Bihar recorded historic polling of 65.08 per cent in first phase of Assembly elections, says EC

Bihar has registered a historic polling of 65.08 per cent in the first phase of the Assembly elections, the highest in the state's history, the Election Commission said on Saturday. As per the latest update provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Bihar, the turnout is 7.79 per cent more than the consolidated polling percentage of the 2020 Assembly polls, when 57.29 per cent of the electors had cast their votes. Two districts Muzaffarpur and Samastipur recorded over 70 per cent voting, according to EC. While Muzaffarpur registered 71.81 per cent turnout, it was 71.74 per cent in Samastipur. In the first phase of the polls, a total of 3.75 crore people were eligible to cast their votes at 45,341 polling stations, including 36,733 in rural areas, on November 6 to decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, of whom 1,192 are men and 122 women. Of the 3.75 crore voters, 1.98 crore are men and 1.76 crore women. Women had come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the November 6 polls. Other districts that recorded a high polling percentage were Madhepura (69.59), Saharsa (69.38), Vaishali (68.50) and Khagaria (67.90). Patna district recorded 59.02 per cent voting, while Lakhisarai registered 64.98 per cent, Munger 62.74 and Siwan 60.61. The remaining 122 seats of the 243-member assembly will vote on November 11, while the counting will take place on November 14. (With inputs from PTI) Bihar Assembly polls: Claims & counter-claims over turnout in first phase

Bihar Polls Phase 1: EC says final turnout at 65.08%, highest in states history

Bihar has made headlines with an unprecedented voter turnout in the initial phase of the assembly elections, where more than 65% of eligible citizens exercised their democratic right. This figure reflects a promising rise compared to past elections, especially with a notable spike in women's involvement. Districts such as Muzaffarpur and Samastipur outshone others, showcasing stellar turnout rates above 70%.

Bihar Elections: Record phase 1 turnout sets up 'sushasan vs jobs' showdown

In Bihars highest-ever voter turnout, nearly 65% of 3.75 crore electors cast their ballots on Thursday across 121 constituencies in the first phase of the assembly elections a high-stakes contest seen as a litmus test of the ruling NDAs popularity. In a statement, the Election Commission said the first phase of the assembly elections concluded peacefully in a festive mood with the highest-ever voter turnout of 64.66 percent in the history of Bihar. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Singh Gunjiyal said women came out in large numbers to cast their votes, with a lot of enthusiasm. The NDA, in power for much of the past two decades, is leaning on its image of sushasan or good governance, contrasting it with what it calls the jungle raj of the RJD-Congress years. The opposition bloc, meanwhile, is banking on anti-incumbency and Tejashwi Yadavs ambitious jobs-for-every-home pledge to challenge the ruling alliance. The polls for the 243-member assembly are being closely watched not only for their local implications but also as an early indicator of the political mood ahead of 2029, and follow the highly controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll by the EC, which came under attack from opposition parties for alleged igging and manipulation of voter lists. The second and the last phase will be held on November 11, and the counting will take place on November 14. Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise Stakes are high for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, with several key leaders , including RJD's Yadav, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, besides a slew of ministers, being among the 1,314 candidates in fray in this phase. Stray incidents of violence, including an alleged attack on Sinha's vehicle , were reported from some areas during the polling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed rallies in a couple of constituencies going to polls in the second and final phase, felt that the noticeably high number of women turning up to vote was a good sign for the NDA. Mothers, daughters, and sisters have been the worst sufferers of 'jungle raj'. Today, they seem to have put up a fortress around polling booths to prevent the return of 'jungle raj', Modi remarked. The NDA hopes that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's record, along with recent welfare measures such as 125 units of free power, Rs 10,000 cash transfers to over 1 crore women, and an increase in social security pensions, will help counter anti-incumbency. However, the opposition dismissed the boasts of the BJP-led coalition and hoped that people would vote for a change. RJD president Lalu Prasad, who hopes that his younger son and heir apparent Yadav will form the next government, came out with an evocative social media post, drawing the analogy of a oti. If a roti is not flipped on a tawa (pan), it gets burnt. Twenty years is a long time. A Tejashwi government is essential to build a new Bihar, Prasad wrote on X. There have also been allegations and counter-allegations from both sides on the polling day. Deputy CM Sinha, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term from Lakhisarai, claimed that one of the cars in his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters trying to intimidate voters belonging to extremely backward classes. On the other hand, the RJD alleged on X that voting had been deliberately slowed down in areas where the INDIA bloc was strongly placed, a charge promptly rejected by the EC. 'BJP will try to steal votes with all its might,' Rahul tells Bihar voters, urges youth to 'stop it' A notable feature of this election has been the presence of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, which the former political strategist believes could emerge as the proverbial dark horse. Kishor has caught public imagination with his promise of making the state among the top-ranking ones in the country, and to this end, he has not shied away from making a few bold statements, including his announcement that he intends to scrap the prohibition law, which has been bleeding the state dry. Polling was held across 18 districts, with Muzaffarpur and Samastipur recording the highest turnouts, as per the latest available data. Muzaffarpur recorded a turnout of 70.96 per cent, while the polling percentage in Samastipur stood at 70.63. Madhepura recorded 67.21 per cent turnout, followed by Vaishali at 67.37 per cent, Saharsa at 66.84 per cent, Khagaria at 66.36 per cent, Lakhisarai at 65.05 per cent, Munger at 60.40 per cent, Siwan at 60.31 per cent, Nalanda at 58.91 per cent, and Patna at 57.93 per cent. The low turnout in Patna was largely attributed to urban constituencies such as Bankipur, Digha, and Kumhrar, where electors are known to be less enthusiastic. According to the Election Commission, the assembly elections of 1951-52 saw the lowest voter turnout in the state at 42.6 per cent, while the one in 2000 saw the highest turnout before this, at 62.57 per cent. In the last assembly polls in 2020, held under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, a voter turnout of 57.29 per cent was recorded. The 2015 elections recorded a turnout of 56.91 per cent, while the one before that, in 2010, the polling percentage stood at 52.73. Politics in Bihar is as much about numbers as it is about castes. Caste and community loyalties remain crucial, with Yadavs, Kushwahas, Kurmis, Brahmins, and Dalits shaping outcomes in key constituencies. Understanding Bihars caste matrix: The key to unlocking poll outcomes in the state

Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise

PATNA/SAHEBGANJ/HAJIPUR: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections witnessed a high turnout of Muslim women voters, a trend that observers said underscored the impact of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Many women, especially from the Muslim community, returned to Bihar from other states where they live with their families to ensure their names remained valid on the electoral rolls and to cast their votes. Their concerns stemmed from the fear that prolonged absence from the state could lead to their names being deleted or duplicated elsewhere. Several voters said they had either applied to transfer their names from rolls in other states or requested deletion there to remain registered in Bihar. Political analysts in Patna noted that the surge in turnout reflected growing voter awareness following the SIR exercise, which reportedly saw the deletion of thousands of names across communities. Sabina Khatoon, 45, accompanied by her mother-in-law, Rubia, 57, and daughter Baby, 20, travelled from Nashik in Maharashtra to vote in Patna. SIR made us realise the importance of ensuring our names remain valid. In our mohalla, Phulwarisharif, over two dozen Muslim women have returned from Gujarat, Kolkata and Mumbai just to vote, she said, stressing that no Indian should miss the opportunity to participate in elections. Muslim-majority areas recorded significantly higher female voter participation compared with the 2020 Assembly polls. According to social activist Md Naqib from Sahebganj in Muzaffarpur, the increase was even more visible in rural regions, where the SIR drive had encouraged women from minority and other communities to become more conscious not only about voting but also about obtaining essential documents like birth certificates for their children. In Hajipur, officials estimated that the turnout of Muslim women rose by over 30% from the previous election. Sofia, a homemaker from Patna, said she spent Rs 10,000 travelling from Kolkata with her family to vote. The first phase thus saw a strong display of electoral awareness among women, particularly in districts affected by high male migration.

Bihar Election: Phase 1 Voter Turnout Stands at 60.13% Till 5 PM

Among the 18 districts, Begusarai recorded the highest turnout of 67.32 per cent, followed by Gopalganj at 64.96 per cent and Muzaffarpur at 64.63 per cent

Bihar Election 2025: Voter turnout of 54 per cent recorded till 3 pm

Polling was held across 18 districts, with Muzaffarpur and Gopalganj reporting turnouts above 58 per cent till 3 pm, while Patna recorded 48.69 per cent

Green message in Muzaffarpur: A sapling for every vote

A unique green election campaign is underway in Kurhani, Muzaffarpur. Four polling stations are designated as special booths. Voters receive saplings to promote environmental conservation alongside democratic participation. The initiative aims to connect voting with protecting the earth. This experiment could become a model for Bihar. It seeks to boost voter enthusiasm and spread a message of life.

Bihar will see portfolio of murder if RJD wins: Shah

PATNA: UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday vowed to make Bihar free from floods if the NDA retains power and claimed that the INDIA bloc would create three portfolios of murder, kidnapping and extortion if the opposition alliance gets a chance to form a government in the state. Shah also urged people to vote for the NDA to check the recurrence of jungle raj witnessed during the RJD regime in the state. Addressing election rallies in Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, Shah appealed to electors to cast votes to prevent the return of jungle raj that saw kidnappings, murders, atrocities. If voted to power, the NDA will make Bihar flood-free. It is our pledge. We will set up a separate ministry to ensure that Bihar is saved from flood fury, Shah said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chalked out a scheme to ensure water from Koshi, Ganga, and Gandak rivers reaches farmers fields for irrigation in Bihar. Shah termed the NDA allies -- BJP, JD(U), Chirag Paswans LJP (RV), HAM, and Kushwahas party -- as five Pandavas and said they will ensure Bihars prosperity. He acused Lalu Prasad and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of trying to make their sons Bihar CM and prime minister, respectively, and asserted that both posts are not vacant. Lalu & company and Rahul & company indulged in `12 lakh crore scams and corruption, Shah alleged. In Lakhisarai, Shah claimed that opposition INDIA bloc would be wiped out in the assembly elections as people would take revenge for Congress workers allegedly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modis mother and Rahul Gandhis remarks against Modis mother and Chhathi Maiya. He said that Rahul Gandhi insulted Chhathi Maiya while criticising PM Modi, saying those worshipping the goddess were doing drama. Taking a swipe at Sonia Gandhi, he exhorted people to press on EVM buttons having NDA symbols with such rage that the tremors were felt in Italy. Shah cites welfare schemes, pledges jobs for youth Highlighting welfare schemes launched under the leadership of Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the reduction in GST would help litchi growers in Bihar, adding that steps are being taken to set up a mega food park in Muzaffarpur with `20,000 crore investment. He also said one crore Bihar youths will be given jobs if the NDA wins.

Amit Shah: RJD Will Create Ministries of Crime if Elected

At rallies in Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, the home minister warned against the return of jungle raj and promised a flood-free Bihar under the NDA

Ministries for Murder, Kidnapping, Extortion: Amit Shah Targets Lalus Son in Bihar Rally

Muzaffarpur, Nov 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his family, alleging that if Lalus son Tejashwi Yadav came to power, Bihar would see the creation of three ministries for murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Addressing a poll rally in Muzaffarpur, Shah urged people [] The post Ministries for Murder, Kidnapping, Extortion: Amit Shah Targets Lalus Son in Bihar Rally appeared first on Northlines .

