NDAs Makhana move makes inroads into fishermen vote banks
NEW DELHI: The announcement to establish a Makhana Board, along with substantial subsidies for its production, turned out to be a successful gamble for the NDA in the Bihar elections. By emphasising the benefits of this initiative, the NDA routed out the Opposition alliance INDIA in the Assembly seats of the makhana growing belt, which includes Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Samastipur, Purnia, Saharsa, Khagaria, and Supaul districts. The region is home to over five lakh families from the fishermen community, who are heavily involved in makhana production, and they overwhelmingly supported the NDA. According to the Bihar caste-based census of 2023, the Mallah community (fishermen/boatmen, also known as Nishad) constitutes 2.6% of Bihars population. Given that Bihars total population is approximately 13.07 crore (130.7 million), this translates to around 3.4 million people. Interestingly, the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), which represents the fishermen community and joined the opposition alliance INDIA, failed to garner their votes. The Centre has announced a setting up of National Makhana Board with a budget package of Rs 475 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, although it has yet to be established. The state contributes to 90% of the total makhana production in the country. Additionally, the Bihar government has launched a seed scheme (202527) aimed at introducing improved makhana varieties with a 75% subsidy.
As Bihar election result 2025 is underway, the PM Modi led government has given one of its most anticipated road project, Patna-Purnia expressway, the status of a national expressway. The MoRTH issued a notification in which the road is named National Expressway 9.
Who will benefit from higher voter turnout in Bihar polls?
PATNA: Bihar created history in the 2025 assembly elections by registering a record overall voter turnout of 66.91 percent across the two phases, triggering speculations whether the BJP-JD(U) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the opposition INDIA bloc would benefit from it. The revised data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) suggests a provisional turnout of 69.1 percent, which is almost 12 percentage points higher than the 2020 assembly election. The turnout of women voters is estimated at 71.6 percent, which is also close to 12 percentage points more than the 59.7 percent recorded in 2020. On the other hand, 62.8 percent of male voters exercised their franchise this time, against 54.45 percent male voter turnout. What does high female voter turnout mean? Bihar chief minister and JD (U) president Nitish Kumar has created a caste-neutral constituency of women by taking a number of steps for them since he came to power in 2005. These include 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayats and urban local bodies, bicycle and uniform scheme for girl students, 35 percent reservation in government jobs and the latest Rs 10,000 for them under the Mukhyamntri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. NDA's streak of victories in assembly polls since 2005, barring 2015 when Nitish contested the election with RJD, is also attributed to Nitish`s several pro-women measures. To counter it in this election, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also promised that if his party and the INDIA bloc came to power, Jeevika Community Mobiliser (CM) workers would be made permanent government employees with a monthly salary of Rs 30,000. Axis My India predicts close fight in Bihar; gives 121-141 seats for NDA, 98-118 for Mahagathbandhan So, higher voter turnout may largely favour NDA, but there is also an undeniable fact that Tejashwi`s promise has also gained traction among women, remarked a political analyst. Muslim-dominated seats record a remarkable rise in voter turnout Muslim dominated seats in Seemanchal and Kosi regions recorded a significant rise in voter turnout. Kishanganj district recorded the highest voter turnout at 78.16 percent. Kishanganj Sadar seat recorded a turnout of 79.93 percent, an increase of 19.07 percent from 2020. Similarly, Katihar (77.93 percent) follows next with an increase of 13.26 percent and 12.20 percent in Kochadhaman (76.84 percent). In the Kosi region, Kasba witnessed the highest voter turnout of 81.74 percent followed by Purnia at 79.95 percent. However, Purnia registered the sharpest increase (21.14 percent) of voter turnout among the 32 Muslim-dominated seats in Bihar. Reacting to higher Muslim voter turnout, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Bihar secretary Dr Anwarul Huda said that Muslims got further disenchanted with Nitish after his stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill and also on other issues related to Muslims, including non-appointment of Urdu teachers in government schools. Muslims stepped out from their houses in droves and cast their votes against the present dispensation, he remarked. On the other hand, another Muslim leader claimed that a section of Muslims still had trust in Nitish as he had taken several initiatives for their development, including the erection of boundary walls around graveyards.
