Three more children with symptoms of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-evades-question-on-rising-deaths-229257">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139.

According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1.

The Bihar health department had on Thursday released state-wide figures putting the total toll following the outbreak, which has spread across 16 districts, at 136.

With the latest three casualties the death toll rose to 139 though unconfirmed reports claim that the number has crossed 150.

Hundreds of children are admitted to hospitals -- mostly at Muzaffarpur's SKMCH and privately-owned Kejriwal hospital -- for treatment of AES which is characterized by sudden onset of high fever and convulsions.

The high number of deaths this year has been blamed on hypoglycemia or sudden drop in blood sugar levels, which some experts attribute to malnutrition and consumption of unripe litchi -- a fruit grown in abundance in north Bihar -- on an empty stomach and failure to administer glucose within four hours of the onset of fever and other symptoms.

The Muzaffarpur administration said that 13.5 lakh packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS) have been distributed across the district and health workers are carrying out an intensive awareness programme, as part of which 8.5 lakh pamphlets have been distributed.

In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refused to take queries from journalists when they tried to seek his reaction on the outbreak which had rocked both Houses of parliament.

Kumar was approached with queries outside the state Assembly premises which he had visited to accompany Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-poll.

Opposition RJD leader Bhai Virendra alleged that Kumar's reproach to photo and video journalists inside the Returning Officer's chamber - when they started leaning on the backs of officials present inside - was "nothing else but giving vent to frustration over his government's inability to control the epidemic and having nothing to say to the media on the issue".

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who also heads the state BJP unit, told reporters, "Our party has resolved to do its bit and all BJP Lok Sabha members in the state shall be donating Rs 25 lakh to the Sadar hospitals in their respective constituencies for setting up of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)".

The state BJP office also circulated copies of a letter by Rai, dated June 19, whereby he informed the collector of Samastipur district -- wherein his constituency Ujiyarpur falls -- that he has decided to contribute Rs 25 lakh from his MPLAD fund for PICU.

The BJP has the highest number of 17 Lok Sabha members in Bihar where the total number of seats is 40.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, at a pre-budget meeting of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with finance ministers of states, raised the issue of AES outbreak and sought a grant of Rs 100 crore for setting up a 100-bed pediatric ICU, a research centre and building a new AIIMS besides upgrading the state's medical colleges to a level comparable with the AIIMS.

Three more children with symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139. According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1.

Three more children with symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139. According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1. The Bihar health department had on Thursday released state-wide figures putting the total toll following the outbreak, which has spread across 16 districts, at 136. With the latest three casualties the death toll rose to 139 though unconfirmed reports claim that the number has crossed 150. Hundreds of children are admitted to hospitals -- mostly at Muzaffarpur's SKMCH and privately-owned Kejriwal hospital -- for treatment of AES which is characterized by sudden onset of high fever and convulsions. The high number of deaths this year has been blamed on hypoglycemia or sudden drop in blood sugar levels, which some experts attribute to malnutrition and consumption of unripe litchi -- a fruit grown in abundance in north Bihar -- on an empty stomach and failure to administer glucose within four hours of the onset of fever and other symptoms. The Muzaffarpur administration said that 13.5 lakh packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS) have been distributed across the district and health workers are carrying out an intensive awareness programme, as part of which 8.5 lakh pamphlets have been distributed. In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refused to take queries from journalists when they tried to seek his reaction on the outbreak which had rocked both Houses of parliament. Kumar was approached with queries outside the state Assembly premises which he had visited to accompany Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-poll. Opposition RJD leader Bhai Virendra alleged that Kumar's reproach to photo and video journalists inside the Returning Officer's chamber - when they started leaning on the backs of officials present inside - was "nothing else but giving vent to frustration over his government's inability to control the epidemic and having nothing to say to the media on the issue". Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who also heads the state BJP unit, told reporters, "Our party has resolved to do its bit and all BJP Lok Sabha members in the state shall be donating Rs 25 lakh to the Sadar hospitals in their respective constituencies for setting up of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)". The state BJP office also circulated copies of a letter by Rai, dated June 19, whereby he informed the collector of Samastipur district -- wherein his constituency Ujiyarpur falls -- that he has decided to contribute Rs 25 lakh from his MPLAD fund for PICU. The BJP has the highest number of 17 Lok Sabha members in Bihar where the total number of seats is 40. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, at a pre-budget meeting of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with finance ministers of states, raised the issue of AES outbreak and sought a grant of Rs 100 crore for setting up a 100-bed pediatric ICU, a research centre and building a new AIIMS besides upgrading the state's medical colleges to a level comparable with the AIIMS.

Three more die of Encephalitis in Bihar, toll reaches 139

After a 4-year-old boy who was found positive for the Japanese Encephalitis died at the Jagdalpur Medical College in Chhattisgarh's Bastar on Thursday, the government issued orders for making necessary arrangements and providing proper treatment to patients at all health centre's spread across the district.

One child was found positive for the "Japanese Encephalitis" at Jagdalpur Medical College, Dimrapal where three children suffering from fever were admitted.

"After test, it was found that one child is positive for JE while 2 are found negative," said the press release.

The child was suffering from fever since June 10 and was brought for treatment at the community health centre at Bastar.

However, he was referred to Medical College Dimrapal after his condition showed no improvement on June 18.

He&nbsp;died on June 20 during treatment at the hospital.

Following which 88 persons including 18 who had come in contact with the child were tested for the Japanese Encephalitis but were not found positive, informed the press release from Chhattisgarh government.

The deadly disease originates from pigs and spreads to humans, mostly children, through mosquitoes.&nbsp;

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis include fever, nausea and fatigue.

