Patna / The Times of India
The Indian women's cricket team's World Cup victory has inspired young female cricketers in Patna, validating their struggles and changing mindsets. However, a significant challenge remains: a shortage of female players in local academies hinders the formation of dedicated women's teams, forcing girls to train alongside boys and limiting their development opportunities.
Tejashwi Yadav, INDIA bloc's CM face, countered PM Modi's remarks in Bihar rallies, promising jobs and development for every family. He reiterated his commitment to providing one government job per family and highlighted plans for education, healthcare, and tourism development in the region.
Congress workers are actively campaigning in Gaya town and Wazirganj assembly segments for the upcoming polls. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a public meeting in Wazirganj, with other senior leaders also rallying support for the party's candidate. The party aims to regain ground in these constituencies where it has a historical presence.
Prime Minister Modi urged Gen Z and first-time voters to support the NDA for a 'Viksit Bihar,' promising women's empowerment and youth employment. He contrasted NDA's development agenda with the RJD-Congress's alleged 'destruction,' highlighting plans for Seemanchal's progress and addressing flood issues. Modi also criticized the opposition's leadership and alleged internal rifts.
Mukesh Sahani, VIP founder and INDIA bloc's deputy CM face, stated his Mallah-Nishad community faced injustice under past RJD rule. He is now working to transfer his community's votes to INDIA bloc candidates, asserting his leadership and connection to the Nishad people. The BJP criticized the opposition alliance over these remarks.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Nitish Kumar's absence from PM Modi's roadshow, alleging a conspiracy to sideline him within the NDA. Kharge criticized NDA leaders for focusing on opposition attacks instead of Bihar's issues like education, health, and employment, calling their promises hollow.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted the opposition alliance's defeat by 1 PM on November 14, the Bihar election results day. He highlighted NDA's development plans, including a defence corridor and improved infrastructure, while criticizing the opposition's past actions and financial contributions to Bihar.
In Khagaria, all eyes are on the Alouli constituency where Yash Raj, son of Pashupati Kumar Paras, is contesting. Alouli holds symbolic importance as the starting point for Ram Vilas Paswan's political career. A triangular contest is anticipated in Alouli, while other constituencies like Khagaria, Beldaur, and Parbatta are also witnessing keen electoral battles with key candidates from major parties.
West Champaran's nine constituencies are buzzing with intense campaigning for the November 11 assembly elections. The prestige of three former BJP ministers is on the line as 72 candidates vie for victory. The NDA, which dominated in 2020, faces a spirited challenge from various parties, including the RJD and Jan Suraaj, making several contests triangular.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar highlighted job creation, claiming 10 lakh jobs since 2020 and a target of one crore in the next five years. He emphasized women's empowerment through the Jeevika movement and promoted social harmony, while also detailing infrastructure and development achievements.
Despite strongman Anant Singh's imprisonment, his wife Neelam Devi leads the campaign in Mokama, rallying women supporters. The constituency is witnessing a fierce electoral battle, with Anant's JD(U) camp facing off against RJD's Veena Devi, wife of rival don Surajbhan Singh, amidst a backdrop of legacy, caste, and development issues.
Ahead of elections, Marathi-speaking business residents in Patna voice key concerns. Traffic congestion and encroachment significantly impact their businesses. Security issues, particularly for the jewellery trade, are a worry. They also highlight the need for improved government schools and higher education facilities. The community sees potential in reviving local industries to create jobs.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad, accompanied by his daughter Misa Bharti, held a roadshow in Danapur for party candidate Ritlal Rai, who is currently in Bhagalpur jail. Rai faces charges including demanding money and threatening a builder, and a past murder accusation. Lalu expressed confidence in the alliance's victory and Tejashwi becoming the next CM.
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.
A case has been filed against organizers of the NDA's roadshow in Mokama for using 48 vehicles, significantly exceeding the Election Commission's limit of 10. Union minister Lalan Singh and deputy CM Samrat Choudhary led the event in support of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh. Police seized the extra vehicles and registered a violation of the model code of conduct.
