bihar. He accused PM Modi of being against caste census and favoring industrialists like Adani and Ambani. Gandhi also mentioned being stopped by police on his way to interact with students at Ambedkar hostel.

Rahul Gandhi stopped from entering Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga

DARBHANGA (Bihar), May 15: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday stopped by police on his way to Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga, where he was scheduled to interact with students. When the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha reached outside Ambedkar hostel, his convoy was stopped from entering the premises. He was supposed to interact with students there at the partys Shiksha Nyay Samvad event, a state-wide public outreach programme. Senior leaders of Bihar Congress asked security personnel to [] The post Rahul Gandhi stopped from entering Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi to visit Bihar on May 30, inaugurate mega infra projects

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bihars Rohtas district on May 30, lay the foundation stone for various development projects, and inaugurate the new terminal of the Patna airport. This will be his first visit after the Operation Sindoor , which was launched against terrorists responsible for massacre of 26 people, mostly tourists, at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. PM Modis visit also assumes significance given the upcoming assembly elections, which are due later this year. Bihar BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said preparations for the PMs visit to Sasaram in Rohtas district on May 30 are underway. Workers from the Shahabad region comprising Rohtas, Kaimur, Bhojpur and Buxar, are expected to attend the rally. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that the PM will lay the foundation stone for Patna-Sasaram four-lane road to provide better connectivity to the people of Shahabad region. He will also inaugurate the new terminal of Patna airport, which is complete. The PM is also expected to announce some mega development projects for the state. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the NDA could not fare well and lost important seats like Ara, Buxar and Karakat. The Opposition INDIA bloc wrested all the three seats from the ruling NDA in the previous Lok Sabha election. Last month, PM Modi visited Madhubani district from where he issued a stern warning to cross-border terror in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Rahul Gandhi to launch Nyay Samvad on May 15 Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Darbhanga on May 15 to launch Siksha Nyay Yatra or Nyay Samvad. This will be his fourth visit to the state in the past five months.

Doctor among 2 held in Bihar for NEET-UG 25 exam fraud

PATNA: The Samastipur Police in Bihar arrested two individuals, including an MBBS doctor, for impersonation and fraud during the NEET-UG examination conducted on Sunday. Three mobile phones, a car and Rs 50,000 in cash were recovered from their possession. Investigating officers are ascertaining whether the arrested have links with NEET-UG 2024 examination paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya, currently lodged in the Beur central jail near Patna. Mukhiya, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, was arrested from Patna last month. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, ASP, Samastipur, said that a police team detained two individuals who were sitting in a car parked outside an examination centre in Mohanpur. Police officials noticed that their mobile phones contained the admit cards of various candidates. During interrogation, the duo admitted to having replaced weak candidates with scholars (impersonators) in various examination centres in Samastipur and other places to enable them to score well and get admission to medical colleges. They would charge anything between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. One of them introduced himself as Dr Ranjeet Kumar, a government doctor posted at Begusarai divisional jail, while his associate Rambabu Malik is a native of Darbhanga. ASP Pandey said, Their links with NEET-UG 2025 paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya are being ascertained. The Bihar polices economic offences unit alerted all DMs and SPs to keep vigil at examination centres. Deputy Inspector General, EOU, Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said that S K Faiz was arrested from Araria on Sunday after it was established that he was collecting money from candidates to provide them with question papers for the NEET-UG 2025 examination. Faiz, a resident of Islam Nagar in Araria district, had created a Telegram channel to connect with candidates and ask for money in lieu of question papers. One Arvind Kumar, a native of Aurangabad district, was arrested in Odisha for his links to the NEET exam racket. How it unfolded May 4 10.30 PM: A car was spotted moving from one exam centre to another 10.35 PM : District police control room alerts police stations in the urban areas 10.55 PM : Two people travelling in the car spotted near Mohanpur bridge 10.57 PM: A police team rushes to the spot where car is parked 11 PM: Individuals in the car brought to police station for questioning 11.20 PM: Members of SIT quiz the detainees in police lock-up 2 PM to 5 PM: Exam conducted May 5 11 AM :Both accused produced before court, sent in 14-day judicial custody

Bihar Teen, Presumed Dead And Cremated Over Month Ago, Returns Home Alive

A 17-year-old boy, who was presumed dead and cremated more than a month ago, has returned alive in Bihar's Darbhanga district, officials said on Friday.