On the other hand, Acute Encephalitis Syndrome so far has claimed the lives of 122 children in Bihar.

As per the data, a total of 101 deaths were reported at government-run Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital while 20 children died at Kejriwal hospital in the Muzaffarpur due to the vector-borne disease today.&nbsp;

After a 4-year-old boy who was found positive for the Japanese Encephalitis died at the Jagdalpur Medical College in Chhattisgarh's Bastar on Thursday, the government issued orders for making necessary arrangements and providing proper treatment to patients at all health centre's spread across the district.

After a 4-year-old boy who was found positive for the Japanese Encephalitis died at the Jagdalpur Medical College in Chhattisgarh's Bastar on Thursday, the government issued orders for making necessary arrangements and providing proper treatment to patients at all health centre's spread across the district. One child was found positive for the "Japanese Encephalitis" at Jagdalpur Medical College, Dimrapal where three children suffering from fever were admitted. "After test, it was found that one child is positive for JE while 2 are found negative," said the press release. The child was suffering from fever since June 10 and was brought for treatment at the community health centre at Bastar. However, he was referred to Medical College Dimrapal after his condition showed no improvement on June 18. He died on June 20 during treatment at the hospital. Following which 88 persons including 18 who had come in contact with the child were tested for the Japanese Encephalitis but were not found positive, informed the press release from Chhattisgarh government. The deadly disease originates from pigs and spreads to humans, mostly children, through mosquitoes. Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis include fever, nausea and fatigue. On the other hand, Acute Encephalitis Syndrome so far has claimed the lives of 122 children in Bihar. As per the data, a total of 101 deaths were reported at government-run Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital while 20 children died at Kejriwal hospital in the Muzaffarpur due to the vector-borne disease today.

Chhattisgarh: Government orders 'necessary arrangements' after 4-yr-old dies of Japanese Encephalitis

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Thursday issued elaborate instructions to deal with the intense heat wave conditions in the state which has claimed more than 100 lives so far.

According to the control room set up by the state's disaster management department, 101 people have died due to heat stroke and the casualties have been spread across three districts of Aurangabad, Gaya and Nawada.

At 58, Aurangabad has reported the highest number of casualties, followed by Gaya (39) and Nawada (14), the control room said.

After recording a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees, Gaya received light rainfall bringing respite to the people. The weather department has forecast "overcast sky and thundershowers" for Friday.

However, residents of the state capital, which simmered at 40.2 degrees, are unlikely to get any relief as heat wave is likely to persist over the next 24 hours, the Met office said.

At the meeting held at ANMCH hospital in Gaya, the chief minister instructed the officials to ensure that those admitted upon suffering a heat stroke were provided with the best possible treatment and awareness was spread for prevention.

He also directed administrative officials of Gaya, Nawada and Aurangabad, who were present at the meeting, to ensure that ex gratia was paid at the earliest to the family members of those who have lost their lives.

A presentation was also made before Kumar, apprising him of the health care arrangements in the three districts affected by intense heat wave.

Deliberations were also held on prevention of encephalitis, of which the state has witnessed a massive outbreak, resulting in deaths of more than 130 children.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Thursday issued elaborate instructions to deal with the intense heat wave conditions in the state which has claimed more than 100 lives so far.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Thursday issued elaborate instructions to deal with the intense heat wave conditions in the state which has claimed more than 100 lives so far. According to the control room set up by the state's disaster management department, 101 people have died due to heat stroke and the casualties have been spread across three districts of Aurangabad, Gaya and Nawada. At 58, Aurangabad has reported the highest number of casualties, followed by Gaya (39) and Nawada (14), the control room said. After recording a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees, Gaya received light rainfall bringing respite to the people. The weather department has forecast "overcast sky and thundershowers" for Friday. However, residents of the state capital, which simmered at 40.2 degrees, are unlikely to get any relief as heat wave is likely to persist over the next 24 hours, the Met office said. At the meeting held at ANMCH hospital in Gaya, the chief minister instructed the officials to ensure that those admitted upon suffering a heat stroke were provided with the best possible treatment and awareness was spread for prevention. He also directed administrative officials of Gaya, Nawada and Aurangabad, who were present at the meeting, to ensure that ex gratia was paid at the earliest to the family members of those who have lost their lives. A presentation was also made before Kumar, apprising him of the health care arrangements in the three districts affected by intense heat wave. Deliberations were also held on prevention of encephalitis, of which the state has witnessed a massive outbreak, resulting in deaths of more than 130 children.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets officials as heat wave claims over 100 lives

The death toll in Bihar due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-advanced-life-support-ambulances-pressed-into-service-in-bihar-229038">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts.

According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-breakout-227219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said.

To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea next Monday, seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Muzaffarpur.

The death toll in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

The death toll in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances. Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said. To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea next Monday, seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Muzaffarpur.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Death toll rises to 136 in Bihar, over 600 cases registered

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-meets-officials-as-heat-wave-claims-over-100-lives-229070">Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar</a> on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-death-toll-rises-to-136-in-bihar-over-600-registered-229053">rising number of deaths </a>in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Spreading across 16 districts the death toll in Bihar rose to over 136.

According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 lakh for their respective constituencies to build PICUs in Sadar Hospitals there.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had&nbsp;issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades questions of journalists as they ask him about the deaths of children in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). <a href="https://t.co/37cQrlOskB">pic.twitter.com/37cQrlOskB</a>
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Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the rising number of deaths in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the rising number of deaths in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Spreading across 16 districts the death toll in Bihar rose to over 136. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 lakh for their respective constituencies to build PICUs in Sadar Hospitals there. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances. #WATCH Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades questions of journalists as they ask him about the deaths of children in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). pic.twitter.com/37cQrlOskB — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2019 × Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur. (With inputs from agencies)

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades question on rising deaths in Bihar

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said.