Fresh faces, land of Sita, Seemanchal: Key battles shaping Bihar elections phase 2
After a record 64.66% voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar elections, the state is gearing up for the second phase, where political temperatures are set to rise. A total of 122 constituencies across 20 districts will go to the polls, featuring a mix of ministers, celebrities, and first-time contenders. Each seat carries its own local narrative and power equation. This phase will see 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, contesting roughly 10% of the total. In the 2020 assembly polls, the BJP won 42 of these seats, followed by the RJD with 33, JD(U) 20, Congress 11, and Left parties five. Below are key constituencies to watch: Chakai: Sumit Kumar Singh (JD(U)) vs Savitri Devi (RJD) Bihars Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh is eyeing another term, this time as a JD(U) candidate under the NDA. Known for frequently shifting parties, he first entered the assembly in 2010 as a JMM candidate and made a comeback in 2020 as an Independent. His rival, RJDs Savitri Devi, previously won the seat in 2015. The constituencys sizeable Santhal tribal population adds complexity, with Alijaveth (Elizabeth) Soren commanding loyal support despite never winning. Adding to the mix is Chandan Kumar Singh, a philanthropist-turned-Independent, who initially backed Chirag Paswan before contesting on his own. Jamui: Shreyasi Singh (BJP) vs Mohammad Shamsad Alam (RJD) Shooter-turned-politician Shreyasi Singh seeks a second term as the BJP candidate. A gold medallist and member of a powerful political family, she defeated RJDs Vijay Prakash in 2020 by over 41,000 votes. This time, the Grand Alliance has fielded Mohammad Shamsad Alam against her. Lauriya: Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh (VIP) vs Binay Bihari (BJP) Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh, the richest candidate this election, has drawn attention in Lauriya with declared assets of 368.98 crore and his wifes 131 crore. He faces BJPs Binay Bihari, the sitting MLA. Bihar elections 2025: Voting begins for second phase, State on high alert after Delhi explosion Gaya Town: Dhirendra Agrawal (Jan Suraaj Party) vs Prem Kumar (BJP) vs Akhaury Onkar Nath (Congress) Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party has fielded Dhirendra Agrawal, a three-time former MP from Chatra, against BJPs Prem Kumar, who has held Gaya Town for eight consecutive terms. Agrawal, son of former RSS South Bihar chief Daya Prakash, represents Kishors attempt to project Jan Suraaj as a credible alternative. Congress has nominated Akhaury Onkar Nath. The wider Gaya district is key to Kishors experiment, where his party has also fielded ex-NDA figures in several seats. Phulparas: Sheela Kumari Mandal (JD(U)) vs Subodh Mandal (Congress) In Madhubanis Phulparas, Transport and Communication Minister Sheela Mandal is defending her seat. Known for her grassroots presence, she stirred controversy in 2020 after remarks comparing freedom fighters Veer Kunwar Singh and Ramphal Mandal triggered caste-based debate. She now faces Congresss Subodh Mandal. Amarpur: Jayant Raj Kushwaha (JD(U)) vs Jitendra Singh (Congress) Young cabinet minister Jayant Raj Kushwaha, son of former MLA Janardan Manjhi, is seeking re-election from Amarpur. A BBA graduate, he narrowly beat Congresss Jitendra Singh in 2020 and was later inducted into Nitish Kumars cabinet. The two face each other again this year. Dhamdaha: Leshi Singh (JD(U)) vs Santosh Kumar (RJD) In Purnias Dhamdaha, veteran JD(U) leader Leshi Singh, Bihars Food and Consumer Protection Minister, is eyeing another term. A consistent winner since 2000, she retained her seat in 2020 by about 34,000 votes. RJDs Santosh Kumar is her challenger this time. Kargahar: Ritesh Ranjan Pandey (Jan Suraaj) vs Santosh Mishra (Congress) vs Vashishth Singh (JD(U)) Popular Bhojpuri actor-singer Ritesh Pandey, known for hits like Balma Bihar Wala and