At least 25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms in several districts of Bihar

The IMD has issued an orange alert for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Nalanda and Patna; forecast heavy rainfall April 10 and April 11

Lightning, thunderstorms kill 61 in Bihar; CM Nitish Kumar announces 4 lakh ex-gratia

PATNA: At least 61 people have died due to lightning strikes and hailstorms that lashed several districts of Bihar over the past 48 hours . Nalanda district reported the highest number of fatalities, with 22 deaths on Thursday alone. Other districts also reported casualties: Patna, Bhojpur, Siwan, and Gaya recorded four deaths each; Gopalganj and Jamui reported three each; Muzaffarpur, Jehanabad, Saran, and Arwal reported two deaths each; while Begusarai, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Katihar, Munger, Madhepura, Araria, and Bhagalpur each reported one death. Nalanda District Magistrate Shashank Bhubhankar confirmed that 21 people died due to thunderstorms and one due to lightning. He added that relief and rescue operations are underway in the affected areas. Instructions have been issued to hand over the bodies to their families after postmortem examinations. Efforts are also being made to restore traffic disrupted by fallen trees. Police personnel have been deployed to clear roads by removing logs and branches. Six people died in Nagma village under the Manpur police station limits when a tree fell on a temple on Thursday. The victims had taken shelter in the temple during the hailstorm, and a wall collapse caused their deaths. Other fatalities in Nalanda district were reported from Jaitipur under Islampur block, Dekpura under Rahui block, as well as from the Silao and Giriyak blocks. The district administration has released emergency contact numbers for residents. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. In a statement issued by the Chief Ministers Office, people were urged to stay indoors and go out only in cases of emergency. On Wednesday, 13 more people had died due to lightning strikes across four districts of the state. Heavy rains and hailstorms have affected at least 25 out of Bihars 38 districts in the past two days. In addition to the loss of human lives, the storms have caused extensive damage to homes, livestock, and agricultural crops. A senior official from the State Disaster Management Department stated that district officials have been directed to assess the damage to property and crops. Compensation will be provided to affected individuals based on their reports.

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

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

Clash between two communities in Bihar's Darbhanga, 6 arrested

According to police, the incident took place when people belonging to another community started pelting stones from rooftops at people returning from the Kalash Shobha Yatra.

Stones thrown at devotees of Kalash Shobha Yatra in Bihar's Darghanga; four arrested

PATNA: Tension gripped Bihars Darbhanga after a clash erupted during Shobha Kalash Yatra on the first day of Chaiti Ramnavami on March 30. Four people have been arrested. The trouble erupted after devotees were pelted with stones from the rooftops of nearby buildings when they were returning home after taking part in the Kalash Shobha Yatra. Several women received injuries in the stone pelting. The stone pelting on the devotees escalated tension at the village. Alok Kumar alias Vikas Kumar, former mukhiya of Kewatgama village, said that police personnel from adjoining police stations have been deployed at the village to prevent any untoward incident. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Darbhanga, J Jagunath Reddy said that the situation was well under control. Additional police forces have been deployed at the village as a precautionary measure, he added. The SSP said that the station house officer (SHO) of Kusheshwarsthan police station has been asked to keep a surveillance on the movement of outsiders at the village. The SHO Rakesh Kumar said, People have been asked to maintain restraint. We are alert and keeping a close surveillance on the situation. Rumour mongers will be dealt with sternly, he said. Locals said that a clash had broken out at the village during the Holi festival. However, the situation was brought under control due to timely intervention of the police. Last week, DGP Vijay Kumar held a high-level meeting at the police headquarters and issued instructions to maintain law and order situation during EID and Ramnavami.

Clash Erupts in Darbhanga During Chaiti Navratra Procession

Six arrested after violence breaks out over alleged stone-pelting incident; police maintain strict vigil

ED raid on Bihar chief engineers residence yields crores in cash

PATNA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at the residential premises of Bihar Building Construction Departments chief engineer, Tarini Das, in connection with a money laundering case linked to a tender scam. The raids were carried out at multiple locations linked to Das, including his residence in Purnendu Nagar near Phulwarisharif. The operation, which began early in the morning, was still ongoing at the time of filing this report. Sources revealed that crores of rupees were recovered from Dass house, prompting officials to requisition four cash counting machines to the chief ministers residence to tally the seized money. Das, who retired from service in October last year, was reinstated to his previous post under unclear circumstances. He has been accused of facilitating tenders for contractors in exchange for substantial sums of money. The fresh searches are connected to the EDs ongoing investigation into a money laundering case involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who was arrested last year and remains lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna. Hans was charged under relevant sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Former RJD MLA Gulab Yadav was also arrested in connection with the same case from a resort in New Delhi. The Patna Police had seized a substantial amount of wealth belonging to Yadav, which was later handed over to the Special Vigilance Unit. The EDs action has sparked a political row, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav launching a scathing attack on the NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The officials are plundering public money as the CM is mentally not stable, he told the media. There is no control over the officials in the Nitish Kumar government. Money is taken for transfers and postings. Everybody is aware of how government offices are functioning in Bihar these days. But these illegal practices will stop when RJD comes to power, he asserted. Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Darbhanga and State Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Sanjay Saraogi defended the governments stance, asserting that the crackdown demonstrated a commitment to good governance. Those found to be involved in corruption will not be spared, whosoever they may be, he said. He, however, added, No one is being framed or spared. The government is maintaining zero tolerance on corruption.