Bihar To See 3 New Portfolios For Murder, Kidnapping, Extortion If Lalus Son Voted To Power: Shah

Muzaffarpur, Nov 2: Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday unleashed a no-holds-barred attack on the family of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, alleging that if his son is voted to power, Bihar will see creation of three ministries for murder, kidnapping and extortion. On the other hand, if the NDA retains power, Bihar will be made flood-free, he claimed, while addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur. He urged people to vote for the NDA to check the recurrence of jungle raj witnessed [] The post Bihar To See 3 New Portfolios For Murder, Kidnapping, Extortion If Lalus Son Voted To Power: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Watch: Vote NDA to stop RJDs Jungle Raj - Amit Shah in Muzaffarpur

BJP lodges complaint with Bihar CEO against Rahul Gandhi over Bharat Natyam jibe at PM Modi

The BJP on Thursday filed a formal complaint with the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Bihar against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent campaign rallies. The complaint, submitted by Bindhyachal Rai, convenor of the partys Election Commission Coordination Department, alleged that Gandhis comments mocked and insulted the dignity of the Prime Ministers office, violating the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. At rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga on Wednesday, Gandhi had said, Narendra Modi is ready to enact all types of drama. You try telling him at a poll rally that, Mr Prime Minister, we will vote for you if you dance. He will readily perform Bharat Natyam. Calling the remarks personal and demeaning, the BJP urged the Election Commission to issue a show-cause notice to Gandhi, direct him to offer an unconditional public apology, and bar him from campaigning for a specific period to preserve the sanctity of democratic and electoral decorum. The party also accused the Congress leader of attempting to malign Modis image for political gain, describing it as a corrupt electoral practice. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Annapurna Devi accused Gandhi of hurting religious sentiments by allegedly mocking Chhath Puja. She referred to his remarks that Modi had planned to take a dip in the Yamuna during the festival but cancelled it after discovering that a clean-water puddle had been arranged because the river was polluted. Women of Purvanchal who observe the festival with a 36-hour nirjala fast are aggrieved by his comments, Annapurna Devi said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed Gandhi for his remarks targeting the Prime Minister, saying his comments had left even good leaders in the Congress embarrassed. The Congress party has suffered due to the comments of Rahul Gandhi. The good people in Congress too are embarrassed by his comments. No leader can speak in such a language, Rijiju said on the sidelines of the third national conference on the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). He added that the people of India would never bring the Congress back to power if Gandhi continued to speak in such a manner. Every time Rahul Gandhi opens his mouth, the party faces losses. The nation is progressing, but the Congress continues to face setbacks, the senior BJP leader remarked. Responding to the development, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera retorted: It is an irony that the Prime Minister, who uses terms like 'mujra' while targeting his opponents, has a problem with the word 'dance'. Khera was alluding to the May 25 comment of Modi. While addressing a rally in Bihar, the PM had said, I will foil the plans of the INDIA bloc to rob the SCs, STs and OBC of their rights and divert those to Muslims. They may remain enslaved and perform mujra to please their vote bank. Talking to reporters in Patna, Khera claimed that the BJP has no agenda and no report card to put before the public. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Annapurna Devi had alleged that Rahul Gandhi was maligning the sanctity of Chhath puja by terming it a drama. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was on a two-day campaign tour of Bihar, on Wednesday said Rahul Gandhi's remark on Chhath puja as an insult to the faith of devotees . In a post on X, the chief minister said Gandhis remarks reflected political immaturity and amounted to a gross insult to the faith of millions of Chhath devotees. His comment on Chhath and ridicule directed at Mother Yamuna clearly show that his thoughts are so much distanced from Indian culture, Sanatan tradition, and folk beliefs, she said. Gupta added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the Delhi government had ensured a remarkable confluence of faith and cleanliness at Yamuna ghats during Chhath celebrations, unlike in previous years when devotees were forced to worship amidst foam and filth. She said the BJPs commitment to faith and cleanliness stood in sharp contrast to Congresss negative politics. Calling Gandhis remarks on Modi derogatory and a reflection of political bankruptcy, the chief minister said the Congress had no agenda for Bihar and was resorting to personal accusations for cheap popularity. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi Slams Congress for Insulting Chhath Puja | Bihar Elections 2025 | #plainspeak | News18

In a fiery rally in Muzaffarpur, PM Narendra Modi strongly condemned Congress and the Mahagathbandhan for insulting the revered Chhath Puja, a festival celebrated far beyond Bihar and known worldwide. Modi called out Rahul Gandhis comment labeling the festival as drama, calling it an insult to Bihar's faith, culture, and the devotion of millions of women observing the demanding fast. He accused the opposition of disrespecting the sentiments of Biharis and vowed that such disrespect would not be tolerated. n18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Bihar elections 2025: PM Modi in Bihar`s Muzaffarpur hails NDA`s prominence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, announced a nationwide competition for Chhath songs to promote new artists and preserve cultural traditions. The winners, chosen by public vote, will be honoured before next years Chhath festival

What moral right PM has to ask for votes from women when crime peaked in Bihar under NDA: Congress' Jairam Ramesh

The Congress party has accused the NDA government in Bihar of presiding over a surge in crimes against women. Party leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted several incidents, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for votes. He cited the case of a young Dalit girl's death and the Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal.

RJD and Congress can never develop Bihar: PM Modi in Muzaffarpur rally

Mr. Modi claims that around 35,000 to 40,000 kidnappings had taken place during the RJDs regime

Modi lists 'katta, kushasan, katuta...' as 5 Ks to describe Congress-RJD rule, says 35,000 abductions took place under their watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress and RJD in Muzaffarpur, accusing them of insulting the Chhath Puja festival for votes. He contrasted his government's efforts to honor the festival with their alleged mockery, calling their alliance unnatural and driven by a hunger for power.

'Yuvraajs of corruption': PM Modi targets Rahul, Tejashwi, calls RJD-Congress alliance 'like water and oil'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday targeted the RJD-Congress alliance, calling it like water and oil, alleging deep internal rifts between the Mahagathbandhan partners. Addressing an election rally in Bihars Muzaffarpur, Modi claimed surveys showed the opposition alliance was headed for a humiliating defeat and accused it of making desperate and unrealistic promises. The biggest news in this election is not that abuses are being hurled at me. The biggest news is the infighting between Congress and the RJD. Both parties are pulling each other down despite being allies. The greed for power is the only thing that has brought them together, he alleged. Modi also claimed that Congress and RJD leaders were insulting 'Chhathi Maiyya' to get votes in the Bihar elections, and the people of the state will not forgive them for centuries. The women who observe such a long fast without water... The women who stand in the Ganga Ji and offer arghya to Surya Dev. In the eyes of RJD-Congress, they are doing a drama. Will the mothers and sisters of Bihar tolerate this insult to Chhathi Maiya? I know that no person from Bihar can forget this insult to Chhathi Maiya... he said. The statement came a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the PM had tried to enact a drama by planning to take a dip in the Yamuna at Delhi on the occasion of Chhath Puja. The prime minister added that efforts were underway to secure a UNESCO heritage tag for the Chhath festival. It is my first tour of Bihar after Chhath Puja, which is now famous world over. The festival stands not just for devotion but also for equality, a reason why my government is trying to get a UNESCO heritage tag for this festival, he said. But while this son of yours is busy ensuring that Chhath gets the honour that is its due, the Congress-RJD people are heaping scorn on the festival, calling it a drama, a nautanki, said Modi, without mentioning any leader by name. Meanwhile, Modi targeted Rahul and Tejashwi Yadav, calling them Yuvraajs of corruption and alleging that the RJD and Congress had joined hands to grab power at any cost so they could loot Bihar. Terming his opponents as aamdar (people with a pedigree), the PM said, They cannot stomach the fact that a backward class leader, who used to sell tea, has attained such heights. They need to know I do not owe my achievements to their benediction but to the blessings of the people and the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar. In Bihars electoral battle, there is now a pair of Yuvraajs who consider themselves Yuvraajs. They have opened shops of false promises. One is the Yuvraaj of Indias most corrupt family, and the other is the Yuvraaj of Bihars most corrupt family. Both of them are out on bail in scams worth thousands of crores of rupees... These two have been hurling abuses at Modi nonstop. But what else can we expect? Those who are 'Naamdaar' will obviously insult a 'Kkaamdar'. For these naamdaars, their meals dont digest until theyve cursed a kaamdar, Modi added. Modi intensified his attack on the RJD, reviving his jungle raj charge and accusing the party of fostering lawlessness and corruption in Bihar. He said the RJD-Congress alliance could be identified by five things katta, kroorta, katuta, kushasan and corruption. RJD-Congress can be identified by five things. What have the RJD-Congress done? I will tell you about these five words Katta, Kroorta, Katuta, Kushasan, and Corruption... Where there is 'katta', where cruelty reigns, there the law breaks down, he said. Modi further claimed that nearly 35,00040,000 kidnappings took place during the RJDs rule. During the RJDs rule, nearly 3540 thousand kidnappings took place. Todays youth can hardly imagine how terrifying that situation was. The crying and distressed parents made no difference to the RJD then, and even today, they have no concern for your happiness or sorrow, he said. Alleging that RJD goons used to loot vehicle showrooms during its rule, Modi said, During the jungle raj, even car dealerships and vehicle showrooms were forced to shut down, not because there was no business potential, but because RJD leaders, along with their gangs, would loot the showrooms, steal the vehicles, and terrorise the owners. Because of the misdeeds of RJD and Congress, lakhs of young people were left unemployed and forced to migrate in search of livelihood. When we recall those days of jungle raj, we realise how dangerous the situation truly was, the prime minister added.

Bihar Election 2025: PM Modi slams RJD-Congress governance: 'Katta, Kroorta, Katuta, Kushasan and Corruption'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took jabs at the 'misgovernance' of the Opposition party during the election rally in Muzaffarpur. He described the rule of Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress party in Bihar, in five words, stating Katta, Kroorta, Katuta, Kushasan and Corruption.

LIVE | PM Modi tears into Tejashwi, Rahul at Muzaffarpur rally; says 'Jungle Raj wont return'

Rahul: BJP running Nitish govt through remote control

At rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga, Rahul Gandhi accused PM Narendra Modi of doing anything for votes and claimed that the BJP runs the Nitish Kumar government through remote control. He urged people to support Tejashwi Yadav and promised a government for all communities

Bihar polls: PM Modi to hold rallies in Muzaffarpur, Chhapra on Oct 30

In a post on X, PM Modi announced that he address a rally at Muzaffarpur in Bihar at 11 AM on Thursday and later at Chhapra at 12:45 PM. On Wednesday, Congress` Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in poll-bound Bihar

In No-Holds-Barred Attack, Rahul Alleges PM Can Do Anything For Votes

MUZAFFARPUR/DARBHANGA, Oct 29: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday unleashed a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of doing anything for votes and alleging that the BJP was running the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar through remote control. Gandhi made the statements, kicking off his assembly poll campaign in the state by holding back-to-back rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. Addressing joint rallies alongside the INDIA blocs CM face Tejashwi Yadav, You must have seen the drama on [] The post In No-Holds-Barred Attack, Rahul Alleges PM Can Do Anything For Votes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Tejashwi promises gas cylinders for Rs 500; calls on Biharis to drive out government controlled by 'baahari'

The INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, on Wednesday, promised that cooking gas cylinders would be made available for Rs 500 if the opposition alliance came to power in Bihar. Speaking at a rally in Muzaffarpur, where he shared the stage with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi said, Gas cylinders will be available for Rs 500 if Tejashwi forms the next government. Taking a jibe at the Nitish Kumar led NDA government, Tejashwi reiterated his allegation that the JDU leader is being made a puppet by the BJP who has been running the state hrough remote control. But, we Biharis must drive out the government which is being controlled by outsiders ( baahari ), who seek votes in Bihar but care for setting up factories only in Gujarat, he said. The RJD leader, who has been campaigning in a T-shirt, in an obvious bid to underscore his youthful appeal, in contrast with CM Kumar, who is in his mid-70s, also made the crowds chant slogans in favour of 'yuva ki sarkaar.' Tejashwi also claimed that the slew of populist measures taken in the recent past by the NDA government in the state had been a copy of whatever he had promised earlier. Citing an example, Yadav said, We had promised 200 units of free electricity. Those in power got scared that this would resonate with voters. So, they made 125 units free. The RJD leader also sought to draw a contrast between his women-centric promises like 'Mai Bahin Yojana', which proposes a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500, and the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' recently launched by the Nitish Kumar government, as part of which Rs 10,000 have been transferred into accounts of over 1 crore women. We are promising assistance. What the government has offered is money given on credit, which they will seek to recover with interest, claimed Yadav. The RJD leader's posturing may be seen as an attempt to wean away a section of women voters of the state, who have been said to be more inclined towards the NDA. He also reiterated his promise of ensuring that one member of each household in the state had a government job, saying people's aspirations were set to soar, like a ball hit for a six. Naukri milega pakka. Ummedon kaa lagega chhakka, said Yadav, evoking wild applause from the crowds. Apparently mindful of the taints of corruption on his family and allegations of 'jungle raj' levelled by the NDA on the RJD rule, Yadav vowed to adopt an uncompromising stance on the two scourges. (With inputs from PTI)

'SIR stands for chunav chori': Rahul Gandhi launches Bihar campaign, trains guns on PM Modi in Muzaffarpur rally

BIHAR (Sakara) Arriving late but greeted by roaring crowds, Rahul Gandhi captured the hearts of a mostly youthful audience waving Congress and RJD flags amid the shimmering rain. Launching his first election rally in Bihars Muzaffarpur after weeks of silence over the Mahagathbandhans seat-sharing dispute, the Congress leader chose Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the prime target of his attack. As politics often springs surprises especially in Bihar, where history has witnessed many Rahul Gandhi intriguingly spared Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the expected NDA chief ministerial face, from his direct attack. This move took even Congress and RJD supporters by surprise. Equally notable was that Rahul, despite being part of the Mahagathbandhan, did not frequently mention Tejashwi Yadav in his address, keeping his focus largely on Modi. Arriving late by helicopter, Rahul shared the stage with the Mahagathbandhans CM face Tejashwi Yadav for the first time at an election rally. Opening his speech, he asked the crowd, How is the mood? The audience responded enthusiastically, shouting, Josh is high, badlo sarkar! From there, Rahul launched a series of blistering attacks on Prime Minister Modi at Muzaffarpurs Sakra Assembly seat, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. Ask Modi ji to come on stage and dance he will dance before the election, Rahul told the crowd. But after the election, he will disappear. You will find him only at Ambanis wedding. He also criticised the Delhi governments Chhath preparations, calling them part of Modis drama. Modi ji has nothing to do with Chhath or with Bihari people; he only puts on a show, Rahul asserted, mocking the Prime Ministers claims about providing cheap internet data. He gave cheap data, but gave profits to Ambani, he taunted, adding that the Mahagathbandhan government would create a new Bihar. However, this remark didnt elicit much applause. Many young listeners were heard saying, Whose company gives data doesnt matter what matters is that we get it cheaply. Amid the pouring rain a result of the approaching cyclone at a venue located in a densely populated Muslim and Scheduled Caste area, Rahul Gandhi continued lashing out at the Prime Minister, accusing him of attacking the Constitution. Whatever rights you enjoy today come from the Constitution, he said. But that Constitution is under attack by the BJP and RSS. Modi ji is stealing elections he stole them in Maharashtra and Haryana, and now hes trying in Bihar. Be cautious, Rahul warned. He also described the BJP as being against social justice. Using the acronym SIR, Rahul said it stood for chunav chori. He further alleged that land in Mumbais Dharavi where many people from Bihar run small businesses had been handed over to a billionaire. Criticising Modi over GST and demonetisation, he claimed both had destroyed small businesses. The Mahagathbandhan, he said, wanted everything to be Made in Bihar, not Made in China. Continuing his fierce attack, Rahul reiterated that Modi and the BJP were anti-poor and opposed to social justice. Modi ji wants to end elections; hes in the business of vote chori. But the people of Bihar are wise and understand everyones intentions in politics, he declared. He assured the crowd that if the Mahagathbandhan formed the government, it would be inclusive and representative of all religions. It will take time, but our vision is to make Bihar a global centre, he promised, adding that the people of Bihar possess exceptional intelligence. Rahul Gandhi also accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of being remotely controlled by the BJP. The BJP is using Nitish Kumars face but running the government from behind the scenes, he said, concluding that during his yatra, people had clearly expressed their strong desire for change in Bihar.