Hello Kaun , is contesting from Kargahar under Jan Suraaj. He faces Congresss Santosh Mishra and JD(U)s Vashishth Singh. Pandeys entry surprised many who expected Prashant Kishor himself to contest from this seat. Chhatapur: Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu (BJP) vs Dr Vipin Kumar Singh (RJD) Neeraj Kumar Singh, popularly known as Bablu, and cousin of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is contesting again from Chhatapur in Supaul district. Currently Bihars Environment and Forest Minister, he gained prominence after vocally demanding justice for Sushant in 2020. He now faces RJDs Dr Vipin Kumar Singh. Bettiah: Renu Devi (BJP) vs Washi Ahmad (Congress) Former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi, currently Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources, seeks re-election from Bettiah. A long-time BJP figure who began her political career in 1981 through social work, Devi has risen through the ranks of the BJP Mahila Morcha since 1988. She faces Congresss Washi Ahmad this time. Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise Sitamarhi: Sunil Kumar Pintu (BJP) vs Sunil Kumar (RJD) Sunil Kumar Pintu, a four-time MLA and former MP, is contesting again from Sitamarhi. Pintu, who also heads the Shri Bhagwati Sita Tirtha Kshetra Samiti, wields significant cultural and political influence His campaign was hit by controversy after an alleged private video resurfaced online a clip he dismissed as an old opposition trick. Despite this, he has the BJPs full backing, with Amit Shah campaigning for him. He faces RJDs Sunil Kumar. Chainpur: Mohammad Zama Khan (JD(U)) vs Brij Kishor Bind (RJD) vs Balgovind Bind (VIP) In Chainpur, Minority Affairs Minister Mohammad Zama Khan faces opposition from both allies and rivals. Khan, who won in 2020 as a BSP candidate before joining JD(U), has faced criticism from sections of the Muslim community over the Waqf Bill controversy. The RJD has fielded Brij Kishor Bind, while the VIP has nominated Balgovind Bind, resulting in a three-cornered contest. Parihar: Gayatri Devi (BJP) vs Ritu Jaiswal (Independent) vs Smita Purbe (RJD) In Sitamarhis Parihar, three women are in the fray. The seat, near the Ma Janki temple at Punaruadham, gained national attention after Amit Shah announced its 800 crore renovation plan. Sitting MLA Gayatri Devi (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive win. In 2020, she narrowly defeated Ritu Jaiswal (RJD) by about 2,000 votes. Denied a ticket this time, Ritu is contesting as an independent, while the RJD has fielded Smita Purbe, daughter-in-law of veteran leader Ram Chandra Purbe. The Seemanchal Equation The politically sensitive Seemanchal region comprising Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar will be a crucial battleground in this phase. Home to a large portion of Bihars 17% Muslim population, Seemanchal has seen intense campaigning from all major parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi. In 2020, the BJP won eight of the regions seats, JD(U) four, Congress five, CPIML and RJD one each, while AIMIM won five before four of its MLAs joined the RJD. Friendly Fire Several constituencies will witness intra-alliance clashes within the Grand Alliance. In Narkatiaganj, Congresss Shashwat Kedar Pandey faces RJDs Deepak Yadav, while the NDA has fielded BJPs Sanjay Pandey. In Kahalgaon, Congresss Praveen Singh Kushwaha takes on RJDs Rajnish Bharti, with JD(U)s Shubh Anand Mukesh representing the NDA. In Pipra, CPI(ML)s Anil Kumar faces CPI(M)s Rajmangal Prasad, while BJPs Shyambabu Prasad Yadav contests for the NDA. Bihar polls: Legacy, family feuds and fresh faces shape key battles in Phase 1
Congress fighting same battle that Mahatma had fought
