Darbhanga runway to expand for international operation: Official
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.
Five get life in jail for killing man in Darbhanga village
Video: RJD Leader 'Blocks' Ambulance During Bharat Bandh Stir In Bihar
The Rashtriya Janata Dal on Wednesday came under severe criticism after one of its leaders allegedly refused to give way to an ambulance while participating in the Bharat Bandh in Darbhanga city of Bihar.
Rahul Gandhi leads opposition march to Patna's EC office against electoral rolls revision
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday led a Mahagathbandhan march to the Election Commission's office in Patna to protest the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls before the Bihar assembly polls. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, who arrived in the state capital in the morning, was accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI general secretary D Raja and senior leaders of other opposition parties. Gandhi, along with the other leaders, were atop a vehicle during the protest march which started at Income Tax Golambar in Patna. Rail and road traffic were disrupted in parts of Bihar as workers of opposition parties hit the streets to enforce a statewide bandh called by the Mahagathbandhan. A large number of Opposition party leaders blocked the movement of road traffic on Patna's Mahatma Gandhi Setu by burning tyres. LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with Bihar party President Rajesh Ram, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI General Secretary D Raja, and others takes part in a protest rally during 'Bihar bandh' called by the INDIA bloc Independent Lok Sabha MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, along with his supporters, reached Sachiwalay Halt railway station and tried to disrupt the movement of railway traffic. Yadav's supporters blocked rail and road traffic in several parts of Patna as well as in other parts of the state, including Araria, Purnea, Katihar and Muzaffarpur. Speaking to reporters in Patna, he said, The Election Commission, through its special intensive revision of electoral rolls, is snatching voting rights from migrants, Dalits, Mahadalits, and poor voters. It's a conspiracy to block votes ahead of the Bihar assembly polls due later this year. Workers from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, CPI(ML) Liberation and CPM burnt tyres and blocked roads in support of the Bihar Bandh in Arwal, Jehanabad and Darbhanga as well. Meanwhile, adequate security arrangements have been made for bypolls to nagar panchayats in different parts of Patna district. SC to hear on July 10 pleas challenging EC's decision to undertake revision of electoral rolls in Bihar
Rahul Leads Oppn March To Patnas EC Office Against Special Intensive Revision Of Electoral Rolls
PATNA/ARWAL/JEHANABAD/DARBHANGA (BIHAR), Jul 9: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday led a Mahagathbandhan march to the Election Commissions office in Patna to protest the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls before the Bihar assembly polls. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, who arrived in the state capital in the morning, was accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI general secretary D Raja and senior leaders of other opposition parties. Gandhi, [] The post Rahul Leads Oppn March To Patnas EC Office Against Special Intensive Revision Of Electoral Rolls appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bihar to get four more Amrit Bharat express trains. Check details
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced four new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bihar, bringing the total to seven nationwide, with five originating from the state. These semi-high-speed trains, designed similarly to the Vande Bharat, include a daily Patna-Delhi service and weekly routes connecting Darbhanga to Gomti Nagar, Malda Town to Lucknow, and Saharsa to Amritsar.
Railway Minister announces key projects for poll-bound Bihar; says Rs 10,000 crore budget allotted
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Patna on Monday ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains and that a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen railway infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. The NDA government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore in this year's budget for rail infrastructure in Bihar, Vaishnaw told reporters. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations, he added. The four new trains will include a daily train from Patna to Delhi, weekly services from Darbhanga and Malda to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, services from Saharsa to Amritsar in Punjab, and a daily service from Jogbani to Erode in Tamil Nadu. The minister also announced that the Karpoori Gram railway station would now come under the Samastipur railway division. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Sonpur railway division. Speaking about upcoming railway infrastructure projects, the minister announced that a third rail line between Bhagalpur and Jamalpur, covering a distance of 53 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore. He further added that the doubling of the BakhtiyarpurRajgirTilaiya rail route, spanning 104 kilometres, will be carried out at a cost of Rs 2,017 crore. Another major project the doubling of the RampurhatBhagalpur route is also being planned, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,000 crore and a total distance of 177 kilometres. The minister also spoke about developments in the technology sector. He announced that two new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) for Bihar are ready and will be inaugurated soon. One is the new STPI building in Patliputra, Patna, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 53 crore, and the other is an upcoming STPI in Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, son of Karpoori Thakur, was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials.
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.