BJP running Bihar govt through remote control using Nitish Kumar's face, alleges Rahul Gandhi at Muzaffarpur rally

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of controlling Bihar's government remotely, using Nitish Kumar as a figurehead. He criticized the ruling party for opposing social justice and allowing a monopoly in telecom, while highlighting the emergence of two Indias: one for the masses and another for billionaires. Gandhi also alleged attempts to manipulate elections in Bihar.

LIVE| Rahul Gandhi kicks off Bihar campaign from Muzaffarpur, joins Tejashwi Yadav in public meet

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc to release election manifesto in Patna today, Rahul likely to skip event

PATNA: The INDIA bloc will release its joint election manifesto for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections on Tuesday evening. The event is expected to see leaders of all the parties who are contesting the elections together. After bitterness over seat-sharing issues, the release of a joint manifesto will come as a boost to the INDIA bloc partners. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, however, will not be present at the event as he is expected to address public rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga on Wednesday. Opposition chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said that the election manifesto will present a blueprint of a five-year plan if the opposition alliance is voted to power after the election. It will focus on unemployment, inflation, migration, education, and farmers issues. Taking a swipe at the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Tejashwi said, We have declared the CM candidate, but what about the NDA? They have so far not declared their CM face nor have talked about their vision for Bihars development. He slammed NDA for talking only about negative things. People are in a mood to change the 20-year-old khatara (rotten) government. We have already launched the election campaign. Even today, we have to address rallies at several places, he added. During his recent rallies in Muslim dominated Katihar and Kishanganj, RJD leader claimed that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would be repealed if the opposition was voted to power. The Waqf (Amendment) Act will be thrown into dustbin if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, he said. Soon after the release of the manifesto, senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, are scheduled to address various rallies in the state. The dates of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadras rallies in Bihar have been changed, and these will now take place on October 30 and November 1. Earlier, it was due to begin on October 28, coinciding with the manifesto release. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is likely to kickstart her election campaign from Bachhwara in Begusrai on October 30. For the NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed public rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai last week. He will visit the state again on October 30. The prime minister is expected to attend a road show in Patna as well. Both the Congress and the BJP have released their list of star campaigners for the election. The first phase of polling will be held on November 6 and the second phase on November 11. The election results will be declared on November 14.

Bihar Assembly election LIVE: INDIA bloc to release poll manifesto today

Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will join the election campaign in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts on October 29

INDIA bloc to release poll manifesto on October 28; Rahul to join campaign

Rahul Gandhi to hold his first election campaign in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga on October 29; Tejashwi slams the Central government and accuses it of telling lies about running special trains during Chhath

Bihar: Rahul Gandhi to Hold Rallies in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga on Oct 29

Gandhi's first rally will be at the reserved constituency of Sakra in Muzaffarpur, where the party has fielded Umesh Ram, the runner-up of the 2020 polls, said a statement issued by Rajesh Rathore, the chairperson of the state Congress media cell, on Monday.

JD(U) expels 16 rebels, including sitting MLA, two former MLAs, ahead of Bihar Assembly polls

PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) initiated disciplinary action against its 16 rebel leaders ahead of state assembly elections. A sitting MLA and two former MLAs are among the leaders who have been expelled from the party. Most of the leaders are contesting the election against candidates of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), of which JD(U) is a part of. The suspended leaders have been accused of being involved in anti-party activities and violating the partys ideology. Prominent among those who have been expelled are Gopalpur MLA Narendra Niraj alias Gopal Mandal, former MLC Sanjeev Shyam Singh and former minister Hemraj Singh. Gopal Mandal staged a dharna outside the chief ministers residence in Patna after he learned that the party was planning to drop him from the seat. He became more vocal after JD(U) fielded Bulo Mandal, a former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader from Gopalpur. Later, Gopal Mandal filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from the same seat. After filing his nomination, Gopal appealed to the electorate to vote for him as he was a true follower of JD(U) ideology. Gopal Mandal also expressed his faith in Nitish Kumars leadership. However, it did not cut ice. JD(U) expels 11 leaders for anti-party activities in poll-bound Bihar Bulo Mandal filed his nomination from the Gopalpur seat. I have already launched my election campaign, said Bulo Mandal. Sanjeev Shyam Singh is fighting from the Gurua assembly seat in Gaya district as a candidate of Jan Suraaj Party. Similarly, Hemraj Singh is contesting the election from Katihar in the Seemanchal region as an Independent candidate. Two other MLAs against whom disciplinary action has been initiated areMaheshwar Prasad Yadav and his aide Prabhat Kiran. Both the leaders had criticised the JD(U) top leadership over the distribution of tickets in the upcoming assembly elections. Yadav, a former MLA, came out in the open against Komal Singh, who has been fielded from the Gaighat seat in Muzaffarpur district. The expulsions were announced in two separate communications issued, one on late Saturday and the other on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, JD(U) expelled 11 leaders, including former minister Shailesh Kumar. Others include Sanjay Singh, former MLC, Shyam Bahadur Singh, former MLA, Ranvijay Singh, former MLC, MLA Sudarshan Kumar, Ashma Parveen, Amar Kumar Singh Luv Kumar, Divyanshu Bhardwaj, Asha Suman and Vivek Shukla. Meanwhile, former MLA Jai Kumar Singh has also expressed his displeasure over the selection of candidates for the 2025 assembly elections. Jai is contesting the election from Dinara as an Independent while Sudarshan Kumar is pitted against JD(U) nominee Pushpanjay Kumar on the Barbigha seat in Sheikhpura district. Homecoming Vote: Migrant workers returning for Chhath puja could decide Bihar polls

Homecoming Vote: Migrant workers returning for Chhath puja could decide Bihar polls

NEW DELHI: With nearly 70 lakh Bihari migrant workers returning home for the Chhath festival on October 2728, just a week before the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls, political experts expect a surge in voter turnout across the state's 243 constituencies. The Assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting and results scheduled for November 14. According to estimates, around 2.5 to 3.1 crore Biharis work outside the state, including 8090 lakh who migrate annually for work as labourers, masons, mechanics, and other trades. The migrant workers coming home, mostly labourers and employees working in factories, construction sites, and offices across India, are being considered a decisive voter bloc. Many of them are likely to stay back and vote, especially in districts that recorded low polling in 2020. Both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan (opposition grand alliance) are urging migrant workers to stay back and vote, portraying it as a duty to ensure a better future for Bihar. The majority of those who come (for the festival) belong to Scheduled Castes and marginalised communities whose families benefit from government welfare schemes. Their womenfolk will certainly think of the NDA, not the RJD, claimed a BJP leader. However, RJD leaders disagreed, claiming that the migrant workers facing hardship in other BJP-ruled states would not vote for the NDA in Bihar. Those who face hardship outside Bihar due to unemployment and poor development under NDA rule will never vote for the NDA, said a senior RJD functionary. Those who feel humiliated or exploited in other states are less likely to vote for parties aligned with those governments, admitted a senior NDA leader, requesting anonymity. The NDA leader, however hoped that rust in Modi and the work done by Nitish Kumar may convince the migrant workers to back the JDU-led alliance. While the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan has made joblessness a central campaign issue, the ruling NDA has highlighted job creation and social welfare to counter the attack. Both camps are actively reaching out to returning migrants through local networks, community meetings, and WhatsApp groups. Districts such as Purnia, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Gaya, Jehanabad, Saran, Motihari, Jamui, Nawada, and Aurangabad all major hubs of outmigration are expected to see higher participation this time. Poll analysts believe the Kosi region, plagued by recurrent floods and high migration, could witness a sharp rise in voting, with nearly half of the returnees expected to stay through election day. Similar trends are anticipated in the Tirhut and Purnia divisions, depending on migrants ability to sustain themselves economically after Chhath. Waqf Act will be thrown into dustbin if INDIA bloc voted to power in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav JD(U) expels 11 leaders for anti-party activities in poll-bound Bihar

PM Modi to visit poll-bound Bihar on October 30

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on October 30 to attend programs in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra, BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said. Modi has already addressed rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, launching the NDAs campaign for the November 6 and 11 Assembly elections.

Rise and rise of Son of Mallah in Bihar political potboiler

PATNA: The INDIA bloc has finally yielded ground to Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, who was on Thursday formally announced as deputy chief ministerial face of the Opposition alliance for the Bihar Assembly elections. It has been a meteoric rise for 44-year-old Sahani. Starting as a Bollywood set designer, he chose politics as his next career, formed a new party in 2018, contested 2020 Assembly elections as part of NDA and finally ended up as a hard bargainer in the 2025 state polls. Sahanis party has no MLA in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. Better known as Son of Mallah, Sahani is now with INDIA bloc comprising the RJD, Congress and three Left partiesCPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M). He comes from Mallah (fishermen) community, an EBC, which constitutes nearly 2.5% of Bihars population, as per the caste survey conducted in 2022-23. Mallahs, Sahanis and Nishads constitute nearly 9% of the states population. The VIP chief is expected to tilt their votes towards the INDIA bloc. Mallahs, a sub-caste of Nishad community, are spread across the state but have influence in certain constituencies in north Bihar, particularly Mithilanchal and Seemanchal regions. Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Supaul, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Khagaria, East Champaran and West Champaran are among districts where fishermen have sizeable population. Elated over being named as INDIA blocs deputy CM face, Sahani targeted BJP, saying, BJP ko jab tak hum todenge nahi, tab tak chhodenge nahi (I will not let go until I cause a split in BJP). Sahani said that he had been waiting for the moment (being declared deputy CM face) for the last three and a half years. He narrated how his MLAs were poached by the BJP after he raised the issue of reservation for fishermen in Bihar and other states. I have not forgotten the moment when I was dropped from the Nitish cabinet, and my MLAs were poached by BJP. I had vowed then to teach BJP a lesson at an opportune time. And that time has come, he told this reporter. In the 2020 Assembly elections, four VIP candidates won. In November 2021, its Bochahan MLA Musafir Sahni died. In the by-election, the BJP fielded its candidate on the seat earlier held by VIP. Moreover, Sahanis decision to contest elections in Uttar Pradesh against the BJP strained their relationship. Barely a week before the first phase of the Assembly elections in 2020, Sahani had jumped from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and aligned with the BJP and JD(U). He had then accused RJD and its allies of betrayal as his party was sidelined in the seat-sharing deal. But after his bitter experience with the BJP after 2020 elections, he again aligned with RJD-Congress-led Mahagathandhan and is eyeing better performance in the Assembly polls to be held on November 6 and 11. Sahani initially demanded 25 seats and a deputy CM post but has to settle with 15 seats and deputy CM post. VIP chief likely to tip poll scales in favour of INDIA Sahanis party has no MLA in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. Better known as Son of Mallah, Sahani is now with INDIA bloc comprising the RJD, Congress and three Left partiesCPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M). He comes from Mallah (fishermen) community, an EBC, which constitutes nearly 2.5% of Bihars population, as per the caste survey conducted in 2022-23. Mallahs, Sahanis and Nishads constitute nearly 9% of the states population. The VIP chief is expected to tilt their votes towards INDIA.

Former RJD MP Anil Sahni joins BJP ahead of Bihar polls; cites injustice to EBCs

PATNA: The main Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday suffered a major setback ahead of the Bihar assembly elections after former MP Anil Sahni resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of senior leaders, including Union Minister and Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan. Sahnis name had figured in the RJDs list of 40 star campaigners for the upcoming elections. A former MLA from Kurhani assembly seat, Sahni was reportedly upset with the party leadership after his son was denied a ticket from the constituency. The RJD has fielded Babloo Kushwaha as its candidate from Kurhani in Muzaffarpur district. After joining the BJP, Sahni accused the RJD of doing injustice to people belonging to Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). He alleged that dedicated party workers were being sidelined, while new entrants were being given tickets for the polls, leading to resentment among grassroots cadres. Sahni had contested the 2020 assembly election from Kurhani on an RJD ticket and won by defeating Kedar Prasad Gupta of the BJP. However, he was later debarred from contesting elections after being convicted in a forged air-ticket scandal probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In the 2022 bypoll, BJPs Kedar Prasad Gupta won the seat. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal welcomed Sahni into the party, saying his induction would strengthen the BJPs support base in Muzaffarpur and adjoining districts. Former MLA Asha Devi also joined the BJP along with Sahni.