PATNA: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday claimed that her party was now fighting the same battle against the Modi empire that Mahatma Gandhi once fought against the British imperialists. Addressing back-to-back events in Bihars Kadwa (Katihar), Purnia and Barari in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region, Vadra hit out at Modi for using words like katta (country-made pistol) that she said were unbecoming of a Prime Minister. She also noted how, on one hand, the PM was hailing Vande Mataram, which stood for non-violence, and on the other, he was using words that hurt the dignity of his office and position. The Congress general secretary held the NDA government in Bihar responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the state. The lack of opportunities in Bihar has forced its youth to seek jobs in other parts of the country, she said. She also blamed demonetisation and the faulty implementation of GST for the collapse of small- and medium-scale businesses, which destroyed employment opportunities. Vadra also slammed the NDA government for allegedly handing over all public sector undertakings to PM Modis two corporate friends. The NDA leaders keep talking about the seven decades of Congress rule in India. They should know that the Congress governments of the past built institutes like IITs, IIMs and AIIMS, she stressed. Referring to the pre-election cash handout of Rs 10,000 to women in Bihar by the NDA government, the Congress leader said the BJP was trying to bribe them. The NDA thinks they will bribe women with Rs 10,000 and get votes, she said. While loans of corporate houses are being waived off, poor people are spending their lifetimes repaying interest on the credits they took for educating their children or getting their children married, Vadra lamented. The senior Congress leader further said that since people of the country were fed up with the BJP and its allies, the party has started resorting to electoral malpractices to stay in power. She specifically referred to the deletion of 65 lakh voters from the electoral rolls in Bihar prior to the ongoing Assembly elections. She also lashed out at CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi & SS Sandhu for being complicit in the vote theft. Vadra warned that the citizens would hold them accountable for undermining democracy. She then equated the Mahagathbandhans fight against the NDA with the Indians struggle against the British colonial rule. Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari claimed that the ruling NDA faced heavy losses in the first phase of the Assembly elections, asserting that the Opposition alliance was poised to gain 75 to 80 seats. Tiwari also insisted that most BJP candidates were headed for a loss.
Congress accuses NDA of making 'false promises', neglecting development of Bhagalpur, Seemanchal
The NITI Aayog report states: 52% of the population of Araria, 50% of the population of Purnia, more than 45% of the population of Kishanganj-Katihar, still struggle with multidimensional poverty, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
JD(U) leaders brother, wife and daughter found dead in Purnia
A businessman, his wife, and daughter were discovered deceased in Purnia's K Hat police station area. Naveen Kushwaha, his wife Kanchan Mala, and daughter Tanu Priya were found dead late Tuesday night. Tanu, a medical student, reportedly suffered from an anxiety disorder. Her parents were allegedly depressed over her condition.
Days Before Bihar Polls, JD(U) Leader's Brother, Wife And Daughter Found Dead In Purnia
The deceased were identified as JD(U) leader Neeranjan Kushwaha's brother, Naveen Kushwaha, his wife Mala Devi and daughter Tanu Priya.
Direct flight from Purnia to Hyderabad airport begins, passengers delighted
Patna: As the passenger traffic witnessed a surge since the launch of commercial flight operations last month, Purnia airport expanded its services to new airports, establishing direct connectivity with Delhi and Hyderabad airports. As the new services begin, the direct flight connectivity has left passengers visibly excited and delighted. The fliers are happy over prospects 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 .