The central teams comprising 10 paediatricians and five paramedics each had started working on the ground, in coordination with the state government, it added.

The teams were sent to Bihar on Wednesday.

Vardhan further informed that 16 senior district officials and medical personnel were sent to the vulnerable blocks for monitoring and early identification of cases and ensuring daily reporting.

Their headquarters were also shifted to these blocks, he said, adding that the district collector was involved in the process now and was personally taking responsibility for the same.

The collector had deputed senior deputy collectors (SDCs) or district-level officers to lead various block teams, Vardhan was quoted in the statement as saying.

These teams would be assisted by a district-level medical officer and a medical officer in-charge (MOIC) to do the overall work at the block level, the statement said.

It added that the authorities in Bihar were given instructions to switch to daily surveillance and monitoring for detecting early warning signs of the disease.

"The state government has started a social audit, along with an active case-finding campaign through a house-to-house survey, and is moving the prospective patients to the nearest PHC for early intervention. Surprise checks are also being conducted at the PHCs by SDCs.

"Additionally, the early morning inspection of anganwadi centres is also being undertaken by SDCs and child development project officers (CDPOs). They are also giving ORS to each house in the affected villages," the statement said.

The auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were directed to visit every house to raise awareness on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) by distributing pamphlets and brochures, it said, adding that awareness was also being created through other measures such as announcements through microphones and inter-personal communication.

Also, a team of experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was deployed at the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for making the virology laboratory operational at the earliest, Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement.

He added that the multi-disciplinary team deployed earlier was reviewing all the case records of the AES patients admitted to the hospital in 2019.

"The team is reviewing the case records of discharged and deceased AES patients at SKMCH, using a standardised tool to know the reasons for mortality. We expect to complete the activity in the next two to three days.

A similar exercise will be undertaken at the Kejriwal Hospital," the Union health minister said.

The multi-disciplinary team will systematically collect clinical, nutritional and epidemiological information from the AES patients hospitalised since May 18. Blood, urine and CSF samples will be collected from these patients to rule out infectious aetiology.

It would also carry out a case-control study (by taking household/village controls) to reconfirm the role of missing meals and litchi consumption (including the quantity), the statement said.

Orientation training of all paediatricians of SKMCH will also be conducted in batches over the next few days on clinical case management and the treatment protocol of AES and the new teams will be briefed about case assessment, investigations and the treatment protocols already in place.&nbsp;

They would also be requested to continue with the same, the statement said.

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said. The central teams comprising 10 paediatricians and five paramedics each had started working on the ground, in coordination with the state government, it added. The teams were sent to Bihar on Wednesday. Vardhan further informed that 16 senior district officials and medical personnel were sent to the vulnerable blocks for monitoring and early identification of cases and ensuring daily reporting. Their headquarters were also shifted to these blocks, he said, adding that the district collector was involved in the process now and was personally taking responsibility for the same. The collector had deputed senior deputy collectors (SDCs) or district-level officers to lead various block teams, Vardhan was quoted in the statement as saying. These teams would be assisted by a district-level medical officer and a medical officer in-charge (MOIC) to do the overall work at the block level, the statement said. It added that the authorities in Bihar were given instructions to switch to daily surveillance and monitoring for detecting early warning signs of the disease. "The state government has started a social audit, along with an active case-finding campaign through a house-to-house survey, and is moving the prospective patients to the nearest PHC for early intervention. Surprise checks are also being conducted at the PHCs by SDCs. "Additionally, the early morning inspection of anganwadi centres is also being undertaken by SDCs and child development project officers (CDPOs). They are also giving ORS to each house in the affected villages," the statement said. The auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were directed to visit every house to raise awareness on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) by distributing pamphlets and brochures, it said, adding that awareness was also being created through other measures such as announcements through microphones and inter-personal communication. Also, a team of experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was deployed at the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for making the virology laboratory operational at the earliest, Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement. He added that the multi-disciplinary team deployed earlier was reviewing all the case records of the AES patients admitted to the hospital in 2019. "The team is reviewing the case records of discharged and deceased AES patients at SKMCH, using a standardised tool to know the reasons for mortality. We expect to complete the activity in the next two to three days. A similar exercise will be undertaken at the Kejriwal Hospital," the Union health minister said. The multi-disciplinary team will systematically collect clinical, nutritional and epidemiological information from the AES patients hospitalised since May 18. Blood, urine and CSF samples will be collected from these patients to rule out infectious aetiology. It would also carry out a case-control study (by taking household/village controls) to reconfirm the role of missing meals and litchi consumption (including the quantity), the statement said. Orientation training of all paediatricians of SKMCH will also be conducted in batches over the next few days on clinical case management and the treatment protocol of AES and the new teams will be briefed about case assessment, investigations and the treatment protocols already in place. They would also be requested to continue with the same, the statement said.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Advanced life-support ambulances pressed into service in Bihar 

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state.

''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar &amp; other parts of country. In view of this, Food Safety Commissioner has been directed to collect&amp;test sample of Litchi being sold in market to ascertain toxic contents,'' Department of Health and Family Welfare said.

The government's action came following reports that litchi consumption was one of the factors behind the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

So far, over 100 children had died due to AES.

