The Times of India
Elections 2026Patna / The Times of India
As the BJP gears up for a significant role in Bihar, the RJD is gearing up for a strategic pivot to take on the emerging NDA government. Party leaders have announced that a comprehensive new agenda will be crafted following the Rajya Sabha elections.
In a groundbreaking development for Patna, the Municipal Corporation is set to unveil a state-of-the-art, multi-level shopping hub at New Market. This project is not only aimed at elevating the shopping experience but also at alleviating the persistent vendor encroachment and traffic issues plaguing Patna Junction.
Railways has implemented a queue system at major stations like Rajendra Nagar Terminal and Danapur to manage the post-Holi passenger surge. Special trains are running daily, and designated holding areas are provided for early arrivals. RPF personnel are ensuring smooth boarding, especially for the Sampoorna Kranti Express. War rooms and public announcements are aiding crowd control.
In a remarkable display of academic excellence, students from the Central University of South Bihar triumphed in the CSIR NET-JRF December 2025 exams, with outstanding performances from various disciplines including biotechnology, chemistry, geology, and geography.
Amidst the turmoil of Thursday, Purnia's fuel stations were overrun as locals rushed to fill their tanks, spurred by baseless speculation regarding rising prices fueled by tensions in West Asia. In response, district officials quickly stepped in, quelling the frenzy and restoring calm through increased security presence.
Passengers faced hours of disruption at Thakurganj station when a loco pilot refused to continue operating a Malda-Siliguri DEMU, citing the end of his duty hours. The train was delayed by nearly three hours due to technical issues with a preceding goods train.
In a recent celebration, Bihar's BJP leaders warmly commended the appointment of Nand Kishore Yadav as the Governor of Nagaland, also extending a hearty welcome to Lt. Gen. (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain as the new face leading Bihar.
In the wake of Nitish Kumar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha, minority communities in Bihar voice their apprehension regarding the continuity of welfare programs and the maintenance of law and order. While many residents commend his previous efforts, particularly in supporting Muslim students and Madarsa educators, they express fears about impending changes in governance.
Bhagalpur police have cracked down on an illegal drug ring, arresting Md Farhan and seizing over 8,000 bottles of codeine syrup and 21,000 benzodiazepine tablets. The raid, prompted by intelligence, uncovered a significant stash of restricted medicines allegedly intended for illicit sale. Investigations are ongoing to trace the distribution network.
Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is poised to officially join the JD(U) on March 8. This announcement follows Nitish's firm commitment to transition to the Rajya Sabha, stepping aside from his role as CM while vowing to maintain a watchful eye on Bihar's progress.
Meet Dr. Gaurav Mishra, a dedicated urologist whose heart beats for the marginalized. Embracing the spirit of the Hippocratic oath, he's performed over 200 free surgeries and has provided life-changing care to thousands. Known affectionately as 'the healer of the needy,' his mission is fueled by his mother's past challenges.
In a gripping scenario in Bihar, a young woman, just 20 years old, scaled a telecommunications tower, insistent on the release of her boyfriend, who had been taken into custody after her family lodged an abduction complaint. The tense standoff stretched on for hours as the police negotiated, finally bringing the boyfriend to the scene.
The validation process has affirmed the eligibility of six candidates competing for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar. Among those approved are CM Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Nitin Nabin.
In Patna, the wait for a second LPG cylinder has stretched to 15-25 days as ongoing conflicts in West Asia disrupt gas supply chains. Local distributors report delays not seen since the pandemic-induced shortages, underscoring the challenges posed by international tensions on fuel import logistics.
In a proactive effort to combat lymphatic filariasis, Bhagalpur district has embarked on an intensive 11-day campaign set to wrap up on March 13. This health initiative targets the last 10% of residents who still need treatment.
In Bhagalpur, authorities are delving into a concerning incident sparked by a viral clip of former MLA Narendra Kumar Neeraj, infamously known as Gopal Mandal, brandishing weapons during the Holika Dahan festival. A formal case has been launched at the Barari police station, and the focus now shifts to verifying his arms license.
The establishment of Bihar's new government will be postponed until early April, as it coincides with the Rajya Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar is set to officially take his seat as an MP after April 9. Both the BJP and JD(U) are gearing up for legislative meetings in early April to choose their leaders.
In the serene surroundings of Bodh Gaya, stakeholders are bracing for a possible halt in progress as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar eyes a Rajya Sabha position. His dedication to elevating this sacred destination has led to transformative initiatives and pivotal reforms within temple committees.
In a robust defense against opposition allegations, senior NDA figures have refuted claims that the BJP influenced Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to step down and pursue a Rajya Sabha position.
JD(U) workers are protesting Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination for a second day, expressing dissatisfaction through a postcard campaign. Tensions flared as a poster of PM Modi and Kumar was defaced. Discontent stems from the alliance with BJP and fears of Kumar leaving his Bihar tenure prematurely, potentially impacting prohibition and public trust.
JD(U) workers protested outside CM Nitish Kumar's residence and party office, expressing anger and disbelief over his Rajya Sabha nomination. Alleging a conspiracy and pressure, some threatened self-immolation and vandalized property, demanding to meet their leader and questioning the authenticity of his social media posts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Nitish Kumar's tenure as Bihar CM, calling it a golden period. He highlighted Kumar's role in bringing Bihar out of 'jungle raj' and driving development. Shah also praised Kumar's unblemished political career spanning decades, marking his return to national politics via the Rajya Sabha.
Nitish Kumar filed Rajya Sabha nomination, signaling an end to his Bihar CM tenure despite family and party objections. This move is seen as paving the way for a BJP-led government in Patna. His decision has sparked unrest within JD(U), with workers protesting and demanding he reconsider. Discussions within the NDA are underway regarding the next CM.