Stage set for first phase of polls, 1.3K in fray for 121 seats

PATNA: In all, 1,314 candidates are left in the fray for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled on November 6. This phase covers 121 seats and will mainly see a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc. Eighteen districts are covered in this phase, with Muzaffarpur, Kurhani, Mahnar, and Bahadur seeing the highest number of contestants. Election Commission sources said 1,690 candidates had filed nominations between October 10 and 17, but 135 were rejected for technical reasons. The last day for withdrawal of nominations was on October 20. The phase will test the popularity of Bihar CM Nitish Kumars JD(U) and Lalu Prasads RJD. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary (Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), along with Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav (Raghopur), will be among the top leaders facing voters. The maximum number of 20 candidates each are in the fray in Kurhani and Muzaffarpur, while Alauli and Parbatta have the fewest, with five each. In Patna, 149 candidates are in the fray, with nine withdrawals. Paliganj has the highest competition with 14 contestants. Bhagalpur has 102 nominees, with Nathnagar seeing 21. Mahnar in Vaishali has 18 candidates, while Bahadur has 17. Key candidates include JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha from Mahnar and RJDs Bhola Yadav, a close aide of Lalu Prasad. Health Minister Mangal Pandey is contesting from Siwan, while Nitin Nabin, a former minister, is in the fray from Bankipur. Former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav will face RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav, seeking re-election from jail. Shashank Shekhar, IIT Delhi alumnus, is contesting Patna Sahib on a Congress ticket against BJPs Ratnesh Kushwaha. Other notable contestants include Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD), folk singer Maithili Thakur (Alinagar), Mohammad Shahabuddins son Osama Sahab (Raghunathpur), and ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (Sarairanjan), Shravan Kumar (Nalanda), Jibesh Mishra (Jale), Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga), and Ratnesh Sada (Sonbarsa).

Bihar Assembly polls: Nitish launches campaign, takes swipe at Lalu for doing nothing for women

The JD(U) president, who is seeking a record fifth consecutive term in office, was addressing his maiden election rally in Minapur constituency of Muzaffarpur district

'NDA starting election campaign with rock-solid unity,' says Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal

Jaiswal stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is kick-starting his election campaign from today onwards from Minapur and Kanti Assembly constituencies in Muzaffarpur, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his election campaign on October 24 and address two public rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai.

Bihar Assembly Elections: NDA to launch campaign with Modi, Nitish rallies

On October 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up to rally support in Bihar, making stops in Begusarai and Samastipur. Meanwhile, Bihars Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kicks off his campaign on October 21 with rallies in Minapur and Kanti, Muzaffarpur.

PM Modi to launch the election campaign from Karpoorigram in Bihar

Bihar BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said that PM would then address an election rally in Begusarai on the same day. He added that PM Modi will then visit Bihar on October 30 to address election rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chapra

PM Modi to launch Bihar election campaign on Oct 24 with two back-to-back rallies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his campaign for the Bihar assembly polls next week. He has four rallies scheduled by the end of October. The Prime Minister will address gatherings in Samastipur and Begusarai on October 24. He will return on October 30 for rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra. Further rally details will be announced soon.

Meet man whose father sold land to support his dream of becoming IAS officer, but he failed to clear UPSC interview, now he is working as...

He completed his primary education from the government middle school in his village, Chhitarooli, and later went on to complete his high school education from Maniyari in Muzaffarpur. Read here to know more about him.

Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani opts out of Bihar polls, focuses on strengthening INDIA bloc

PATNA: Former state minister and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani on Friday announced that he would not contest upcoming Bihar assembly election and focus on improving partys performance. Talking to media persons, Sahani said that he decided not to contest the election as it would divert his focus from party to the seat from where he would contest the election. If I am not in the fray, I can move across the state and mobilise support for our candidate, he added. Sahani was in Darbhanga to attend nomination filing of his brother Santosh Sahani from Gaura-Bauram assembly constituency as VIP candidate. Earlier, Mukesh Sahani was set to contest election from the same seat. But later he fielded his brother from the seat. In response to a query, he said, I have decided not to contest the election. My focus will be on ensuring victory of our candidates and strengthening partys presence everywhere in Bihar. This election is significant as it is poised to witness a change at the helm of affairs. He said that Bihar was placed on the threshold of change. Bihar Badlo chahta hai (Bihar wants change). It is palpable everywhere, VIP chief said, adding that it seems to be inevitable. When asked about going to Rajya Sabha, Sahani said that he was not interested in the Upper House and wanted to become deputy chief of Bihar. Sources said that he was offered a Rajya Sabha seat when he exerted pressure on the Opposition alliance for more number of seats to his party in the ensuing election. He said that he would work for the victory of all candidates of Grand Alliance, a part of INDIA bloc, in the Bihar elections. He, however, refused to disclose the number of seats allotted to VIP. We will work to strengthen the support base of the Opposition alliance, he added. He, however, did not miss the opportunity to stake his claim for deputy chief ministers post. VIP has fielded six candidates for the first phase of election. VIP national spokesperson Dev Jyoti said that party candidates filed their nomination papers from six assembly constituencies on the last date of filing of nomination on Friday. He said that Bhogendra Sahni has been fielded from Aurai assembly seat in Muzaffarpur seat. Santosh Sahani and Rakesh Kumar filed their nominations from Gauri-Bauram and Paroo assembly seats. Similarly, Umesh Sahani, Ganesh Bharti and Navin Nishad filed nominations from Darbhanga Town, Kusheshwarsthan and Alamnagar seats, respectively. Dev Jyoti said that the names of party candidates for assembly constituencies going to polls in the second phase would be announced later.

Congress releases first list of 48 candidates for Bihar assembly polls

PATNA: After much hiccups, the Congress finally released its first official list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The list of candidates has been released by K C Venugopal, general secretary of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), late on Thursday. The party has given tickets to five women and four Muslim candidates in the first official announcement of its candidates. It has retained 11 sitting MLAs, which includes Bhagalpur, Kadwa, Manihari, Muzaffarpur, Rajapakar, Buxar, Rajpur, Kutumba, Kargahar, Hisua and Aurangabad. Congress and RJD leaders were in constant deliberations over some seats, including Kahalgaon, Vaishali and Narkatiaganj seats. The deadlock over seat-sharing among the INDIA bloc partners may have finally been broken hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge took matters into their own hands and talked to Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad over the phone on Thursday. The party had, a day before, started releasing the names of some candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar on the official handle of its Bihar unit. Congress had also posted photos of the candidates receiving their nomination certificates. This comes even as the seat-sharing arrangement between the Mahagathbandhan allies has not been officially finalised yet. According to the list, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram and Congress legislature party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan will contest from Kutumba and Korha (reserved) assembly constituencies respectively. In addition, Pratima Kumari has been fielded from Rajapakar (reserved), Shiv Prakash Garib Das from Bachhwara, Amita Bhushan from Begusarai and Braj Kishore Ravi from Rosera assembly constituencies. Similarly, Umesh Ram has been fielded from Sakra (reserved) constituency, Bijendra Choudhary from Muzaffarpur, Pratima Kumari from Rajapakar, Savita Kumari from Sonbarsa (reserved), and Punam Paswan from Korha assembly seat. Dr Chandan Yadav will be in the poll fray from Khagaria. Shyam Bihari Prasad will contest from Raxaul, Shashi Bhushan Rai from Govindganj and Wasi Ahmad from Bettiah. Amit Kumar Singh Tunna will fight from Riga, Navin Kumar from Bathnaha, Jayesh Mangal Singh from Bagaha, Amit Giri from Nautan, Abhishek Ranjan from Chanpatia, Nitu Kumari from Hisua, Awadhesh kumar Singh from Wazirganj, Anand Shanker Singh from Aurangabad, Santosh Mishra from Kargahar, and Mangal Ram from Chenari (reserved) seats. pic.twitter.com/io0WmcA5sG Congress (@INCIndia) October 16, 2025

Bihar elections: Congress begins allotting party symbols, BJP completes list of its 101 candidates

PATNA: With barely two days left for filing nomination papers for the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections , political activities have intensified in the state. Congress, a major ally of the Opposition INDIA bloc, has started allotting party symbols to its candidates even as a seat-sharing deal is yet to be formally announced. Congress released its list of 17 candidates , posting the announcement on its official X handle even as seat-sharing arrangements within INDIA bloc remained unresolved. The party has fielded Anand Shanker Singh from Aurangabad, Pratima Das from Rajapakar, Shiv Prakash Garib Das from Bachhawara and Kaushalendra Kumar (Chhote Mukhiya) from Nalanda. Similarly, Om Prakash Garg will contest election from Gopalganj, Jitendra Singh from Amarpur, Amita Bhushan from Begusarai, Lalan Kumar from Sultanganj, Rajesh Kumar from Kutumba, Shashi Sekhar from Warsaliganj, Trishuldhari Singh from Barbigha, Vijendra Choudhary from Muzaffarpur. In addition, Shashi Bhushan Rai has been fielded from Govindganj, Anil Kumar from Bikram, and B K Ravi from Rosera assembly seats. Sources said that more names would be cleared after consultation with leaders of the INDIA bloc. The Congress Central Election Committee (CCEC) had approved candidates for 43 seats. The sub-committee, headed by Ajay Makan, is said to have cleared the names of eight more candidates on Wednesday. BJP releases first list of 71 candidates for Bihar Assembly elections In the ruling NDA camp, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released names of all 101 candidates. The third list of 18 candidates were released late on Wednesday. According to the list, Bina Devi will contest from Kochadhaman, Sangita Kumari from Mohania, Sanjay Pandey from Narkatiaganj, Satish Kumar Yadav from Raghopur and Bharat Bind from Bhabua. Murari Paswan will join the fray from Pirpainti and Ashok Kumar Singh from Ramgarh. Earlier the party has released second list of 12 candidates, including folk singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar and former IPS officer Anand Mishra from Buxar. With this, the BJP has announced candidates for all 101 seats. NDAs ally--Janata Dal (United) has released its first list of 57 candidates. Senior leaders like Umesh Kushwaha and Vijendra Prasad Yadav have already filed their nominations from the Mahnar and Supaul seats. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary is expected to file his nomination papers from Sarairanjan on Thursday. Under the seat-sharing pact within NDA, BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, LJP(RV) 29, HAM and RLM six seats each. Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The total number of voters stands at 7.42 crore, down from 7.89 crore in June this year. BJP conspiring to impose President's rule in Bihar after assembly elections, claims RJD leader Tejashwi

Congress starts announcing Bihar poll candidates amid seat-sharing deadlock

The Congress party late Wednesday night unilaterally began announcing its candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, even as negotiations with its key Mahagathbandhan ally, the RJD, remain unresolved. The party's Bihar unit began revealing its nominees via its official X handle, bypassing a traditional official list and instead posting photos of candidates receiving their nomination certificates. The initial list announced on social media includes several prominent and key constituency candidates: Rajesh Ram, the Bihar Congress state president, has been fielded from the Kutumba assembly constituency. Shashi Shekhar Singh is set to contest from the Wazirganj seat. Kaushlendra Kumar, alias Chhote Mukhiya, was named the INDIA bloc candidate for Nalanda. The party fielded Trishuldhari Singh from Barbeegha and Pratima Das from Rajapakad. Bihar Youth Congress state president Prakash Garib Das will contest from Bachhwada. Other notable candidates include Vijendra Chaudhary (Muzaffarpur), Om Parkash Garg (Gopalganj), Amita Bhushan (Begusarai), and Anand Shekhar Singh (Aurangabad). The Congress leadership is currently locked in talks with the RJD-led alliance partners, having previously insisted on a higher number of seats (reportedly aiming for over 60) than the RJD has been willing to allocate. The development comes as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav filed his nomination from Raghopur assembly seat on Wednesday. The last date for filing nominations for the first phase of polls is October 17, while that for the second phase is October 20. State Congress President Rajesh Ram, after receiving his certificate, publicly thanked the party leadership for fielding him from Kutumba. , , pic.twitter.com/KudMFQLnhv Rajesh Ram (@rajeshkrinc) October 15, 2025

Congress starts announcing candidates for Bihar polls before finalising seat-sharing deal

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday night started announcing its candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections even before finalising the seat-sharing arrangement with its Mahagathbandhan allies. According to the announcement being made by the X handle of the party's Bihar unit, its state president Rajesh Ram is contesting from the Kutumba assembly constituency. The party started announcing the names of candidates on X without releasing an official list of nominees. Along with the announcements, it posted photos of nominees being handed over party nomination certificates. The Congress leadership is in talks with its alliance partners, including the RJD, but the seat-sharing arrangement has neither been finalised nor announced. The development comes as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav filed his nomination from Raghopur assembly seat on Wednesday. The last date for filing nominations for the first phase of polls is October 17, while that for the second phase is October 20. Rajesh Ram thanked the Congress leadership for fielding him from the Kutumba seat. The Bihar Congress congratulated Ram and others for their nomination. - INDIA B. K. Ravi ! INDIA pic.twitter.com/PUq2msnIL2 Bihar Congress (@INCBihar) October 15, 2025 According to the announcements, Shashi Shekhar Singh will contest the election from the Wazjirganj seat. Kaushlendra Kumar, alias Chhote Mukhiya, will be the INDIA bloc candidate from the Nalanda seat. From the Barbeegha seat, the party fielded Trishuldhari Singh and Pratima Das from the Rajapakad seat. Shashi Bhushan Rai, alias Gappu Rai, has been fielded by the Congress from the Govindganj seat, while Vijendra Chaudhary will contest the Muzaffarpur seat. Om Parkash Garg will contest the Gopalganj seat, and Jitendra Singh from the Amarpur assembly seat. Amita Bhushan has been fielded by the Congress from the Begusarai seat, while Lallan Kumar will contest the Sultanganj seat. In the Rosda assembly constituency, the Congress has fielded B K Ravi as INDIA block candidate. Bihar Youth Congress state president Prakash Garib Das will contest the Bachhwada seat, while Anand Shekhar Singh will be the Congress candidate from the Aurangabad assembly seat. Bihar assembly polls are slated in two phases on November 6 and 11, and the counting of votes will take place on November 14.