Watch: Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak

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Bihar Chief Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-greet-nitish-kumar-during-muzaffarpur-hospital-visit-toll-climbs-to-111-228479"> Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited</a> Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died.

In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state. ''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar & other parts of country.

The Odisha government on Tuesday has ordered laboratory test of litchi fruit that is being sold in the markets in the state. ''Encephalitis is spreading in Litchi growing areas of Bihar & other parts of country. In view of this, Food Safety Commissioner has been directed to collect&test sample of Litchi being sold in market to ascertain toxic contents,'' Department of Health and Family Welfare said. The government's action came following reports that litchi consumption was one of the factors behind the spread of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). So far, over 100 children had died due to AES. Watch: Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died. In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Bihar Encephalitis deaths: Odisha government orders laboratory test of litchi

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials.

On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died.

Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials.

In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved."

The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali.

Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time.

Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level.

Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.

The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths.

In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths.

Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday.

While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials.

State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days.

Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government.

"The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said.

The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500.

"Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment.

The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday.

The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.&nbsp;

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials. On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died. Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials. In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark. Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved." The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali. Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time. Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child. The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths. In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths. Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday. While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials. State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days. Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government. "The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said. The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500. "Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment. The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday. The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.

Protests greet Nitish Kumar during Muzaffarpur hospital visit; toll climbs to 111 

Public grief gave way to outrage here Tuesday when angry people raised slogans as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a meeting with officials to take stock of the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 100 children.

The death toll has climbed to 107&nbsp;with both the SKMCH hospital and the privately owned Kejriwal hospital reporting one casualty during the night, the district administration said.

Kumar, who had been away in New Delhi since Saturday, returned to the state capital Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials.

After the meeting the government swung into action, declaring it would bear the expense for treatment of those found with the syndrome even if it took place at private hospitals.

Instructions were also issued for equipping primary health centres with necessary facilities so that children with symptoms of AES in remote areas could be provided with medical attention closer home since, in several cases, the time involved in travelling to the district headquarters and seeking admission to hospitals had led to worsening of the condition of patients.

Watch:&nbsp;Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bihar-health-minister-admits-aes-outbreak-227282/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Tuesday morning, Kumar rushed to the SKMCH hospital in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1. Close to 90 of them have died.

The chief minister, who was flanked by his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and cabinet colleague and local MLA Suresh Sharma, went to the ICU inside the hospital to take stock of the situation before holding an impromptu review meeting with hospital authorities and other health department officials.

In the meantime, hordes of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", angry over the chief minister choosing to visit the city only after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker.

"This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister. Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the concerned people pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved," one of them said.

A team of Union health department officials visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike Japanese Encephalitis which was a viral infection.

The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely low level of sugar in the blood. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition.

Moreover, the litchi grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin which can cause a drop in blood sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.&nbsp;

Public grief gave way to outrage here Tuesday when angry people raised slogans as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a meeting with officials to take stock of the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 100 children.

Public grief gave way to outrage here Tuesday when angry people raised slogans as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a meeting with officials to take stock of the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 100 children. The death toll has climbed to 107 with both the SKMCH hospital and the privately owned Kejriwal hospital reporting one casualty during the night, the district administration said. Kumar, who had been away in New Delhi since Saturday, returned to the state capital Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials. After the meeting the government swung into action, declaring it would bear the expense for treatment of those found with the syndrome even if it took place at private hospitals. Instructions were also issued for equipping primary health centres with necessary facilities so that children with symptoms of AES in remote areas could be provided with medical attention closer home since, in several cases, the time involved in travelling to the district headquarters and seeking admission to hospitals had led to worsening of the condition of patients. Watch: Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak On Tuesday morning, Kumar rushed to the SKMCH hospital in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1. Close to 90 of them have died. The chief minister, who was flanked by his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and cabinet colleague and local MLA Suresh Sharma, went to the ICU inside the hospital to take stock of the situation before holding an impromptu review meeting with hospital authorities and other health department officials. In the meantime, hordes of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", angry over the chief minister choosing to visit the city only after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark. Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister. Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the concerned people pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved," one of them said. A team of Union health department officials visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike Japanese Encephalitis which was a viral infection. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely low level of sugar in the blood. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the litchi grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin which can cause a drop in blood sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.

Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visits Muzaffarpur to take stock of Acute Encephalitis outbreak

At least 76 people have died in three Bihar districts as a searing heatwave swept most parts of the state, prompting the government to order closure of academic activities in all schools and colleges till June 22, officials said on Monday.

The Disaster Management Department said 33 people lost their lives in Aurangabad, 31 in Gaya and 12 in Nawada due to the heatwave.

In view of the continuing heatwave and loo gripping most parts of the state for the past couple of days, the government has decided to shut all the colleges, private and government schools, institutes and coaching centres till June 22, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar said.

The chief secretary was briefing media persons after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on two issues of deaths from suspected cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and people dying due to blistering heatwave and loo.

He said all markets, especially in south Bihar districts, where heatwave has claimed 76 lives so far in the past three days, will be closed between 11 am to 5 pm.

The chief secretary, however, did not specify the names of the south Bihar districts where markets will remain closed.

All construction activities will be shut from 10 in the morning till the evening, Kumar said, adding that work can be done prior to 10 am and in the evening and thereafter.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Sunday announced Rs four lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those killed.

Major cities in the state, including Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur, have been witnessing the heatwave for the past couple of days.

As per the Patna Meteorological Centre, Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur witnessed heatwave on Monday. It forecast heatwave conditions for Patna and Bhagalpur on Tuesday, while Gaya is likely to witness cloudy skies.