Rahul writes to PM Modi flagging delay in scholarships for students from marginalised communities
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging the deplorable conditions in residential hostels for Dalit, ST, EBC, OBC and minority students and the delay in post-matric scholarships for those from marginalised communities. In his letter to Modi, Gandhi urged the PM to resolve these two critical issues which he said hinder education opportunities for the 90 percent of students who are from marginalised communities. Firstly, the conditions in residential hostels for students from Dalit, ST, EBC, OBC and minority communities are deplorable. During a recent visit to Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, students complained about single rooms which 6-7 students were forced to share, unhygienic toilets, unsafe drinking water, lack of mess facilities, and no access to libraries or the internet, the Congress leader said. Secondly, post-matric scholarships for students from marginalised communities are plagued by delays and failures, Rahul said, citing the example of Bihar where he claimed the scholarship portal was non-functional for three years and no student received scholarship in 2021-22. Even thereafter, the number of Dalit students receiving scholarships fell by nearly half, from 1.36 lakh in FY23 to 0.69 lakh in FY24. Students further complain that the scholarship amounts are insultingly low, Gandhi said in his letter to Modi dated June 10. While I have cited examples from Bihar, these failures are widespread across the country. I urge the government to immediately take two actions to remedy these failures, he said. Gandhi called for audit every hostel for students from Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Backward Class (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and minority communities to ensure good infrastructure, sanitation, food and academic facilities; and allocate adequate funds to address deficiencies. He also appealed for disbursement of post-matric scholarships on time, increasing scholarship amounts, and improving execution by working closely with state governments. I am sure you agree that India cannot progress unless youth from marginalised communities progress. I look forward to your positive response, Gandhi said in his letter to Modi.
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.
Congress postpones Rahul's visit to Nalanda in Bihar after district admin denies permission
PATNA: Nalanda, home district of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, has suddenly become a favourite destination for opposition leaders to launch programmes ahead of assembly elections due in October-November. However, several hurdles have come their way. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to visit Rajgir in Nalanda district on May 27, but permission was reportedly not granted for the venue by the district administration, which stated that the hall (venue) was not vacant on the date. Rahul was to address a party sponsored Extremely Backward Castes (EBC) conference at Rajgir. The district administrations refusal to grant permission for the meeting has come as a rude shock for the state Congress leaders, who worked hard to decide the venue of the programme. We had applied to the district administration to book the hall where we wanted to hold our programme. Preparations were underway for the programme, but we were taken aback when we got letter of denial from the district administration, said a senior Congress leader. He said the partys outreach programme has been postponed and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit in first week of June. The party is finalising a fresh date of the programme in the wake of denial of permission for the venue, the leader said, requesting anonymity. The party leaders must have selected Rajgir as venue of the programme as chief minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar has assiduously cultivated the constituency of EBCs to improve his electoral clout in the state. Both Nalanda and EBC have special places in Nitishs heart. This is the second time that the Congress has been denied permission to hold its programme in the state. Earlier, the permission to hold a programme with students of SC/ST, OBC and EBC at Ambedkar Welfare Hostel in Darbhanga was denied on May 15. As Rahul defied the district administrations directive, he was booked for violating the order and a case was registered against him and other party leaders. Former Congress president, however, said that the cases were decorative medals for him. Earlier, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishors programme to launch his signature campaign to take feedback from residents of Kalyanbigha village (native place of Nitish) in Nalanda district failed as the district administration refused permission to him. Kishor later addressed a public meeting in Biharsharif, the district headquarters of Nalanda. It will not surprise anybody if RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav also travels to Nalanda to launch a blistering attack on his chacha Nitish before the assembly polls due in October-November.
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
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.
Rahul defies ban, addresses students in Darbhanga
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to hold a caste census 'out of fear' of the country's deprived population, to which the opposition was lending its voice.
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and gram sabhas across the country today, from Bihars Madhubani district, marking National Panchayati Raj Day. The PMs address, to be held in Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat under Jhanjharpur block, is expected to begin at 11.45 am. According to a press communique issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate a slew of development projects worth Rs 13,480 crore during his visit. In addition, PM Modi will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on the occasion. He will also confer the Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025. However, as a mark of respect following the recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, there will be no ceremonial felicitation of the Prime Minister or other dignitaries during the event. A native of Bihars Rohtas district, Manish Ranjanan Intelligence Bureau official posted in Hyderabadwas among those killed in the attack. This is PM Modis first visit to any state since the Pahalgam terror strike, and his second since February this year. His visit to Madhubani, located in the culturally significant Mithilanchal region, comes months ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, scheduled for October-November. Political observers view the visit as an attempt to consolidate voter support for the NDA, which secured 60 per cent of seats in north Bihar during the 2020 assembly elections. The Election Commission has already begun preparations, with a two-day training and capacity-building programme for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar commencing on Wednesday. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in Madhubani and neighbouring districts. Personnel from the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been deployed in the region to monitor the activities of sleeper cell operatives. A senior police officer said, Security agencies are ready to deal with any exigency. Search operation has been launched in Madhubani and Darbhanga districts as part of the policing. The two neighbouring districts have a history of providing shelter to operatives of sleeper cells of various terror groups.
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