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
Ease of travel: Civil aviation ministry firms up winter schedule of all airlines
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday announced the winter schedule of all scheduled domestic airlines that will come into effect from October 26. A total of 26,495 flight departures per week across 126 airports in the country have been approved by the ministry. Indigo has been allotted the maximum departures of 15,014, while Air India and Vistara combinedly will be responsible for 4,277 departures. This marks an improvement of 5.85% over the winter schedule of 2024. An official release from the Civil Aviation Ministry said that when compared with the summer schedule, the winter schedule will have 1,000 additional departures. There are 26,495 departures per week which have been finalised to/from 126 airports as per Winter Schedule (WS) S25 compared to 25,610 departures per week from 129 airports in the Summer Schedule 2025. This schedule will be in place till March 28, 2026. The new airports which will make their debut this winter are Amravati, Hissar, Purnia and Rupsi. The airports that have been suspended from operations are those in Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong and Shravasti. The Winter Schedule 2025 of the scheduled domestic airlines has been finalised after the slot conference meeting held in September. The final slots clearances have been received from respective airport operators, it added. Indigo will have a 6.05% growth over its summer schedule while Spicejet will have a 26.45% increase. Star Air with 538 departures will have a 6.53% growth. Air India will have a dip of 0.77% while Air India Express will go down by 6.04% dip. FlyBig will have the maximum impact with a 67.05% negative growth in departures with just 58 flight departures while Fly91 will have a 59.35% dip. Akasa Air s departures will go down by 5.69%.
Fire Breaks Out In Amritsar-Purnia Jan Sewa Express Near Sonbarsha
The fire was quickly brought under control using extinguishers, and no passenger injuries or casualties were reported.
Congress releases second candidate list for Bihar assembly polls
The Congress party on Saturday released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, announcing five additional names to contest from key constituencies across the state. This latest announcement adds to the 48 candidates declared in the partys first list. According to the second list released by the party, the Congress has fielded, Shaswat Kedar Pandey from Narkatiaganj, Qamrul Hoda from Kishanganj, Irfan Alam from Kasba, Jitender Yadav from Purnia and Mohan Shrivasta from Gaya Town. The Bihar Assembly elections for the 243-member House will be held in two phases. The first phase of polling is scheduled for November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11. Counting of votes is set to take place on November 14. The deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of the elections was October 17, while candidates vying for seats in the second phase must submit their nominations by October 20. pic.twitter.com/5HvUxaSf84 Congress (@INCIndia) October 18, 2025 Bihar polls: Congress claims seat-sharing issue among INDIA bloc partners resolved
Bihar elections: EC data shows women voters dip in six seats
Bihar's electoral rolls show a concerning drop in women voters in six assembly seats. Seemanchal and Champaran regions are particularly impacted. Sikta constituency saw the largest decrease. Many voters have also shifted from districts like Purnia and West Champaran. This data was presented to the Supreme Court by the Election Commission.
Bihar polls: Congress, RJD agree to disagree on 5 seats
PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav left for Delhi on Saturday evening, a day after a meeting of the partys central and state parliamentary boards was held in Patna to discuss seat-sharing formula among INDIA bloc partners for Bihar polls. Tejashwi has gone to Delhi with a message from RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. He is expected to meet senior leaders of Congress, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The leaders of two major allies will take a final call on seat-sharing arrangements in the Opposition bloc, a senior RJD leader said. Sources said the RJD and Congress were jostling over five seatsBaisi, Bahadurganj, Raniganj, Kahalgaon and Saharsawhich has reportedly delayed the announcement of a seat-sharing pact. The Congress had contested Kahalgaon and Bahadurpur in 2020 and RJD fought in Saharsa, Baisi and Raniganj, but both failed to win any of them. The Congress, which has given two seats from its quota to the India Inclusive Party (IIP), initially decided to hand over Saharsa to its ally. The RJD has now staked claim on the seat, sources said. The Congress staked claim on Kahalgaon seat, mostly won by the party in previous elections. Last year, the Congress contested but the BJP won the seat. The RJD, the sources said, has sought to contest from this seat but the Congress is unwilling to part with it. Besides, the Congress seeks to field its candidates from Baisi and Bahadurganj of Seemanchal region, citing its performance in the Muslim-dominated area in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress has now three MPs, including Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, in Kishanganj, Katihar and Purnia in Seemanchal. In 2020 assembly polls, Asasuddin Owaisi-led AIMIM won Baisi and Bahadurpur seats. The MLAs later jumped ship to RJD. Sources said RJD is reluctant to part with Raniganj, despite losing it in 2020. Leaders from both sides are holding rounds of meetings over the seats concerned to arrive at an agreement, the sources added. The two major allies are already facing tensions over the Opposition groupings choice of chief ministerial candidate. Meanwhile, the RJD has been declaring Tejashwi as the face.