Patna and Gaya, which have been reeling under heatwave and loo for the past three days, recorded a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius each on Monday, the weather office said, adding that Bhagalpur and Purnea registered 41.6 and 36.0 degrees Celsius.

Patna and Bhagalpur recorded six notches above their normal maximum temperature, while Gaya recorded five notches above the normal, it said.

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is recorded at 4.5 degrees or more above the normal for two consecutive days, a Met official said.

At least 76 people have died in three Bihar districts as a searing heatwave swept most parts of the state, prompting the government to order closure of academic activities in all schools and colleges till June 22, officials said on Monday.

At least 76 people have died in three Bihar districts as a searing heatwave swept most parts of the state, prompting the government to order closure of academic activities in all schools and colleges till June 22, officials said on Monday. The Disaster Management Department said 33 people lost their lives in Aurangabad, 31 in Gaya and 12 in Nawada due to the heatwave. In view of the continuing heatwave and loo gripping most parts of the state for the past couple of days, the government has decided to shut all the colleges, private and government schools, institutes and coaching centres till June 22, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar said. The chief secretary was briefing media persons after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on two issues of deaths from suspected cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and people dying due to blistering heatwave and loo. He said all markets, especially in south Bihar districts, where heatwave has claimed 76 lives so far in the past three days, will be closed between 11 am to 5 pm. The chief secretary, however, did not specify the names of the south Bihar districts where markets will remain closed. All construction activities will be shut from 10 in the morning till the evening, Kumar said, adding that work can be done prior to 10 am and in the evening and thereafter. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Sunday announced Rs four lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those killed. Major cities in the state, including Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur, have been witnessing the heatwave for the past couple of days. As per the Patna Meteorological Centre, Patna, Gaya and Bhagalpur witnessed heatwave on Monday. It forecast heatwave conditions for Patna and Bhagalpur on Tuesday, while Gaya is likely to witness cloudy skies. Patna and Gaya, which have been reeling under heatwave and loo for the past three days, recorded a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius each on Monday, the weather office said, adding that Bhagalpur and Purnea registered 41.6 and 36.0 degrees Celsius. Patna and Bhagalpur recorded six notches above their normal maximum temperature, while Gaya recorded five notches above the normal, it said. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is recorded at 4.5 degrees or more above the normal for two consecutive days, a Met official said.

Heatwave toll in Bihar rises to 76

As many as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-say-better-health-infrastructure-could-have-contained-encephalitis-227570">107 children have lost their lives</a> due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) here, officials said on Monday.

In Bihar's Vaishali district, eleven children were reported to have died due to the viral disease while in Motihari district, two deaths were reported. In Begusarai one child has died due to AES.

In the wake of fatalities due to AES, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the deceased.

He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.

AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

Last week, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey had said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of encephalitis.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from AES in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre.

As many as 107 children have lost their lives due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) here, officials said on Monday. In Bihar's Vaishali district, eleven children were reported to have died due to the viral disease while in Motihari district, two deaths were reported.

As many as 107 children have lost their lives due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) here, officials said on Monday. In Bihar's Vaishali district, eleven children were reported to have died due to the viral disease while in Motihari district, two deaths were reported. In Begusarai one child has died due to AES. In the wake of fatalities due to AES, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the deceased. He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease. AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. Last week, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey had said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of encephalitis. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from AES in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre.

Bihar: Death toll rises to 107 due to acute encephalitis syndrome

Union minister Harsh Vardhan Monday issued directions for immediately sending another high-level team to Bihar's Muzaffarpur to set up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-encephalitis-deaths-nitish-kumar-calls-internal-meeting-with-health-department-seniors-227986">deaths of 103 children due to suspected encephalitis</a>.

The health minister reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting which was attended by senior officers of the Health Ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research&nbsp;(ICMR) and AIIMS.&nbsp;

Vardhan on Sunday visited the families of the children suffering from suspected acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Bihar where doctors' strike has paralysed medical and health services.

Vardhan, his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the SKMCH.

"The Union health minister has directed for another high-level multi-disciplinary team to be sent to Bihar immediately. The team will undertake the necessary groundwork for setting up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre at Muzaffarpur," the ministry said in a statement.

"To establish the cause of the disease, there is an urgent need for an inter-disciplinary, high-quality research team. The research team shall work with the children suffering from AES/JE looking at various aspects including periodicity, cycle of disease, environmental factors and metrological data, besides other factors," Vardhan stated.

The interdisciplinary team consists of experts from ICMR, Delhi, NIMHANS, Bangalore, National Institute of Malaria Research and National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) Chennai and AIIMS, Delhi.&nbsp;

The members include Dr Jhuma Sankar, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS, Dr V Ravi, Senior Professor of NeuroVirology at NIMHANS and Dr Abhinav Sinha, Scientist in National Institute of Malaria Research.

Vardhan also said five virological labs will be set up in different districts in the state. The districts can be decided in consultation with the state government and can be funded through the National Health Mission (NHM), he said.

In one of the decisions taken during his visit, Vardhan instructed to set up a 100-bed paediatric ICU at SKMCH. Also, in the adjoining districts, 10-bed paediatric ICUs will be set up with support from the Centre, so that such cases can be given better and exclusive treatment and there is no unnecessary load on the facilities available at SKMCH, the statement said.&nbsp;

Emphasising on the need for early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia cases, Vardhan said a dedicated team of doctors should be placed in endemic PHCs with required facilities at least for three to four months before and during the onset of disease.

They may be incentivised under NHM appropriately, he said.&nbsp;

As for the present, the PHCs and CHCs concerned should take prompt corrective measures for hypoglycaemia at the facility itself to utilise the golden hour, he added.