Bihar polls: BJP releases second list of 12 candidates, fields singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday released its second list of 12 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, fielding singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar seat and former IPS officer Anand Mishra from Buxar. According to the list, Ram Chandra Prasad will contest from Hayaghat seat, while Chhoti Kumari and Rakesh Ojha from Chhapra and Shahpur, respectively. Birendra Kumar and Mahesh Paswan will fight the polls from Rosera and Agiaon seats, reserved for the Scheduled Castes. According to the list, Ranjan Kumar will contest from Muzaffarpur and Subhash Singh from Gopalganj seat. Elections to the 243-member assembly will be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11. The votes will be counted on November 14. Feeling deceived by BJP, NDA ally SBSP names 48 candidates for first phase of Bihar polls

PM Modi to address over 10 rallies in Bihar as NDA gears up for triangular contest

NEW DELHI: With the Bihar Assembly elections poised to turn into a triangular battle owing to the entry of Prashant Kishors newly launched Jan Suraaj Party, the ruling National Democratic Alliance ( NDA ) is ramping up its campaign plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address more than 10 public rallies during the first two phases of polling, scheduled for November 6 and November 11, covering a total of 122 assembly constituencies, sources said. Sources said that PM Modis rallies will target areas where the NDAs influence is relatively weak but where the Prime Minister maintains a strong personal following. Each of Modis rallies is expected to cover 15 to 20 assembly segments and will be supported by live telecasts in remote regions. We think the PM will effectively address almost all key segments through these mega rallies. The final number is yet to be confirmed, but he is expected to address more than 10 rallies between the two phases, a senior BJP leader said. The NDAs campaign will also see a strong push from other top leaders. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to hold between 30 and 35 rallies, each covering five to seven constituencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who holds significant sway among Rajput and upper-caste voters in the state, is likely to address over 25 rallies. Home Minister Amit Shah, widely regarded as the BJPs chief electoral strategist, will address at least 25 rallies. BJP national president JP Nadda, known for his longstanding involvement in Bihar politics, is slated to hold 20 to 25 solo rallies, apart from shared platforms with other leaders. In the 2020 Bihar elections, PM Modi had addressed 12 rallies across districts, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and East Champaran. This time, the number may rise, and roadshows in key cities are also under consideration. Ahead of his on-ground campaign, Prime Minister Modi will launch the NDAs poll drive on Wednesday by virtually addressing BJP booth-level workers under the partys 'Mera Booth, Sabse Majboot' initiative, urging them to ensure a decisive victory for the alliance.

Uncertainty grips NDA, INDIA bloc over seat-sharing as nomination process begins in Bihar

NEW DELHI: Although the nomination process for 121 seats in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began on Friday, ahead of polling on November 6, both the JD(U)-led NDA and the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan are yet to finalise seat-sharing arrangements within their alliances and the announcement of candidate lists. The situation highlights how forming and managing pre-poll alliances in Bihar has become increasingly difficult, driven by shifting political equations and competing ambitions. Sources within the BJP indicate that the NDAs internal seat-sharing arrangement is likely to be finalised within a day or two, after which the party plans to release its first list of candidates. The JD(U), another key NDA ally, is also expected to announce its candidate list soon, according to party insiders. Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is reportedly demanding 45 seats, while the NDA has offered between 20 and 22. As negotiations continued on Friday, BJP Bihar in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan arrived in Patna to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement and prepare a fresh list of candidates. Nomination begins for first phase of Bihar polls; seat-sharing talks intensify in NDA, INDIA bloc It is speculated that the NDA may soon reach an agreement, with the BJP likely to contest around 101102 seats, JD(U) 102103, LJP (RV) 2325, and LJP 2023, while both HAM and RLM may be allotted 7 seats each. Amid the ongoing uncertainty with the two main alliances, Prashant Kishors newly formed political outfit, Jan Suraaj, took the lead on Thursday by announcing a list of 51 candidates. In Delhi, senior Bihar BJP leader and MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai met Chirag Paswan for the second consecutive day, saying that the talk moved in a positive direction. The ongoing confusion within both the ruling and opposition camps is being linked to rising regional political aspirations, particularly among smaller parties that depend heavily on caste-based support. Local political analysts say these ambitions continue to complicate alliance politics in Bihar. The first phase of polling will cover key districts including Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur.

Nomination begins for first phase of Bihar polls; seat-sharing talks intensify in NDA, INDIA bloc

PATNA: Filing of nomination papers began on Friday for the elections to 121 seats in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls, officials said. The first round of the elections will be held on November 6. Candidates can file their nomination papers til October 17, and the scrutiny of such documents will be held on the next day, according to a notification. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 20 for the first phase of the assembly polls. Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur districts will go for polls in the first phase. The second and final phase of the poll will take place on November 11 in 122 assembly seats. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc have not declared their list of candidates so far. Constituents of the NDA and the INDIA bloc are grappling with differences over seat-sharing, with smaller allies in both camps jostling for more seats. However, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party declared a list of 51 candidates on Thursday. Amid growing unease in the ruling NDA over the seat sharing, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reached Patna on Friday and will hold meetings with senior party leaders. Sources in the BJP said that the seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA will be finalised in a day or two, and the party will release its first list of candidates soon after that. Bihar polls: Left parties smoothen seat-sharing deal with RJD, Congress The JD(U), another alliance partner of the NDA, is also expected to announce its list of candidates very soon, party sources said. According to sources in the NDA, the allies - JD (U) and BJP - are likely to contest 102 and 101 seats, respectively. Union minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), which had earlier settled for around 20-22 seats, is now asking for 45 segments, they said. In the opposition bloc, sources said the RJD is likely to contest 135-140 seats. The party has offered the Congress 50-52 seats, lower than the party's demand for 70 assembly segments. Sources in the RJD said a meeting of senior party leaders will take place in Patna later in the day to finalise the list of its candidates. In the 2020 assembly polls, the Congress had fought 70 seats but won only 19. The other big constituent of the INDIA bloc, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, also appeared unhappy with the reportedly 20-25 seats being offered to it. Five years ago, the CPI (ML) Liberation won 12 of the 19 seats it contested, and is reportedly demanding 40 this time. Tejashwi makes mega poll promise: Law to ensure one government job for every family in Bihar

Congress slams poll panel over '247 voters in one household' report

The Congress party questioned CEC Gyanesh Kumar regarding significant electoral roll discrepancies in Bihar. Citing media reports, the party highlighted instances of 247 voters registered at a single Jamui household and one individual listed thrice in a Muzaffarpur booth. Congress also noted that voter deletions in some areas surpassed past election victory margins, raising concerns.

Bihar: Cabinet okays four-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section NH-139W at Rs 3,822.31 cr

The four-lane greenfield project to improve connectivity between Patna and Bettiah. It will link north Bihar districts of Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East and West Champaran. It will also link areas along the Nepal-Bihar border.

Chirag Paswan insists on respectable seat share for LJP (RV) in Bihar Assembly polls

PATNA: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday asserted that his party would not accept anything less than a respectable number of seats in the seat-sharing arrangement among NDA constituents for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The assembly polls in the state are scheduled for October-November. Speaking to the media in Patna, Chirag said that seat-sharing discussions would take place during the auspicious period of Navratri, expressing confidence that an amicable formula would be finalised. He stated that he was hopeful of securing a respectable number of seats as his party would not compromise on this issue. We will not compromise on the respectable number of seats allocated to our party, he emphasised. Commenting on the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in the state capital, the union minister remarked that Congress had remembered Patna, adding that he was not fully aware when the last CWC meeting in Bihar had taken place. This is pressure politics and nothing else, he told reporters. Chirag said that all senior leaders authorised to take decisions would participate in the CWC meeting, describing it as part of pressure politics, with Congress and RJD vying to establish supremacy over each other. He added that it was this political tussle that prompted RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav to announce contesting all 243 assembly seats at an event in Muzaffarpur. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi completed his Voter Adhikar Yatra alongside Tejashwi but never once mentioned that the RJD leader would be the CM face of the INDIA bloc in Bihar elections, he observed. He accused Congress and its ally RJD of lacking the courage to contest the polls on their own strength, contrasting this with his own boldness in contesting the previous assembly elections without any alliance. LJP (RV) is staking a claim to 40 seats, with Chirag announcing he would contest the Bihar polls from a general seat rather than a reserved one. The party is primarily focusing on the Shahabad region, where the NDA performed poorly in the last assembly elections. Meanwhile, the BJP, a key NDA ally, is expected to hold a meeting in the coming days to finalise its list of candidates for the elections. Sources claim several sitting MLAs may be dropped. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week at a posh hotel during Shahs visit to the state. Sources revealed the two leaders discussed the seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA.

Focus on Muslim votes, Chirag to hold Purnea rally

PATNA: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan is set to address a rally in Purnea district on September 21 as Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region in Bihar sharpens into a key battleground for the upcoming Assembly elections. LJP(RV) in-charge for Bihar and Jamui MP Arun Bharti said on Friday that the Nav Sankalp Mahasabha will be organised at Rangbhumi ground in Purnea, signaling the partys attempt to consolidate support base in Kosi and Seemanchal belts. Seemanchal comprises Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar and Araria districts. Paswan has already addressed similar public meetings at Ara (Bhojpur), Nalanda, Gaya, Saran, Munger and Muzaffarpur districts. Its now the turn of Purnea, the Jamui MP said. The timing of Chirags rally is significant. On September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built Purnea airport terminal and laid foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 40,000 crore. During his address, the PM again raised the issue of foreign infiltration in the region and said that every infiltrator would be compelled to leave the Indian territory. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was also present at the rally. On September 26, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may address a rally in Purnea.

Now, RJD threatens to contest all 243 seats in Bihar assembly election

PATNA: AMID the ongoing seat-sharing talks within the Opposition INDIA bloc for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav sparked controversy by declaring that the RJD would contest all 243 seats. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarpur late on Saturday evening, Tejashwi said, We will return. Understand this, You all have to stay united, and this time, Tejashwi will contest elections on 243 seats. Whether it is Kanti, Muzaffarpur, or Gaighat, Tejashwi will contest elections from every place. This government, which has been in power for 20 years, which works to spread communal violence, has to be ousted, he said. Tejashwis remarks are being seen in political circles as a pressure tactic at a time when seat sharing talks within INDIA bloc are stuck. However, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari downplayed Tejashwis remarks, and said he meant to say that elections would be contested under his (Tejashwis) leadership. So, he will contest all seats. Tejashwis remarks would not impact the alliance as INDIA bloc candidates would be fielded on all 243 seats under Tejashwis leadership. It should not be read beyond that, Tiwari said, adding that INDIA bloc was intact. Seat sharing negotiations in INDIA bloc have got trickier with the possible entry of Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former union minister Pashupati Parass Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). Launching a blistering attack on the states NDA government, Tejashwi at the workers event said that businessmen were being kidnapped and killed daily in the state, and corruption had reached its peak, with the poor being exploited from local police stations to the state headquarters. Earlier this week, AICC in-charge of Bihar Krishna Allavaru suggested that RJD should show more flexibility in seatsharing deal. Sources said Congress wants to contest 70 seats that it fought in the 2020 elections, while RJD is ready to offer it 52 seats. Among NDA allies, Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has said it will contest 100 seats if it is not offered 15-20 seats in the upcoming election.

RJD leader and leader of opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav hits the road again with Bihar Adhikar Yatra

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader, is launching the 'Bihar Adhikar Yatra' on September 16 from Jehanabad, covering ten districts in five days. This follows the Voter Adhikar Yatra and aims to maintain momentum while positioning the RJD at the forefront of Bihar's opposition narrative. The tour includes public interactions, roadshows, and meetings, with gatherings planned in Muzaffarpur and Madhubani beforehand.