The Election Commission will announce the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 schedule on Monday. Key leaders like Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav are in focus. Major parties including BJP, RJD, and JD(U) are preparing campaigns. Important seats like Raghopur, Phulwari, Patna Sahib, Danapur, Purnia, and Hasanpur will be closely watched. These constituencies matter for the upcoming polls.
Union ministers likely to hit NDA campaign trail
NEW DELHI: With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, Union ministers from the BJP-led NDA are expected to be deployed for intensive campaigning across the state. Sources indicated that beginning October 2, several ministers will be entrusted with promoting the NDAs agenda and canvassing for public support for its candidates. Each minister will be responsible for four to five assembly constituencies, working closely with local party workers and leaders to ensure a coordinated effort to rally voters in favour of the NDA. Sources stated that the aim is to establish a stronger connection between the national leadership and the local electorate, while reinforcing the BJPs commitment to Bihars development. Ministers are expected to participate in high-profile rallies and engage with the people, highlighting the achievements of the Modi government and various schemes aimed at socio-economic development. By having our senior leaders engage at the grassroots level, we can strengthen our presence in both urban and rural constituencies, especially those represented by Opposition MLAs, said a party source. Special attention is being given to constituencies where the BJP or its allies narrowly lost in the 2020 election. There are around 5060 assembly seats, particularly in South Bihar and Seemanchal, which need special focus. Though BJP won a significant number of seats in Seemanchal in 2020, this time the aim is to win more than 60% of the total 24 seats, as PM Narendra Modis developmental initiatives, like the Purnia airport, have made an impact, the source added. The NDA leadership has planned its campaign also around caste dynamics, with ministers chosen for areas with substantial populations of Yadavs, Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims, and EBCs/OBCs.
Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit lauds power sector reforms at BSPHCL interactive session
NEW DELHI: Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) on Thursday hosted an event featuring State Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, credited with transforming the state from once power-starved to power-sufficient during his tenure as BSPHCL CMD. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, BSPHCL organised an interactive session in Patna with Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit (IAS). The session, led by Energy Secretary-cum-CMD Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), saw the chief secretary sharing valuable insights and guidance with officials. Speaking at the event, Amrit said, Consumer service strengthens the brand of reliability. He further reminded that electricity is not a luxury, it is a necessity. As brand ambassadors of the power sector, our responsibility goes beyond supply, we must ensure reliability, responsiveness and service delivery at every level,he asserted while addressing the power officials and employees. During his tenure in this department, Amrit had not only initiated massive reforms across the power sector, ensuring every village and area of Bihar was electrified, but had also introduced a new corporate structure and aesthetic to Vidyut Bhawan on Bailey Road. Arrangements such as the Power Caf, a library, and several other facilities were implemented changes that are still visible today. These efforts helped transform a department that was once as neglected and plagued by insufficient power availability. With the open support of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Pratyaya Amrit then turned it into one of the leading departments in the state, with Bihar now being counted among the states with the highest power availability. During the session, BSPHCL officials said Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit also reflected on the challenges and developments of his tenure, highlighting the hard work behind the transformative changes shared with officials and employees. With a capable officer like Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS) at the helm of the department as CMD, and two other accomplished IAS officers Rahul Kumar as MD of the North Bihar Power Unit and Mahendra Singh as MD of the South Bihar Power Unit BSPHCL is continuing to set new records in efficient service delivery. This includes prompt public complaint redressal and rapid fault repairs, among other improvements, said a senior source from this sector while speaking to the TNIE on Thursday evening. The department also shared that the session brought together leadership and employees of BSPHCL and its subsidiary companies for an engaging dialogue on governance, public service and the roadmap for Bihars power sector. CS Pratyaya Amrit shared valuable insights on accountability, innovation & citizen-centric service delivery, inspiring everyone to work with renewed commitment. CMD Manoj Kumar Singh welcomed him and presented the roadmap of the department along with his two MDs. It may be recalled here that Rahul Kumar, who is now MD of the North Bihar Power Unit, had delivered outstanding service during his tenure as District Magistrate in Purnia. From facilitating land for the Purnia Airport to setting up libraries and more, Rahul Kumar set many commendable examples. He remains well-remembered by the people of Purnia for his works, especially done in the education sector, for initiating a book donation campaign and establishing libraries in every Panchayat of the district.