Patna district administration organized a bike and scooty rally as part of the SVEEP campaign to boost voter turnout. Hundreds of participants, including first-time voters and students, joined the awareness drive. Voters casting their ballot on November 6 will receive a 50% discount on cinema tickets for November 6 and 7.
An RJD MLA's supporter was injured during an election campaign in Bhojpur district after a clash erupted over switching on lights at a temple. Police arrested Sanjeev Mishra, the main accused. In a separate incident, an FIR was filed for a caste-based derogatory video, with police vowing stern action.
Marhowra, once a symbol of Bihar's industrial might with its sugar mill and engineering company, now grapples with defunct factories and job scarcity. Despite new ventures like a diesel locomotive plant, locals seek substantial employment. The revival of old industries remains a distant hope amidst electoral promises and economic challenges.
As Bihar prepares for elections, the Bengali community in Patna voices a singular demand: the preservation of their language. They highlight the decline of Bengali-medium schools and the dilution of their mother tongue. Security remains a common concern. Voters weigh past experiences of instability against current safety perceptions.
In Magadh, both the BJP and RJD are propping up weaker allies lacking prominent local leaders. While BJP has Prem Kumar and RJD has Surendra Prasad Yadav, their partners like JD(U), LJP(RV), and Congress struggle with recognizable faces. HAM(S) also lacks a distinct second-tier leadership, with Santosh Suman still in his father's shadow.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi surprised locals in Begusarai by joining fishermen for a dip and fish catch in a village pond after an election rally. He then visited a local family's home, bathing at a handpump and taking a selfie before departing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a grand roadshow in Patna, drawing thousands of cheering supporters who showered him with flower petals. The event, held to support NDA candidates, saw cultural performances and enthusiastic chants. Despite CM Nitish Kumar's absence, leaders present hailed the roadshow as a testament to Modi's popularity and the people's mandate for development.
JD(U) candidate Anant Singh was arrested for the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav, just three months after his release from Beur Central Jail. The arrest followed a violent clash between rival political convoys in Mokama. Singh and two aides were remanded to judicial custody for two weeks.
Women at Prime Minister Modi's rally in Ara voiced mixed opinions, appreciating free ration but seeking more assistance and highlighting local corruption. While some praised Nitish-Modi's work, others, like a tea shop owner, stressed the urgent need for youth employment, with a trader noting improved security but also migration concerns.
NDA partners in Bihar reacted cautiously to the arrest of JD(U) Mokama candidate Anant Singh in a murder case. Leaders emphasized that the law will take its course, with no political interference. They asserted that the government neither frames nor protects criminals, ensuring justice is served promptly.
Khagaria gears up for the first phase of elections on November 6, with elaborate security arrangements in place. Over 11.6 lakh voters, including 5.5 lakh women, will cast their ballots across four assembly constituencies. Authorities have deployed sector teams, flying squads, and patrolling teams, alongside drives to recover illicit arms and ensure peaceful polling.
Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh was arrested in connection with the killing of Jan Suraaj supporter Dular Chand Yadav. The deceased's grandson stated the 'brahambhoj' ritual will not proceed until all five accused are arrested and sentenced to death. Police have arrested Singh and two others, with all three to be produced before a magistrate.
Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev shared his optimistic outlook on the NDA's anticipated triumph in Bihar, citing the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi as a crucial factor. He described the competitive election environment as a vibrant indicator of democratic health.
A school bus carrying about a dozen children narrowly escaped a serious accident on the Ara-Patna four-lane road near Koelwar bridge. The bus collided with a truck, resulting in minor injuries to two children and serious leg fractures for the bus driver.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged Bihar to vote for development and defeat those promoting 'jungle raj', corruption, and violence. He highlighted the Centre's commitment to Bihar's industrial growth, emphasizing that a double-engine NDA government is crucial for the state's progress and a new identity of development.

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