Only 4 per cent of global clinical trials are conducted in India, despite a 20 per cent disease burden

NEW DELHI: India accounts for 17% of the worlds population and 20% of the global disease burden, yet fewer than four percent of international clinical trials are conducted in the country. This gap means Indian patients often wait years after global approvals to access breakthrough therapies. Now, a new initiative, aligning it with Central Drugs StandardControl Organisations (CDSCO) priorities to boost participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials, has trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to meet the global Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Indias role in global clinical research and facilitating faster patient access to breakthrough therapies. Launched by Roche Pharma India, the company on Saturday announced the successful completion of its first phase of the Advanced Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance initiative in India, in which it partnered with 10 leading government hospitals from across the country. This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening Indias readiness to participate in global and local clinical trials, enabling faster patient access to breakthrough therapies and ensuring Indias diverse population is better represented in clinical research, said the company. Launched in 2023, the initiative focused on streamlining internal processes, building digital readiness for better data capture and monitoring and delivering tailored training programs to enhance operational efficiency. By equipping leading government hospitals with global-standard clinical trial capabilities, we are helping to bring innovations faster to India. This is a crucial step toward building equitable healthcare and shaping treatments that are relevant for India, said Dr Sivabalan Sivanesan, Country Medical Director, Roche Pharma India. Dr Amit Sehrawat, Associate Professor, Medical Oncology and Haematology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, said, This initiative is a strong example of how publicprivate partnerships can accelerate capacity-building and strengthen Indias clinical research ecosystem. India carries a significant burden of cancer, infectious and chronic diseases, yet has historically been underrepresented in global trials. By enabling government hospitals to participate in cutting-edge research, this program ensures Indian patients are part of the evidence generation process helping make treatments safer, more effective and relevant for our population. Dr Vyunkta Raju K N, Professor, Dept of Paediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, said: The AIR Site Alliance program has been transformational. Our investigators and ethics committees are now better equipped to conduct research of global standards. This collaboration has given our institutions new opportunities to bring advanced research directly to our patients. The 10 hospitals, which are part of this initiative are: AIIMS, Rishikesh; Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi; PGIMS, Rohtak; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Muzaffarpur; Balco Medical Centre, Raipur; Government Medical College, Aurangabad; Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru; Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati; Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute & Hospital, Lucknow and Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack. The project aligns closely with Indias national priorities, including the CDSCOs encouragement for greater participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials and the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Policy (PRIP) initiative that explicitly encouraged industry-academia partnerships to strengthen R&D capabilities, build clinical trial infrastructure and enhance Indias global competitiveness in innovative research, the company said. This initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 - creating a future-ready, world-class healthcare ecosystem where India emerges as a global hub for clinical research, accelerates access to breakthrough innovations, and delivers equitable health outcomes for every citizen, it added. The AIR Site Alliance is Roches flagship global initiative designed to expand access to clinical trials for underrepresented populations. Already implemented in the US, UK, Canada, and Africa, the AIR Site Alliance is now active in India, helping to close representation gaps, generate more robust scientific evidence and accelerate equitable healthcare outcomes worldwide, the company added.

Poll-bound Bihar to get several projects across sectors during PM Modis visit on September 15

NEW DELHI: Poll-bound Bihar is set to receive a host of new schemes and infrastructure development projects, including the National Makhana Board, on September 15, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state to lay the foundation stone for these schemes and inaugurate many of them. The National Makhana Board is being established to promote production and technological advancement, strengthen post-harvest management, encourage value addition and processing, and facilitate marketing, export, and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting cultivators. As Bihar officially accounts for approximately 90% of the countrys total Makhana production, the establishment of the board is expected to significantly benefit cultivators in districts such as Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria. These areas serve as the main hubs for Makhana production due to favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil. In addition to the Makhana Board, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Interim Terminal Building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger handling capacity in the region. Purnea is one of the key cities in Bihars Seemanchal area. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth approximately Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea, including the foundation stone for a 3x800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. According to an official statement from the PMO, this will be Bihars largest private sector investment, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. The project, designed on ultra-super critical low-emission technology, will provide dedicated power and strengthen Bihars energy security. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, worth over Rs 2,680 crore. This initiative focuses on upgrading the canal through desilting, reconstruction of damaged structures, and renovation of the settling basin, while enhancing its discharge capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs. The project aims to benefit multiple districts in northeastern Bihar through improved irrigation, flood control, and agricultural resilience. In terms of rail connectivity and infrastructure, Bihar is also set to benefit from several major initiatives. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Rail Line between Bikramshila and Katareah, valued at over Rs 2,170 crore, providing a direct rail link across the River Ganga. He will also inaugurate the new Rail Line between Araria and Galgalia (Thakurganj), worth over Rs 4,410 crore. Additionally, he will flag off a train on the ArariaGalgalia section, establishing direct rail connectivity between Araria and Kishanganj districts, significantly improving accessibility across northeastern Bihar. The Prime Minister will also launch the Vande Bharat Express Train between Jogbani and Danapur, directly benefiting districts such as Araria, Purnea, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Begusarai, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Patna. Furthermore, he will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express Trains between Saharsa and Chheharta (Amritsar), and between Jogbani and Erode. In Purnea, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sex-Sorted Semen Facility, a state-of-the-art semen station under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Capable of producing 5 lakh sex-sorted semen doses annually, it is the first of its kind in Eastern and Northeastern India. The facility employs indigenously developed technology launched in October 2024, aligning with the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By enabling higher chances of female calf births, the technology is expected to help small and marginal farmers, as well as landless labourers, secure more replacement heifers, reduce economic stress, and raise incomes through improved dairy productivity. As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 35,000 rural beneficiaries under PMAY (R) and 5,920 urban beneficiaries under PMAY (U), and will personally hand over keys to some of them. In addition, he will distribute Community Investment Funds worth around Rs 500 crore to Cluster Level Federations under the DAY-NRLM scheme, handing over cheques to several CLF Presidents.

Siblings Show Bihar Women Mushroom Dreams, Dupe Them Of Rs 2 Crore

A case has been registered in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district against a company for allegedly siphoning off nearly Rs 1.9 crore from loans sanctioned in the names of 100 rural women enrolled in the government's livelihood programme.

20,000 RSS volunteers working at grassroots in Bihar to boost NDA's chances in assembly polls

NEW DELHI: With Bihar set for a keenly fought battle at the polls following the Opposition's launch of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', the RSS the ideological mentor of the BJP has reportedly intensified its groundwork in the state to smoothen the pitch for the BJP-led NDA. Over 20,000 RSS volunteers are discreetly advancing the organisations mission at the grassroots level by promoting the Sanghs nationalist ideology and highlighting how the government's actions are aligned with the Sanghs vision of the national interest. With Bihar poised for a high-stakes triangular contest in a majority of assembly constituencies after the entry of political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's newly formed Jan Suraj Party, the role of the Sangh on the ground has become more crucial. In an emerging situation where the Opposition-led by the RJD with the Congress has started creating a fake narrative on SIR and other issues against the government, our duty as citizens is also to dispel these narratives on the ground. The Sangh is dedicated to the nation and the people as the world's largest social organisation, remarked a Sangh volunteer, neither denying the presence of Sangh volunteers on the ground nor admitting it on record. Although the Sangh does not directly engage in political campaigning, its volunteers, who are called Swayamsevaks, continue to actively promote its nationalist and Hindutva ideologies to help create a favourable ground for the saffron party in the electoral arena. As part of its nationwide strategy to mark its centenary celebrations beginning this Vijayadashami which falls on October 2 this year the Sangh is planning outreach efforts across the country, including in the remote areas of Bihar. A series of public interactions have been planned to deepen the Sanghs connection with the masses. Topics such as the success of Operation Sindoor, the SIR whether it is needed in the country or not and other issues designed to bring about social change in the broader interest of the public, will be actively addressed during the centenary year. Sources indicated that Sangh volunteers are already active on the ground in many districts across Bihar, including Siwan, Buxar, Ara, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Purnia, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Rohtas, West Champaran, Vaishali, and others. With the aim of educating and making people aware of national issues and interests, the Sanghs volunteers are reportedly well ahead in their ground-level work in the run-up to the assembly elections. The RSS has also deployed volunteers from other states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and others to assist in groundwork ahead of its centenary functions, which coincide with the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for November this year. Even in Bihars Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population, the Sangh has an organised presence, with volunteers working in a disciplined manner to inspire people towards nationalist ideologies. The entire state of Bihar has been divided into four zones, each managed by experienced Sangh volunteers working in coordination with volunteers from other RSS-inspired social organisations. The Sanghs volunteers, affiliated with several RSS-inspired organisations such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Sanskar Bharti, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and the Rashtriya Shaikshanik Mahasangh are also on the ground ahead of the elections, in the same coordinated manner they had adopted in Haryana and Maharashtra prior to the assembly polls there. A senior source closely associated with the Sangh said the centenary-related activities in Bihar have already commenced, but they are expected to gain momentum after 22 September the conclusion of the inauspicious Pitra-Paksha period, which begins on September 7. Numerous Hindu Sammelans are scheduled to be held in Bihars interior regions as part of the centenary events, coinciding with the growing election fervour in the state.

NDA protests abuse against PM, RJD calls it a flop show

PATNA: The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday staged protests across Bihar against the use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother during the Oppositions Voter Adhikar Yatra, even as RJD chief Lalu Prasad launched a counter, asking the PM whether he ordered BJP members to insult women during the agitation. While the BJP and its allies claimed that the bandh was successful, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said it was a flop and accused BJP workers of indulging in hooliganism. RJD, as well as Congress, posted several videos showing how bandh protagonists allegedly physically assaulted common people during the agitation. The protests are in response to a man identified as Rizvi alias Raja allegedly hurling abuses at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother, the late Heeraben, from the stage in Darbhanga during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi`s Yatra. During the five-hour shutdown, essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, remained unaffected. The BJP Mahila Morcha led the protest. Senior BJP leaders, including Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Dharmshila Gupta, along with state ministers and MLAs, staged sit-ins. Similar protests were organised in districts such as Nawada, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, and Darbhanga. However, RJD chief Lalu Prasad questioned the PM, saying, Did Prime Minister Modi order BJP members to insult the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Bihar and Biharis today? Should Gujaratis take Biharis so lightly? This is Bihar. Are BJP goons and ruffians abusing respected teachers, women walking on the streets, students, pregnant women, the elderly, and journalists, engaging in physical altercations and mistreating them? Is this appropriate? Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor claimed that the bandh did not garner peoples support and stated that they would be rid of both Lalu (RJD) and Nitish (JD(U)) after the assembly elections.

Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav define distinct roles during Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar

PATNA: A clear division of roles between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was evident throughout the Voter Adhikar Yatra that concluded on Monday after covering nearly 1,300 km distance, 110 assembly constituencies spread over 25 districts of Bihar. While Rahul mainly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP through his vote chori allegations, Tejashwi attacked Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his government, accusing it of copying his programmes and policies. Tejashwi also indirectly sought to project himself as the chief ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc. Do you want a duplicate CM or original CM?, he asked the people during the Yatra at Ara, the district headquarters of Bhojpur, even as the Congress leader evaded to reply to a media query on the issue of CM face of the opposition alliance for the upcoming assembly polls. Tejashwi also accused Nitish Kumar of copying policies that he had announced for the elections. Moreover, while Rahuls speeches mainly centred around the alleged vote theft, SIR (special intensive revision of electoral rolls) and its implications in the days to come, Tejashwi raised other issues like migration, unemployment, lack of health facilities, substandard education and issues related to farmers. They have defined their roles. Rahul is a leader of national repute and PM face of the Opposition, Tejashwi has his role in Bihar, said Gangeshwar Sahni, a resident of Gaighat in Muzaffarpur, who came to Patna to participate in the concluding event of the Voter Adhikar Yatra. The 16-day Yatra has indicated that the Opposition alliance will centre around its campaign over alleged vote theft by the BJP in collusion with the Election Commission of India. Vote chori slogan has become more popular among people who have been left out from the draft electoral rolls published on August 1, said Amit Kumar Yadav, a resident of Madhepura in north Bihar. Amit, 46, who runs a mobile repairing shop in Madhepura, came to Patna to participate in the concluding event of Voter Adhikar Yatra. Be it youth, women, farmers or elderly people, all have supported the Yatra, which is a clear reflection of peoples anger against the double-engine government, he said, adding that the BJP and its allies will bite its dust in the coming Bihar assembly election. Sixty-five-year-old Rajendra Das of Bhojpur, a carpenter by profession, said, For the first time, the united face of the Opposition has become evident on ground level. This will certainly benefit the Opposition alliance in the coming election. All top leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Tejashwi Yadav, Dipankar Bhattacharya of CPI-ML and Mukesh Sahani of VIP travelled along with Rahul in the same vehicle. Rahuls Voter Adhikar Yatra has also given his party a chance to come out of the shadow of RJD to some extent as his initiative has definitely energised the grand old partys rank and file. This became evident when hundreds of enthusiastic Congress workers with party flags in their hands and chanting slogan like Chot Chor, Gaddi Chor participated in the concluding event of the Yatra on Monday. Rahuls vitriolic attack against the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners has also created a buzz in the political circles, as now he has added a new flavour to the forthcoming election through his Voter Adhikar Yatra, remarked a senior Congress leader. This has increased the bargaining power of Congress, and it would demand more number of seats in the coming Bihar assembly elections, he pointed out. The kind of response Rahul got throughout the Yatra has reminded people of AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavarus statement that Congress will be on the front seat and will no longer play second fiddle to the RJD.

Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav joins 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar

SARAN: Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday joined the Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Saran district. In a post on X, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal said Yadav is a steadfast ally in the party's fight against the BJP's alleged attempt to destroy the country's democracy. This morning, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav Jee joined the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Saran. Welcomed him to this historic movement to protect democracy. He has been a steadfast ally in our fight against the BJP's destruction of our democracy, and a strong voice for the poor and underprivileged in UP and across the country, Venugopal said on the social media platform. , ! pic.twitter.com/cgi7XV8o7c K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) August 30, 2025 He also shared photographs of Yadav meeting Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Rohini Acharya, the daughter of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, was also present there. Acharya had contested from Saran in the Lok Sabha polls last year, and failed to win the seat. Gandhi launched the Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Sasaram in Rohtas district on August 17 to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The yatra, supported by all INDIA bloc constituents, will culminate in Patna on September 1. The yatra has so far covered Gayaji, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Katihar, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Purnea, West Champaran, Gopalganj, East Champaran, and Siwan districts. It will pass through Bhojpur and Patna. 'PM Modi is scared,' claims Rahul Gandhi during Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar

Modi's teaspoon outweighs Rahul Gandhi's silver spoon: UP Deputy CM

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya slammed the Gandhi family on Friday, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's teaspoon outweighs their silver spoon. Maurya's remarks came in response to a viral video, in which some people were allegedly seen making offensive remarks against the Prime Minister's mother during Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. In a post in Hindi on microblogging site X, Maurya said, The successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in drawing a bigger line instead of erasing the small line. This is what irritates Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi. In the same post, he said, That is why this trio, full of hatred, disgust and arrogance, mocks Modi by calling him the 'merchant of death', 'lowly' and 'vote thief'. In fact, by saying so, they mock the public. Maurya, a prominent backward class leader and former state BJP president, said, The Gandhi family has no idea that people have elected Modi , who belongs to the country's largest backward class -- as the Prime Minister of this country thrice after seeing his hard work. He continued, He (Modi) was not born with a silver spoon like Rahul Gandhi. But his teaspoon outweighs Rahul's silver spoon. That is why this trio has given a contract of abusing Modi to their extremely small entourage. The BJP had on Thursday held Rahul Gandhi responsible for the alleged abusive language against Modi's mother during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, and said people of the state will give a befitting reply to the Congress for its politics of abuses. The viral video clip is reportedly from Darbhanga district, from where Rahul Gandhi, his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav kickstarted the yatra and set off to Muzaffarpur on a motorcycle. 'PM Modi is scared,' claims Rahul Gandhi during Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar

Bihar CM Nitish condemns 'abuses' hurled at PM Modi during 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Darbhanga

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday condemned the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in the state. The use of indecent language against PM Narendra Modi Ji and his late mother from the Congress and RJD platforms during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga is extremely unbecoming, and I condemn it, wrote the CM in a post on X on Friday. The BJP on Thursday asserted the Congress-led INDIA bloc will be punished by the people in the upcoming assembly polls, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident as a stain on the country's democracy. Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 29, 2025 'PM Modi is scared,' claims Rahul Gandhi during Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar Shah, BJP president J P Nadda and party spokesperson Sambit Patra flayed Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, a day after a purported video showed an unidentified person using a Hindi expletive against Modi from a dais raised during the yatra in Darbhanga town, from where Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had left for Muzaffarpur on motorcycles on Wednesday. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. A delegation of Bihar BJP also lodged a complaint at the Kotwali police station in Patna on Thursday in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, protest demonstrations were also staged in Darbhanga as well in Patna on Thursday, even as the state women's commission shot off a letter to the administration, seeking suo motu action against the culprits. Voter Adhikar Yatra aims to fight for peoples rights, says Priyanka Gandhi Effigies of Gandhi and Yadav were burnt by BJP workers in Darbhanga, who joined a procession organised by two-term local MP Gopaljee Thakur. A Congress leader in Darbhanga, who admitted that the viral video was of a podium that he had erected on the outskirts of the north Bihar town, offered an apology, but maintained that the expletives had been hurled in his absence. The video appears to have been shot after I left the spot, following Rahul Gandhi, who passed through. I have not yet watched the clip.Still, I offer my apologies if anything of the sort has happened, said Mohd Naushad, who is a worker of the Youth Congress and is said to be eyeing the party ticket from the Jale assembly seat. Thakur also submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar, seeking the arrest of Naushad and his associates.

BJP slams Rahul Gandhis Bihar yatra over alleged abuses against PM Modis mother

NEW DELHI/PATNA: The BJP on Thursday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar had crossed all limits of insult, hate and tastelessness, claiming that abuses were directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother during the campaign. The party, on its official X handle, refrained from posting the video of the incident, but clips shared online by a few accounts showed some unidentified people using a Hindi abuse for Modi from a dais during the Yatra. The video, which has gone viral, is purportedly of Darbhanga district from where the Yatra had taken off on Wednesday morning, when Gandhi, his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav left for Muzaffarpur on motorcycles. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Several podiums had been erected along the route for local party workers who tried to mobilise public sentiments in favour of the INDIA bloc ahead of assembly elections due later this year. The BJP said, Tejashwi (Yadav) and Rahul are behind the use of such filthy language that it cannot be repeated from a public platform... Such lowliness was never seen before in politics. This Yatra has crossed all limits of insult, hate and tastelessness. They have used a very vulgar language against the prime minister's late mother, it said. The ruling party claimed that the choice of such abusive words for his mother shows the state of the opposition's desperation, as Gandhi and Yadav had earlier invited leaders like M K Stalin and Revanth Reddy, chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, respectively, who are accused of insulting people of Bihar. People of Bihar will not forgive Gandhi and Yadav, the main campaigners for the RJD, for such a mistake, even if they apologise a thousand times, the BJP said, calling the incident extremely shameful. BJP's Darbhanga district chief Aditya Narayan Jha 'Manna' said, We are not going to take this insult lying down. We have burnt effigies of Rahul and Tejashwi and are going to lodge a police complaint, seeking a probe and action against those involved in hurling expletives. A senior Congress leader requesting anonymity said, We cannot say who the people are whose voice is there in the video. Workers of at least half-a-dozen parties are taking part in the yatra. The INDIA bloc, which is known in Bihar as Mahagathbandhan or grand alliance, includes three Left parties and former state minister Mukesh Sahni's Vikassheel Insan Party.

Rahul Gandhi mocks Modi over Trumps claim

Darbhanga/Muzaffarpur/Sitamarhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sought to berate Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trumps claim that India had agreed to halt military conflict with Pakistan within five hours of an ultimatum from America. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, whose fortnight-long Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar has three 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 .

People to defeat BJP's bid to snatch away votes: MK Stalin during Opposition yatra in Bihar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addressed an Opposition rally in Muzaffarpur. He urged the people of Bihar to resist the BJP's alleged manipulation of electoral rolls. Stalin criticized the Election Commission's neutrality. He highlighted the alliance between Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. Stalin praised Lalu Prasad's commitment to secularism. He expressed solidarity with the people of Bihar.

Voter Adhikar Yatra aims to fight for peoples rights, says Priyanka Gandhi

PATNA: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said the Voter Adhikar Yatra, launched by her brother and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is a movement to fight for the peoples democratic rights. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarpur, Priyanka expressed satisfaction over the publics overwhelming response to the 16-day, 3,000-km Yatra, which commenced from Sasaram in Rohtas district on 17 August. The people have clearly understood our message, about vote theft and the systematic denial of their right to vote. In this sense, the Yatra has been very successful, she said. Rahul Gandhi, in his address, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the practice of vote theft originated in Gujarat and was later implemented nationwide. The Gujarat model is not based on economics, but on electoral manipulation, he remarked, accusing the BJP of replicating this model across the country. Rahul Gandhi's voter yatra reaches crescendo as Priyanka joins The Congress leader further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been winning elections by stealing votes with the help of the Election Commission. In the 2019 General Elections, Modi confidently claimed his party would win 300 seats, even as opinion polls suggested otherwise. Remarkably, the BJP secured around 300 seats, a result that raises serious questions, he said. Rahul also pointed to Maharashtra and Haryana, where election outcomes were allegedly inconsistent with pre-poll trends. In Maharashtra alone, around one crore new voters were added within just four months, and they all voted for the BJP and its allies. How is that possible? he questioned. Reiterating his accusations, Rahul claimed that Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were manipulating elections in collusion with the Election Commission of India. Thats why the BJP government quietly passed a law in 2023 granting legal immunity to Election Commissioners. If everything is above board, why the need for such protection? he asked. Priyanka Gandhi to join 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar on August 26 Citing the example of Mahadevapura assembly seat, he alleged that vote theft was not limited to Bengaluru Central but occurred in 7080 constituencies across the country during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said the Congress was actively investigating similar cases of electoral fraud nationwide. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin joined the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga. Travelling in an open vehicle alongside Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, and other INDIA bloc leaders, Stalin received an enthusiastic reception from crowds along the route. Addressing a public meeting, Stalin said the Yatra had become a beacon of hope for those whose names had been unfairly deleted from the voter list. He pledged to return to Bihar to join the victory march once the INDIA bloc forms a government after the assembly elections. Welcoming Stalins participation, INDIA bloc leaders said his presence added strength and momentum to the Yatra in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi reiterated the urgent need for jobs, progress, and clean elections, asserting that ending voter fraud was the first step towards meaningful development. He reminded the audience that Bihar has always been a land of revolution from the Champaran movement against British rule to todays battle against electoral manipulation. This movement will spread from Bihar across the entire country, he declared. On the eleventh day of the Yatra, thousands joined in Darbhanga. Rahul and Priyanka were seen riding a motorcycle, with Priyanka as pillion, while other INDIA bloc leaders also travelled on motorbikes, drawing enthusiastic crowds. Rahul later expressed deep gratitude for the warmth and support he received. Wherever I go in Bihar, I feel at home, he said, adding that the Yatra had achieved its goal, as now, even young children were chanting, vote chor, gaddi chhor (vote thief, leave the throne).

Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra | Congress Pushes for Electoral Rights | BJP vs Congress Showdown

leader Rahul Gandhi continues his Yatra from Darbhanga to Muzaffarpur, BiharCongress leader Rahul Gandhi continues his Yatra, taking the fight to the streets with a campaign focused on voter rights, democracy, and electoral reform. The yatra comes at a crucial time with the 2025 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, sparking a fierce political face-off between the Congress Party and BJP.In todays coverage, we track Rahul Gandhis speeches, the public response, and the Congress strategy to position itself as the defender of democracy and electoral rights. With BJP attacking Congress for what it calls political drama and the INDIA bloc rallying behind Rahul Gandhi, the Voter Adhikar Yatra has become one of the most watched political developments of the season. n18oc_indiaNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

PM Ended Military Conflict With Pak Within 5 Hrs Of Getting Trumps Instruction, Claims Rahul Gandhi

Muzaffarpur, Aug 27: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to call off the military conflict with Pakistan in May within five hours of being asked to do so by US President Donald Trump. The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha was addressing a rally in Bihars Muzaffarpur district, where he was joined by INDIA bloc partners M K Stalin of the DMK and Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, among others, as [] The post PM Ended Military Conflict With Pak Within 5 Hrs Of Getting Trumps Instruction, Claims Rahul Gandhi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Trump gave Modi 24 hours to stop fight with Pakistan, he obeyed in 5,' says Rahul Gandhi

MUZAFFARPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to call off the military conflict with Pakistan in May within five hours of being asked to do so by US President Donald Trump. The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha was addressing a rally in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, where he was joined by INDIA bloc partners M K Stalin of the DMK and Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, among others, as part of the state-wide Voter Adhikar Yatra. You know what Trump has said today? He has said that at the height of tensions with Pakistan, he called up Modi and peremptorily told him to stop the fight within 24 hours. And Modi obeyed promptly. He was given 24 hours, but he did as directed by Trump in five hours, alleged the former Congress president. The allusion was to a video of Trump in which he can be seen addressing a cabinet meeting at the White House. The US President has been insisting that the standoff between India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, was brought to a halt upon his intervention, a claim that has been rejected by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. The centre government asserted that India and Pakistan halted their military actions in May following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the US. Gandhi trained his guns at the media, saying he media will not show you what Trump has said since it cares only for Modi and his friendly business tycoons and not people like me, Stalin or Tejashwi. |The Congress leader, whose fortnight-long yatra against special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar has three more days to go, vowed, I have come out with lots of evidence to suggest that votes have been stolen for the benefit of the BJP. In the days to come, I will come up with more evidence. He also said the Gujarat model, which was touted by Modi when he was the chief minister of the western state, was all about 'vote chori'. The BJP started stealing people's votes from there. The BJP, Modi and Shah win polls by stealing votes with the help of the EC. The Rae Bareli MP also voiced strong disapproval of the deletion of names of 65 lakh people, declared as dead, shifted or absent from draft electoral rolls in Bihar. Thousands of people in Bihar have complained to us that their names have been wrongly deleted. So much so that many living people have been shown as dead (in draft rolls), Gandhi claimed. He alleged, The EC is deleting names of not the rich but Dalits, OBCs, extremely backward classes and the minorities. It is doing so because the BJP, which rules the Centre, does not want the voice of the common people to be heard.