Opposition taking out yatras to save 'illegals' in Bihar: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about demographic changes in Bihar's Seemanchal region, criticizing the opposition for supporting infiltrators for vote-bank politics. He promised to address the issue through the demography mission. Modi inaugurated projects worth 40,541 crore, including Purnia airport's terminal, and flagged off new trains.
PM Modi to inaugurate Purnia Airport, launch projects worth Rs 40,000 crore in Bihar today
the Prime Minister will address a public rally in East Champaran district and launch development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore.
Ahead of PMs visit, Tejashwi Yadav makes surprise inspection of Purnia hospital
The leader of opposition in Bihar legislative Assembly pointed out that in the GMCH-Purnia, there is no ICU nor the cardiology department and even the trauma centre is not functional.
BJP lashes out at Congress for sharing AI-generated clip of PM Modi, his mother
NEW DELHI: The BJP has launched a strong offensive against the Congress after its Bihar unit shared an AI-generated video clip from its official X handle. The clip depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modis late mother expressing anguish over being dragged into politics by her own son. Union Minister Giriraj Singh, along with several other BJP leaders, launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of once again insulting the Prime Ministers mother. Singh demanded legal action against Gandhi, calling the act a form of fraud committed through artificial intelligence, targeting a woman who is no longer alive. Singh, a senior BJP leader from poll-bound Bihar, condemned Rahul Gandhi, stating that he had become shameless and lacked respect for women. pic.twitter.com/aA4mKGa67m Bihar Congress (@INCBihar) September 10, 2025 Notably, the AI-generated video surfaced on social media just a day before Prime Minister Modis scheduled visit to Bihar, where he is set to inaugurate several government schemes, including the Purnia Airport, and address a public rally. Let us wait and hear what our Prime Minister has to say about this disgraceful act by the Congress during his rally in Purnia. The Congress has made a mockery of itself by circulating such a video, said a BJP leader from Bihar, adding that the matter would be taken to the court of the people of Bihar. Former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain, a prominent minority face of the BJP from Bihar, also condemned the Congress and criticised its leadership in strong terms.
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.
EC issues 3 lakh notices over Voter ID discrepancies in Bihar; foreign nationals among those flagged
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued nearly 3 lakh notices to electors in Bihar after Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) found discrepancies in their voter identification documents during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the states electoral rolls, sources said on Friday. According to officials, the discrepancies were discovered during document verification, and in several instances, nationals from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, were allegedly found in possession of Indian voter identity cards. These irregularities surfaced during document checks conducted by EROs, with formal notices issued following detailed field inquiries, a senior official stated. Each elector flagged in the process has been asked to appear before authorities within seven days to clarify or rectify their records. Bihar CM Nitish condemns 'abuses' hurled at PM Modi during 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Darbhanga A comprehensive verification drive is scheduled to take place from 1 to 30 August, and individuals found ineligible will have their names removed from the final voter list, which is set to be published on 30 September. During house-to-house visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), many individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar were found to have procured multiple Indian documents, including Aadhaar, ration cards, and domicile certificates, the source added. The highest number of questionable cases have been reported from border and adjoining districts such as East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul. As of Thursday, the ECI had received a total of 2,11,650 applications from individuals and political parties seeking inclusion or deletion of names from the draft rolls. Among political parties, CPI (ML) Liberation submitted 8 applications, while the main opposition party RJD submitted 9. 'PM Modi is scared,' claims Rahul Gandhi during Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar Out of the total applications, 24,991 have already been disposed of by the EROs. However, the ECI has not released specific figures on how many were related to inclusions or deletions. The draft electoral roll was published on 1 August, following the commencement of the SIR process on 24 June. According to the poll panel, documents of 99.11% of Bihars 7.24 crore electors have already been verified, with 98.2% submitting the required documentation between 24 June and 24 August.