Vardhan also said the Ministry of Earth Science will be requested to upgrade its IMD observatory facility for improved monitoring of climate-related parameters such as temperature humidity, rainfall, heat waves, etc. And share it with the state government and the NCDC for better preparedness and management of AES.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday issued notices to the Union Health Ministry and the Bihar government.&nbsp;

It sought a detailed report from them, including on the status of implementation of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis Virus/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (NPPCJA) and other steps taken to deal with the painful situation, the NHRC said in a statement.

"The commission would also like to know about the status of the treatment being provided to the children, who are currently hospitalised, and the relief or rehabilitation provided by the state to the aggrieved families," it said.

The commission has observed that in spite of reported measures taken by government agencies, deaths of children in such a large number indicate towards a "possible flaw" in proper implementation of the vaccination and awareness programmes.&nbsp;

Union minister Harsh Vardhan Monday issued directions for immediately sending another high-level team to Bihar's Muzaffarpur to set up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre in the wake of deaths of 103 children due to suspected encephalitis.

Union minister Harsh Vardhan Monday issued directions for immediately sending another high-level team to Bihar's Muzaffarpur to set up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre in the wake of deaths of 103 children due to suspected encephalitis. The health minister reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting which was attended by senior officers of the Health Ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS. Vardhan on Sunday visited the families of the children suffering from suspected acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Bihar where doctors' strike has paralysed medical and health services. Vardhan, his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the SKMCH. "The Union health minister has directed for another high-level multi-disciplinary team to be sent to Bihar immediately. The team will undertake the necessary groundwork for setting up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre at Muzaffarpur," the ministry said in a statement. "To establish the cause of the disease, there is an urgent need for an inter-disciplinary, high-quality research team. The research team shall work with the children suffering from AES/JE looking at various aspects including periodicity, cycle of disease, environmental factors and metrological data, besides other factors," Vardhan stated. The interdisciplinary team consists of experts from ICMR, Delhi, NIMHANS, Bangalore, National Institute of Malaria Research and National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) Chennai and AIIMS, Delhi. The members include Dr Jhuma Sankar, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS, Dr V Ravi, Senior Professor of NeuroVirology at NIMHANS and Dr Abhinav Sinha, Scientist in National Institute of Malaria Research. Vardhan also said five virological labs will be set up in different districts in the state. The districts can be decided in consultation with the state government and can be funded through the National Health Mission (NHM), he said. In one of the decisions taken during his visit, Vardhan instructed to set up a 100-bed paediatric ICU at SKMCH. Also, in the adjoining districts, 10-bed paediatric ICUs will be set up with support from the Centre, so that such cases can be given better and exclusive treatment and there is no unnecessary load on the facilities available at SKMCH, the statement said. Emphasising on the need for early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia cases, Vardhan said a dedicated team of doctors should be placed in endemic PHCs with required facilities at least for three to four months before and during the onset of disease. They may be incentivised under NHM appropriately, he said. As for the present, the PHCs and CHCs concerned should take prompt corrective measures for hypoglycaemia at the facility itself to utilise the golden hour, he added. Vardhan also said the Ministry of Earth Science will be requested to upgrade its IMD observatory facility for improved monitoring of climate-related parameters such as temperature humidity, rainfall, heat waves, etc. And share it with the state government and the NCDC for better preparedness and management of AES. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday issued notices to the Union Health Ministry and the Bihar government. It sought a detailed report from them, including on the status of implementation of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis Virus/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (NPPCJA) and other steps taken to deal with the painful situation, the NHRC said in a statement. "The commission would also like to know about the status of the treatment being provided to the children, who are currently hospitalised, and the relief or rehabilitation provided by the state to the aggrieved families," it said. The commission has observed that in spite of reported measures taken by government agencies, deaths of children in such a large number indicate towards a "possible flaw" in proper implementation of the vaccination and awareness programmes.

High-level team deployed to Bihar's Muzaffarpur to set up state-of-the-art research centre 

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-encephalitis-deaths-nitish-kumar-calls-internal-meeting-with-health-department-seniors-227986">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> was not enough.

Nishad said, "I am very sad with the death toll due to AES. This number should have been zero if doctors were available in more numbers and would have worked at a greater pace. Despite, both the Union and the state governments working to check the spread of the disease, the death toll reached so high which is very sad and shocking as well."

He said, "Most of the affected children belong to poor families because they are exposed to hot and humid conditions which are responsible for the disease."

"There have been deaths due to AES in the past but this year death toll reached very high," he added.

The BJP MP also gave the data regarding the number of deaths in Bihar due to AES in the last 8 years. He said, "In 2010, 59 patients were admitted in hospitals due to AES and 24 had died. In 2011, 121 people were admitted and 45 died. In 2012, 336 were admitted and 120 died. In 2013, 124 were admitted and 39 died, in 2014, 342 were admitted and 86 died, in 2015, 75 admitted and 11 died, in 2016, 30 admitted and 4 died, in 2017, 9 admitted and 4 died and in 2018, 35 admitted and 11 died."

AES took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur this year.&nbsp;

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was not enough.