Deletion of voters' names in Bihar worse than terrorism, says Tamil Nadu CM Stalin

MUZAFFARPUR: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday asserted that the INDIA bloc will win the Bihar assembly polls if the elections were free and fair, and described deletion of voters' names from electoral rolls as worse than terrorism. The DMK president flew down to the eastern state, along with sister and party MP Kanimozhi, where they joined Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and CPI (ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya for the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. Addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur, the largest town in north Bihar, Stalin delivered his speech in Tamil, which evoked applause from the crowds as it was translated into Hindi. For the past one month, the entire nation has been looking keenly at Bihar...the Election Commission has become a remote-controlled puppet, alleged Stalin, who was impressed with the response to the yatra taken out in protest against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Is the deletion of names of 65 lakh people (from the draft electoral rolls) not worse than terrorism? the Tamil Nadu CM asked. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin joins 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Muzaffarpur When Rahul Gandhi raised doubts over the fairness of elections held in the past, he was challenged by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to furnish an affidavit, Stalin said. But you cannot scare Rahul Gandhi, the DMK chief said, lauding his alliance partner. I have seen Rahul's camaraderie with Tejashwi, who ride motorcycles together. This friendship is deeper than a run-of-the-mill political partnership. And I am sure that if the elections are free and fair, the BJP-led NDA will be defeated, he asserted. I promise you that after the INDIA bloc wins the assembly polls, I will be back to attend the swearing-in ceremony, Stalin said. Bihar is the land where the foundation of this nationwide coalition (INDIA bloc) was laid, and this alliance succeeded in bringing down the tally of the BJP to 240, which was boasting of winning more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls last year, he said. The Tamil Nadu CM began his speech by recalling the close friendship between his late father K Karunanidhi and RJD president Lalu Prasad, the father of Tejashwi Yadav, whom he hailed for irelessly championing social justice and never getting cowed down by the BJP. Touchdown #Bihar . The land of respected @laluprasadrjd greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with every stolen vote. Joined my brothers @RahulGandhi , @yadavtejashwi and sister @priyankagandhi as the #VoteAdhikarYatra turns people's pain into unstoppable strength. pic.twitter.com/3aQFje8QV5 M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 27, 2025 The DMK president's reverence for Prasad was also evident in a post on his X handle, immediately after he landed in Bihar. Touchdown #Bihar. The land of respected @laluprasadrjd greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with every stolen vote. Joined my brothers @RahulGandhi, @yadavtejashwi and sister @priyankagandhi as the #voteadhikaryatra turns people's pain into unstoppable strength, he wrote. Gandhi shared a selfie he took with Stalin and other prominent leaders and wrote, Welcome to Bihar and the #VoterAdhikarYatra my brother Thiru @mkstalin. Your presence here strengthens our fight against Vote Chori in Bihar and the entire country. Back in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK's main rival AIADMK is a BJP ally, the saffron party sought to highlight the troubled equations of the chief minister's party with migrants from Bihar. Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai shared a few video clips in which supposedly derogatory remarks were made about Biharis and north Indians by Stalin and his cabinet colleagues. In a sarcastic note, Annamalai wrote that he hoped Stalin proudly repeats... every one of those insults in front of the very people he and his party members mocked.

BJP made elections mockery, people will remove it from power as it has stolen votes: MK Stalin

M K Stalin criticized the BJP in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. He alleged the party is manipulating elections. Stalin claimed the deletion of voters is dangerous. He joined Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to protect democracy. Stalin believes the NDA will lose the upcoming Bihar polls. He accused the BJP of controlling the Election Commission.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin joins Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar

Muzaffarpur: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi on Wednesday, August 27, joined the Congress Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihars Muzaffarpur district. Soon after joining, Stalin in a post on X wrote, Touchdown Biharthe land of respected Lalu Prasad Ji greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with 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 .

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin joins 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Muzaffarpur

MUZAFFARPUR: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi on Wednesday joined the Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district. Soon after joining 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Stalin in a post on X wrote, Touchdown Bihar. The land of respected Lalu Prasad Ji greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with every stolen vote. Joined by my brothers Rahul Gandhi Jee, Tejashwi Yadav and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' turns people's pain into unstoppable strength. Touchdown #Bihar . The land of respected @laluprasadrjd greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with every stolen vote. Joined my brothers @RahulGandhi , @yadavtejashwi and sister @priyankagandhi as the #VoteAdhikarYatra turns people's pain into unstoppable strength. pic.twitter.com/3aQFje8QV5 M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 27, 2025 Earlier in the day, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav rode motorcycles as they made their way through the streets of Muzaffarpur district during the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was seen riding pillion on her brother's motorcycle. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Yadav rode the motorcycles as the yatra entered Muzaffarpur from Darbhanga district, with people lining the streets to welcome them. The 1,300-km yatra was launched on August 17 from Sasaram and will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1.

LG addresses convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Aug 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Bihar presided over the Convocation Ceremony. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the management of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, faculty members, staff and graduating students and extended his best wishes. He called upon the youth to cultivate two key qualities -positive mindset for change and courage for greater achievement and growth. He said [] The post LG addresses convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

LG Sinha Addresses The Convocation Of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University

Srinagar, Aug 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Bihar presided over the Convocation Ceremony. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the management of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, faculty members, staff and graduating students, and extended his best wishes. He called upon the youth to cultivate two key qualities positive mindset for change and courage for greater achievement and growth. He said the optimism [] The post LG Sinha Addresses The Convocation Of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Launches 6,880 Cr Projects in Bihar

The PM also inaugurated the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Muzaffarpur.

Wanted inter-state criminal killed in police encounter in Bihar, constable injured

PATNA: An interstate criminal carrying a bounty of Rs.50,000 on his head was killed in a fierce encounter with police in Bihars Vaishali district on Friday. Arvind Sahni, 30, had escaped from a court lockup after evading police in Samastipur district on May 28 this year and had been on the run since. According to police, he was involved in at least 22 cases of murder, loot, dacoity, and arms deals across Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, and East Champaran districts. A police constable was injured during the exchange of fire. Based on a tip-off, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and district police surrounded Chintamanipur village under Vaishali police station limits on Thursday evening to search for Sahni. On seeing the police, Sahni and his accomplices opened fire. Sahni sustained gunshot injuries, while his accomplices managed to escape. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Superintendent of Police, Vaishali, Lalit Mohan Sharma, said, While Sahni was killed, a police constable sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The deceased, a member of an inter-state gang, was wanted in at least 22 cases in several districts in the state. Sahnis name had also figured in a major jewellery loot case in Chhattisgarh. Sahni, a resident of Sahtha Bhagwanpur village in Vaishali district, was also involved in the 2019 gold loot from the Hajipur office of a private finance company. SP Sharma added, We have launched intensive search for other members of the gang. The operation will continue till their arrest. Sahnis elimination in the police operation has come as a major relief for businessmen in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Samastipur, who had been targeted by his gang. Police said the gang had unleashed a reign of terror in these districts, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.

Chiraj Paswan's MP, JD-U MLC have 2 voter IDs: Tejashwi

The RJD leader on Wednesday had accused senior BJP leader and Muzaffarpur Mayor, Nirmala Devi and her two relatives of having dual voter ID cards.

Tejashwi, Bihar Deputy CM lock horns over twin EPIC cards

PATNA: Verbal exchanges between Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav have heated the ongoing political row over double EPIC cards in the state. On Wednesday, Sinha displayed his matriculation and higher education degrees to prove he was 57 and counter Yadavs allegations about age discrepancies. Yadav had earlier alleged that Sinha was registered as a voter in both Lakhisarai and Patna districts and claimed inconsistencies in the deputy CMs age records. He also alleged that Sinhas age was listed as 57 in one constituency and 60 in another, calling it an age scam. Sinha contended that he had already deleted his name from the Patna voters list. Referring to Tejashwi Yadav as the Yuvraj of Jungle Raj, he asked him to present his degrees and explain how Tejashwi Yadav became 26 and his brother Tej Pratap 25 in 2015? Tejashwi Yadav also alleged that Nirmala Devi (Sahu), a prominent BJP leader and mayor of Muzaffarpur, possessed two EPIC IDs and she, along with her brothers-in-law, had votes at two different booths. The Election Commission has issued notices to them in this connection. EC 'colluding' with BJP to 'steal' votes in Bihar, alleges RJD's Tejashwi

After finding CBI, ED ineffective against opponents, BJP now using EC to fix Bihar polls: Tejashwi

PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday charged the Election Commission with trying to fix upcoming Bihar assembly polls in favour of the ruling BJP at the Centre which, he claimed, found the CBI, ED and Income Tax department ineffective against the saffron party's political opponents. Yadav went hammer and tongs at the EC at a press conference here, alleging that the poll panel is providing more than one voter ID card to many BJP voters. The leader of the opposition said the option of boycotting the assembly elections, due later this year, is open in view of the poll panel being allegedly hell bent upon treachery. The EC is unabashedly trying to fix the assembly polls in favour of the BJP. The constitutional body seems to have replaced agencies like CBI, ED and Income Tax department, which have proven to be ineffective in the game of cornering those opposed to the party that rules the Centre, Yadav alleged. INDIA bloc leaders have been alleging that the BJP-led central government uses agencies such as CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to intimidate opposition functionaries. He claimed that as part of the game, the EC is providing more than one voter ID card to many BJP voters. Last year, I had exposed the case of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha. Today, I wish to bring to light the instance of Muzaffarpur Mayor Nirmala Devi, who may well be the BJP candidate in the upcoming polls. Both she and her husbands younger brother, in addition to another relative, have two voter ID cards each, Yadav said. They must have also filled up as many enumeration forms, and officials involved in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls chose to look the other way, he alleged. Shortly afterwards, the district administration of Muzaffarpur served a notice to Nirmala Devi and her two relatives for allegedly possessing two voter ID cards, and asked them to reply to it by August 16. Sinha, who claims to have applied last year to delete his name from the voters list in one of the two places, had been served with a notice last week. Tejashwi Yadav should first come clean on the two EPIC cards that he possesses. He is levelling baseless charges against me. I am mooting legal action, the BJP leader said. At the press conference, Yadav expressed bewilderment over the EC never talking to the press despite so much controversy. Democracy seems to be seriously imperilled in this country. The Prime Minister never talks to the press, nor does the chief minister of Bihar. Now, the Election Commission seems to be following their example, he said. The EC only comes up with inane press statements and falsely claims that no political party has filed any objection, even though the RJD's booth-level agents have been doing so in every assembly segment, Yadav asserted. Yesterday, the ECs counsel was screaming before the Supreme Court - you should cooperate with us! You should cooperate with us! This begs the question, are you even talking to us? said the RJD leader, whose party colleague Manoj Kumar Jha happens to be one of the petitioners who have challenged the SIR in the state. The former Deputy CM said, The Election Commission stands exposed before the top court where several persons turned up, after having been declared as dead in the SIR, leading to deletion of their names in the draft electoral rolls. The RJD leader, who is the INDIA blocs de facto chief ministerial candidate, alleged that this is not the first time that votes were stolen by the EC. The game was played in the 2020 assembly polls as well. Our vote tally for all 243 assembly segments was just about 12,000 less than that of the NDA, and this left us short of a majority by a dozen seats, he said. Replying to a query, the RJD leader said he would be joining Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the 'Matdata Adhikar (voters right) yatra' beginning in Rohtas district on August 17. As stated earlier, we shall also be keeping the option open to boycott the polls if the EC remains hell-bent upon treachery, Yadav said. Yadav also took exception to Bhikhubhai Dalsania, the BJPs state general secretary (organisation), getting registered as a voter in Bihar despite hailing from Gujarat. The RJD leader was lambasted by Nityanand Rai, a former state BJP president who is now the Union Minister of State for Home. The stupidity of Tejashwi Yadav makes me laugh. He seems to be rattled by the fact that the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of SIR, throwing his objections out of the window, Rai said. As far as Bhikhubhai Dalsania is concerned, he is an RSS pracharak who has devoted his life to serving the nation, he said. A dynast like Tejashwi Yadav can never appreciate the likes of Bhikhubhai, who did not care to set up their own family. The RJD and its allies are worried that fake electors, who were patronised by them as part of vote bank politics, are all set for ouster, claimed Rai.

Row Over Bihar Mayor's Twin Voter ID Cards, Poll Body Sends Notice

The Mayor of Muzaffarpur have been asked to explain two voter ID cards that she allegedly has, sources have said.

Bihar: EC sends notice to BJP's Muzaffarpur mayor; hours after Tejashwi said she has 2 voter ID cards

EC 'colluding' with BJP to 'steal' votes in Bihar, alleges RJD's Tejashwi Yadav

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to steal votes in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. He alleged that the EC is helping BJP leaders obtain multiple voter ID cards, citing the example of Muzaffarpur Mayor Nirmala Devi, who allegedly possesses two voter IDs. Yadav questioned the anomaly and demanded accountability.

Tejashwi claims Muzaffarpur Mayor has two EPIC numbers, days after allegation against Bihar Deputy CM

The RJD leader also claimed that Bihar BJP organisation General Secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsania, who was a voter of Gujarat till the last Lok Sabha election, has now become a voter of Patna district