Meet man who left lucrative jobs with high package, later started company that now employs 2700 farmers, itisworthRs...

Rajiv Ranjan is a computer engineer who hails from a small village in Darbhanga district, Bihar. He has worked in American companies with salary packages in lakhs. However, he is now leading an FPC of 853 farmers, which is generating a turnover of crores. His story is both inspiring and astonishing.

Severe groundwater contamination detected in over 30,000 rural wards in Bihar: Report

PATNA: Bihar is grappling with severe groundwater contamination, with 30,207 rural wards exposed to unsafe drinking water that poses serious health risks, according to a new report. The report, which was recently tabled in the assembly as part of the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25), highlighted the presence of arsenic in groundwater in 4,709 such wards, fluoride in 3,789 wards and iron in 21,709 wards. Around 26 per cent of the rural wards in 31 districts, out of a total of 38, have groundwater sources affected by arsenic, fluoride and iron contamination beyond permissible limits, the state's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) said in the study. The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts. We are aware of the fact. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the state government has decided to make rural Bihar 'hand pump-free' and provide safe drinking water to people in the rural areas under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh told PTI. The government is also implementing multi-village schemes (MVS) to improve water quality in the state, he said. Under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED is providing safe drinking water to 83.76 lakh families in rural areas, he said, adding, potable water is also being made available to families in the 30,207 rural wards where the contamination is high. The state government is already working on a plan to use river water for drinking purposes. In September 2024, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of a Rs 1,347-crore project for the supply of water from Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri and Sasaram cities after necessary treatment, the minister said. The scheme will use the water of Son river, ending the dependence of these cities on groundwater, he said. The project is likely to be completed in two years. In 2023, the CM dedicated the ambitious Ganga Water Supply Scheme (GWSS) or the 'Ganga Jal Apoorti Yojana' to the people of Gaya, Rajgir and Nawada. Under the scheme, people in these districts are provided an uninterrupted supply of clean and safe drinking water, Singh said. Dr Manoj Kumar, a leading gastroenterologist in Bihar, told PTI, The high level of chemical contamination in groundwater is certainly a matter of concern. The authorities must identify the source of contamination and take appropriate steps. Besides, camps should also be organised in the affected wards on a regular basis to make people aware of the adverse effects of consumption of contaminated groundwater. The authorities should come out with standardisation and classification of the quality of water used for drinking purposes. Kumar said drinking water quality standards should describe the quality parameters. Water may contain many harmful constituents, yet there are no recognised and accepted standards for drinking water in the country. The type of contaminant and its health effects vary depending on the water source, he said. The health impacts of water contamination can vary from a bout of stomach infection to terminal illnesses like cancer, Kumar said. The methods of purification depend on specific contaminants in a person's water source. Therefore, detailed water quality standards must be introduced by the authorities concerned, he added.

Bihar mayor's holi break call to accommodate Jumma prayers triggers row

PATNA: A woman mayor in Bihar on Wednesday demanded a two-hour break during Holi celebrations on March 14 to facilitate Jumma (Friday's) prayers, stoking a fresh controversy in the state. The mayor of Darbhanga, Anjum Ara, who is associated with Nitish Kumar's JD(U), suggested that Holi celebrations should be stopped between 12:30 pm and 2 pm on March 14, which coincides with Jumma (Friday's) prayers. We have a solution to the possible conflict over the matter. The Holi celebrations should be stopped for two hours so that Jumma prayers can be performed without any hassle, said the mayor, adding that the timing of Jumma prayers cannot be extended. She also requested that Holi revelers avoid mosques or prayer sites during this period. Hours after her statement went viral on social media, JD(U) minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary said that she should be expelled from the party if she is still associated with it. Choudhary, considered close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stated that such a statement should have been avoided. BJP MLA from Bisfi, Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, slammed Mayor Anjum Ara over her Holi advocacy, accusing her of having a 'terrorist mentality.' He asserted that Holi celebrations should continue without interruption and warned of strict action if anybody attempted to disrupt th celebrations. The mayor of Darbhanga is a woman of a Ghazwa-e-Hind and a terrorist mentality. Her family has a long history of this, he said, adding, Why are leaders of RJD, Congress, and Left parties silent about the mayor's statement? BJP MLA from Darbhanga town, Sanjay Saraogi, who is a minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet, also echoed similar sentiments and said that the mayor's statement was not acceptable. Talking to media persons, Saraogi said that people should respect all religions. Sanatan Dharma gives a message of love, affection, and brotherhood, he added. Following the criticism, the mayor later expressed regret over her remarks. I apologize if my statement has hurt the sentiments of anybody, she said in a statement released on Wednesday. She, however, demanded action against those who tried to drag her family into controversy by making false accusations.