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was not enough. Nishad said, "I am very sad with the death toll due to AES. This number should have been zero if doctors were available in more numbers and would have worked at a greater pace. Despite, both the Union and the state governments working to check the spread of the disease, the death toll reached so high which is very sad and shocking as well." He said, "Most of the affected children belong to poor families because they are exposed to hot and humid conditions which are responsible for the disease." "There have been deaths due to AES in the past but this year death toll reached very high," he added. The BJP MP also gave the data regarding the number of deaths in Bihar due to AES in the last 8 years. He said, "In 2010, 59 patients were admitted in hospitals due to AES and 24 had died. In 2011, 121 people were admitted and 45 died. In 2012, 336 were admitted and 120 died. In 2013, 124 were admitted and 39 died, in 2014, 342 were admitted and 86 died, in 2015, 75 admitted and 11 died, in 2016, 30 admitted and 4 died, in 2017, 9 admitted and 4 died and in 2018, 35 admitted and 11 died." AES took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur this year.

Number of doctors required to handle Acute Encephalitis Syndrome 'not enough': BJP MP

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-rises-to-107-due-to-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-227834">100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar</a> Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today.

Nitish Kumar recently announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children, who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.

He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

The death toll due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur rose to 100 on Monday, officials said. According to official data, 83 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), while 17 have lost their lives in Kejriwal hospital in the city.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the Centre would set up a state-of-the-art research centre here within a year to deal with the menace of AES. 
 
Nitish Kumar met former President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Sunday. However, what transpired between the duo is not known.&nbsp;

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today.

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today. Nitish Kumar recently announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children, who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. The death toll due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur rose to 100 on Monday, officials said. According to official data, 83 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), while 17 have lost their lives in Kejriwal hospital in the city. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the Centre would set up a state-of-the-art research centre here within a year to deal with the menace of AES. Nitish Kumar met former President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Sunday. However, what transpired between the duo is not known.

Amid rising encephalitis deaths, Nitish Kumar calls internal meeting with health department seniors

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100.&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.&nbsp;

Doctors claim that the deaths, due to AES, are being caused due to excessive heat and humidity. Scorching heat on Saturday claimed the lives of least 25 people from various districts of the state on Saturday.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan arrived in the state capital today to review public health measures for containment and management of the AES.

Vardhan had previously said that the Centre was constantly monitoring the situation and supporting state health authorities to manage the encephalitis cases.

The minister was greeted here with black flags displayed by workers of the Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik (LJP) who shouted slogans against him.

Meanwhile, on Sunday attendants of patients admitted to the SKMCH alleged that there were no doctors on call during the night.

"My daughter is in the ICU room of SKMCH. The death toll is increasing day by day. There were no doctors after 12 in the night and only nurses are here. There are four bodies inside ICU," Mohammad Aftab told ANI.

Another attendant, Sunil Ram said, "My four-year-old daughter was admitted to hospital on Saturday. She was declared dead today. There is no facility in SKMCH."

In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar&nbsp;gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.

Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save children.

"We are trying everything and anything that can save children's lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said.

"There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said.

Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis.

"Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

(With inputs from ANI)

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100. Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100. Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. Doctors claim that the deaths, due to AES, are being caused due to excessive heat and humidity. Scorching heat on Saturday claimed the lives of least 25 people from various districts of the state on Saturday. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan arrived in the state capital today to review public health measures for containment and management of the AES. Vardhan had previously said that the Centre was constantly monitoring the situation and supporting state health authorities to manage the encephalitis cases. The minister was greeted here with black flags displayed by workers of the Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik (LJP) who shouted slogans against him. Meanwhile, on Sunday attendants of patients admitted to the SKMCH alleged that there were no doctors on call during the night. "My daughter is in the ICU room of SKMCH. The death toll is increasing day by day. There were no doctors after 12 in the night and only nurses are here. There are four bodies inside ICU," Mohammad Aftab told ANI. Another attendant, Sunil Ram said, "My four-year-old daughter was admitted to hospital on Saturday. She was declared dead today. There is no facility in SKMCH." In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease. Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save children. "We are trying everything and anything that can save children's lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said. "There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said. Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis. "Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said. Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks. (With inputs from ANI)

Bihar: Death toll due to suspected acute encephalitis mounts to 100 in Muzaffarpur

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday visited Bihar's Muzaffarnagar district, where 81 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the past fortnight.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan reaches AES-hit Muzaffarnagar

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Acute Encephalitis Syndrome kills over 50 children in Bihar. Bihar has been battling 'AES' for 25 years. 'AES' can be caused by Bacteria, Fungi, & Viruses. UP was also hitted hard by 'AES' in 2017. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: 'Acute Encephalitis Syndrome' Breakout

Bihar Minister of Health, Mangal Pandey has admitted that an outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) had caused the death among children in north Bihar. Watch this video to know more.

Bihar health minister admits AES outbreak

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur.

A total of 46 patients died at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while eight succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital on Thursday.

Earlier today, Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "Forty seven children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection. 137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported."

Apart from this, Singh said, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the death toll to 47."

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. 
&nbsp;

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur.

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur. A total of 46 patients died at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while eight succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital on Thursday. Earlier today, Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "Forty seven children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection. 137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported." Apart from this, Singh said, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the death toll to 47." Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

Bihar: Encephalitis claims 54 children; 132 hospitalised in Muzaffarpur

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis.

Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan.

He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases.