3 Lakh Bihar Voters Get Poll Panel Notice Amid Doubts Over Their Citizenship
Suspect voters were mostly in East & West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul, which have a porous border and have been in political crosshairs
Rahul Gandhi Stops For Tea And Maggi At Bihar Dhaba, Pays 10X The Actual Bill
Rahul Gandhi's unplanned stop at 'Apna Dhaba' in Garhbaneli during his Voter Rights Yatra amazed locals, earning praise for his simplicity and generousity in Purnia, Bihar
Ahead of Bihar elections 2025, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Sal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav were seen riding a Bullet motorcycle during their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Purnia. What did BJP leadrer's said?
Bihar Election 2025: Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav lead Voter Adhikar Yatra on bikes in Purnia
Poll-Bound Bihar To Get Another Amrit Bharat Train This Week; Purnia-Patna Vande Bharat En Route
Bihar, going for elections later this year, has been getting a connectivity and infrastructure push over the last couple of months
BTech student at private university in Greater Noida dies by suicide
NOIDA: A second year engineering student at a private university in Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide at his hostel room, police said on Sunday. In his suicide note, Shivam Dey held no one responsible for his death and requested the university to refund the fee to his parents. The student also mentioned that he was unable to bear the pressure of studies, they said. A native of Purnia in Bihar's Madhubani, Shivam was pursuing BTech in Computer Science from Sharda University in Greater Noida. According to the family, the 24-year-old student went back to college on August 2 after returning from family trip to Vaishno Devi. Kartik Dey, the student's father claimed that he was normal when he was at home and showed no signs of distress. Shivam was the lone son in his family, his father works in a private company and mother is a housewife. The Knowledge Park police informed that a memo from a private hospital was received on August 15 that a 24 years old student was found dead in HRM Hostel. The body was sent for the post-mortem and a case has been registered, they said. A spokesperson of the Sharda University said that the university has expressed condolences to student's family and confirmed that fees would be refunded and all necessary support would be given to them. Shivam Day enrolled in the B Tech computer Science programme in 2022. He completed his first year, but after that he struggled in his second year and failing to meet the minimum grade requirement of a 5.0 CGPA to progress to the third year, the spokesperson said. His mentor remained in his touch to support him and encouraged him to participate in internships, and other academics programmes, he added, adding that Shivam was also given opportunities to improve his performance, but if could not he was offered to repeat the second year at reduced fees. On July 18, a second year student of Dental Sciences also died by suicide. She had accused two faculty members for her death and after that they were arrested by police. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Ex-Sharda University Student Found Dead In Hostel, Suicide Note Mentions Mental Stress
The deceased, hailing from Purnia district in Bihar, was found hanging inside his room at a hostel in Knowledge Park, about two kilometres from the university
To finalise the specifics before the opening, AAI recently convened a high-level meeting. Before operations start, airport employees will undergo training.
Bihar elections: Migration a major factor behind change in voter demography
Bihar's draft electoral roll reveals demographic shifts due to migration. Patna saw the highest voter deletion, followed by Madhubani. BJP-JDU strongholds like East Champaran also experienced significant deletions. Gopalganj's voter list shrank due to migration and floods. Samastipur witnessed a close NDA-RJD contest. Purnia is among the top districts with voter deletions.
Bihar Assembly Elections: Seemanchal, close to Bangladesh, sees significant voter deletion
Bihar's Seemanchal region, comprising Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Katihar, has experienced significant voter deletions in the draft electoral roll, totaling several lakhs. These districts, bordering Bangladesh and Nepal with a high Muslim population, are known for infiltration. The region's 24 assembly seats are crucial for the NDA and INDIA bloc, marked by communal polarization and close contests.