JD(U) workers protested outside CM Nitish Kumar's residence and party office, alleging a conspiracy and pressure behind his Rajya Sabha nomination. Some threatened self-immolation, vandalized furniture, and questioned the authenticity of his social media posts, demanding to meet their leader and expressing their dissent.
Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav claims Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination is under duress, asserting the Bihar CM was 'hijacked'. Yadav alleges the recent political shift betrays the public mandate and aims to suppress 'bahujan' politics, with the BJP pushing its agenda. He predicts the next CM will be a 'rubber stamp'.
As Bihar looks back on Nitish Kumar's 20 years in leadership, the narrative intertwines with themes of law and order, infrastructure rejuvenation, and pivotal social initiatives, particularly in advancing women's rights. While political landscapes shifted around him, he steadfastly championed consistent state-building efforts rather than chasing fleeting industrial trends.
Nitish Kumar's nomination for the Rajya Sabha may herald the rise of a BJP Chief Minister in Bihar, as five key playersSamrat Choudhary, Nityanand Rai, Dilip Jaiswal, Sanjay Jaiswal, and Janak Ramvie for attention. Each contender, with their distinct caste affiliations and political backgrounds, could pave new paths in the state's governance landscape.
Tragedy strikes as Captain Ashish Kumar, from Bettiah, is feared dead after an oil tanker attack in the Gulf of Oman, with bones recovered from his cabin. Meanwhile, a Patna native in Bahrain recounts the terrifying experience of a missile interception near a US naval base, leaving her and her family shaken and seeking to return home.
In the quiet lanes of Gaura village, Bhojpur, a violent episode unfolded as three suspects were arrested following a shooting that left local resident Akhilesh Thakur, 34, injured. The assault occurred outside Thakur's residence on Wednesday night, where he was ambushed by six armed attackers.
In a recent incident in Bettiah, authorities arrested 25-year-old Khurshid Alam for suspicious communications with mobile numbers linked to Pakistan. His devices revealed not only chats with numerous (+92) country-coded contacts but also an array of QR codes tied to questionable financial transactions.
In a tragic unfolding of events, a 16-year-old has been apprehended in Purnia in connection with the suspected rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl. Her lifeless body was found suspended in a bamboo grove, revealing signs of strangulation and other injuries.
The recent nomination of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the Rajya Sabha has ignited fervent discussions among political circles, raising questions about the JD(U)'s roadmap for the 2025 elections. Party workers voiced apprehensions regarding a potential pivot towards national politics, fearing this might empower the BJP and disrupt the state's political stability.
In a somber turn of events, Holi festivities in Patna and nearby regions were marred by a series of road accidents that led to the tragic loss of six lives and left seven others injured. A devastating motorcycle crash on the BihtaSarmera State Highway resulted in three fatalities, exacerbated by a reckless vehicle that struck recklessly through the celebrations.
The political scene in Bihar is electric, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar poised to step down as he eyes a Rajya Sabha seat. Business leaders are tentatively hopeful, anticipating that a BJP-led government could usher in rapid development, while dissenting voices caution against setbacks and the uncertainty this transition might bring.
In a surprising political twist, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has submitted his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, hinting at the end of his tenure as CM. Despite facing resistance from both his family and party members, he reaffirmed his longstanding dream of serving in the parliamentary arena.
In a significant step toward improving healthcare access, Bihar is introducing 124 new Basic Life Support ambulances, elevating the fleet to a remarkable 2,065. This initiative is particularly vital for rural communities, where Advanced Life Support ambulances will function as mobile ICUs, providing critical care.
In a devastating accident on NH-27 in Madhubani, a Haryana-based SUV carrying seven passengers tragically swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a truck. Four lives were lost, and three others were left in critical condition. The victims, hailed from Kurukshetra, were on a leisurely trip when fate took a grim turn.
Nitish Kumar's rise in Bihar politics reads like a thrilling novel, filled with shifting alliances and clever strategies. Starting in student activism next to Lalu Prasad, he embraced socialist values, weathered multiple electoral storms, and eventually made his mark in the Lok Sabha.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar confirmed his Rajya Sabha nomination, sparking political uproar. Opposition leaders criticized the move, calling it a leadership coup and political abduction orchestrated by the BJP, betraying the people's mandate. Kumar assured his commitment to Bihar's development remains unchanged.
Janata Dal (United) supporters gathered to protest Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha. They want him to continue as Bihar Chief Minister. Supporters suggested his son, Nishant Kumar, be nominated to the Upper House. Despite protests, Nitish Kumar will file his Rajya Sabha nomination. He stated his commitment to Bihar remains steadfast.
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is poised for a Rajya Sabha move, signaling a major political shift. This transition is expected to pave the way for the BJP to install its own CM in the state. Nitish's son, Nishant Kumar, may enter politics and join the government. The BJP, long a junior partner, appears set to take the helm.
Six children, five girls and one boy, tragically drowned in a water-filled pit in Bihar's East Champaran district. The incident occurred in Lohargava village when one girl slipped while bathing and others jumped in to save her. Bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is reportedly set to join the Janata Dal (United) on Holi, with party ministers indicating he will be given a significant role. This move follows persistent speculation and demands from party workers and youth for his active political entry.
In preparation for a vibrant and safe Holi, officials in Buxar are ramping up security protocols. Law enforcement and magistrates have been assigned throughout the district, maintaining visibility until March 4. Authorities anticipate heightened activity around Holika Dahan, ensuring fire safety measures with fire trucks ready for action.

22 C