What's The Need To Play Politics: Shashi Tharoor On Bihar Mayor's Holi Statement

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday weighed in on Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara's statement on Holi and Ramzan, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony.

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

Bihar mayor seeks two-hour break during Holi to facilitate Namaaz; BJP calls her terrorist

A fresh controversy over Holi and Friday namaaz during Ramzan erupted in Bihar with the mayor of Darbhanga town advocating a wo-hour break in celebration of the festival of colours to facilitate the Muslim prayers. The proposal was mooted by Anjum Ara at a meeting of the peace committee in the north Bihar town recently. Later, while interacting with reporters, she said, My plea was that the time of 'jumma namaaz' cannot be deferred. So, let there be a two-hour break, from noon to 2 pm, during which Hindus shall avoid places in the vicinity of mosques. This would enable people from both faiths to carry out their respective practices without any hassles. We understand that Holi comes only once in a year. But we also need to keep in mind that for Muslims, it is the holy month of Ramzan, the mayor added. Her remarks drew an angry response from HariBhushan Thakur Bachaul, a BJP MLA from the adjoining district of Madhubani, who was recently in news for asking Muslims to stay indoors if they had a problem with Holi. Talking to reporters on the state assembly premises, he said, Where are the self-proclaimed secularists who were attacking me? The mayor of Darbhanga is a woman of Ghazwa-e-Hind and a terrorist mentality; the family she belongs to has a long history of this. They are trying to ignite a fire, and that fire will not be ignited, and the strictest action will be taken against such people; the Holi celebration will not stop. There will not be a break for even a minute... Holi will be celebrated in a grand manner, he added. Thakur also warned of a pratikaar (retaliation) against those who first partitioned the country and are now intruding into the social life of Hindus. He also sought investigation into shady (sandigdh) record of Ara and her family, who are said to be supporters of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), a BJP ally. However, senior JD(U) leader and minister Shravan Kumar said, The administration is not supposed to tell the people when and how to celebrate a festival. These decisions are best left to the society and the administration must always concentrate on maintaining rule of law. He also disapproved of the remarks by Bachaul, saying, Elected representatives must never use a language that hurts a section of the society. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra, whose party is considered the first choice of Muslims in Bihar, felt the mayor of Darbhanga had come up with a response to the polarising tactics of the likes of Bachaul, who are hell-bent upon destroying 'Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb' (communal harmony). Meanwhile, the Mayor has apologised, expressing regret over her statement. I regret my earlier statement, and since morning, I have received various kinds of responses. Some people called me Bangladeshi, some called me a traitor. I would like to request the media to investigate thoroughly about me, and if any convincing evidence is found, I welcome any strict action that should be taken against me, Ara said. People are free to think what they want, but my only intention was to ensure that Darbhanga remains peaceful. In this context, I made my statement, but if anyone's feelings were hurt, I apologise for that, she added. (With inputs from PTI and ANI) Uttar Pradesh minister suggests Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulin on Holi

A Mayor In Bihar Urges 2-Hour Pause In Holi For Friday Prayers, Sparks Row

Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara has sparked controversy by requesting a two-hour pause in Holi celebrations on Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., citing respect for Jumme ki Namaz (Friday prayers).

Row erupts in Bihar over mayor's call for 'break' during Holi to facilitate namaaz

A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar over Holi celebrations coinciding with Friday namaaz during Ramzan. Darbhanga mayor suggested a two-hour break in Holi festivities to facilitate Muslim prayers, drawing angry reactions and calls for retaliation from BJP MLA Hari Bhushan Thakur Bachaul.

SpiceJet Flight from Hyderabad to Darbhanga Cancelled Due to Technical Issues

Flight SG 766 Delayed and Cancelled After Sunset Restrictions at Darbhanga Airport