He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday. He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis. Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan. He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases. He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. (With inputs from agencies)

Encephalitis toll climbs to 57 in Bihar; Union health minister Harsh Vardhan assures all assistance to state government

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The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account. &nbsp;

The celebrations, though, were short-lived as Nitish Kumar, unhappy with the number of berths allotted, opted out of the Modi 2.0 ministry. He didn’t like a token representation in the Cabinet. After all, if Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP with six MPs got one cabinet rank, JD(U) surely deserved at-least three berths with its 16 MPs! &nbsp;

JD(U)’s logic is not unjustified. It feels that NDA’s stupendous performance is due to a combination of the Modi wave as well as Nitish’s popularity. The BJP feels that allies like JD(U) benefitted from the Presidential-style elections. BJP’s logic, too, is not unjustified.&nbsp;

But Nitish has a big ego. So he retorted by expanding the state cabinet and inducting eight new ministers from JD(U), leaving out the BJP. &nbsp;

A recent meeting of the JD (U) national executive has also held that the alliance with BJP is limited to Bihar and the party will contest Assembly elections in Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir alone. Needless to say, JD (U) will not be able to make much impact in any of these states, apart from fracturing the votes.

But it has definitely sent a signal that all is not well within the Bihar NDA. His prodigy and national vice-president, Prashant Kishor, has taken up the assignment of helping Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, where the BJP — emboldened by its Lok Sabha performance — has upped the ante for state elections that are due in 2021. &nbsp;

Nitish is one of the biggest paltu-rams (U-turn specialists) of Indian politics. His opponents allege he is power hungry and will do anything to remain in power. Narendra Modi and Nitish also do not share a harmonious relationship. Nitish left NDA in June 2013 after Modi was made the BJP Campaign Committee Chief and when it was clear that he would be the PM face. &nbsp;

After being routed in Lok Sabha 2014, where JD(U) could manage only two seats, Nitish made friends with his rival Lalu Yadav. The Mahagathbandhan comprising JD(U), RJD and the Congress stopped the BJP juggernaut in Bihar, with Nitish retaining the CM chair, dealing a hard blow to Modi. &nbsp;

In 2017, when Lalu and family were embroiled in fresh corruption cases, Nitish returned to the NDA, satisfied that he had proved a point to the Modi-Shah duo that he could win without their support. In 2019, he bargained hard with the BJP for seats, getting an equal number (17) to contest and won all, barring one. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent events have fuelled rumours that Nitish will junk the NDA and move back to friend-turned-foe Lalu again. He cannot stay in an alliance where he is not the bigger partner. Nitish fears BJP may play big brother during state polls next year and demand an equal number of seats — and even the chief minister’s chair — if it manages to win more seats than the JD(U). The Bihar chief minister fears that the BJP may do a Shiv Sena on JD(U). So, he is caught between a stronger Modi and weakened Lalu.

Lalu’s RJD recorded its worst performance ever in Lok Sabha polls. His daughter Misa again lost to Ram Kirpal Yadav. His two sons Tejaswi and Tej Pratap have fallen out, which is harming the party’s prospects. Lalu is languishing in jail, his health is failing and prospects of an early release are pretty dim. He may not be averse to accepting Nitish back to revive his party’s sagging fortunes, despite the backstabbing in 2017.

Nitish has a vote bank which is transferable to any alliance. In the 2014 Lok Sabha, JD(U) secured 16 per cent votes. In 2015, this vote was transferred to the Mahagathbandhan, which improved its vote share from 27 per cent to 43 per cent. In 2019, yet again, it was transferred to NDA, which pulled up its vote share from 36 per cent to 53 per cent. Nitish enjoys good clout among Kurmi, Koeris, MBCs, Mahadalits and even Muslims. His schemes and policies have built a solid woman vote bank, not unlike Modi.

Nitish could wait for the five state election results, including Delhi early next year, before taking a final call.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-nitish-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-2760063">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account.

The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account. The celebrations, though, were short-lived as Nitish Kumar, unhappy with the number of berths allotted, opted out of the Modi 2.0 ministry. He didn’t like a token representation in the Cabinet. After all, if Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP with six MPs got one cabinet rank, JD(U) surely deserved at-least three berths with its 16 MPs! JD(U)’s logic is not unjustified. It feels that NDA’s stupendous performance is due to a combination of the Modi wave as well as Nitish’s popularity. The BJP feels that allies like JD(U) benefitted from the Presidential-style elections. BJP’s logic, too, is not unjustified. But Nitish has a big ego. So he retorted by expanding the state cabinet and inducting eight new ministers from JD(U), leaving out the BJP. A recent meeting of the JD (U) national executive has also held that the alliance with BJP is limited to Bihar and the party will contest Assembly elections in Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir alone. Needless to say, JD (U) will not be able to make much impact in any of these states, apart from fracturing the votes. But it has definitely sent a signal that all is not well within the Bihar NDA. His prodigy and national vice-president, Prashant Kishor, has taken up the assignment of helping Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, where the BJP — emboldened by its Lok Sabha performance — has upped the ante for state elections that are due in 2021. Nitish is one of the biggest paltu-rams (U-turn specialists) of Indian politics. His opponents allege he is power hungry and will do anything to remain in power. Narendra Modi and Nitish also do not share a harmonious relationship. Nitish left NDA in June 2013 after Modi was made the BJP Campaign Committee Chief and when it was clear that he would be the PM face. After being routed in Lok Sabha 2014, where JD(U) could manage only two seats, Nitish made friends with his rival Lalu Yadav. The Mahagathbandhan comprising JD(U), RJD and the Congress stopped the BJP juggernaut in Bihar, with Nitish retaining the CM chair, dealing a hard blow to Modi. In 2017, when Lalu and family were embroiled in fresh corruption cases, Nitish returned to the NDA, satisfied that he had proved a point to the Modi-Shah duo that he could win without their support. In 2019, he bargained hard with the BJP for seats, getting an equal number (17) to contest and won all, barring one. Recent events have fuelled rumours that Nitish will junk the NDA and move back to friend-turned-foe Lalu again. He cannot stay in an alliance where he is not the bigger partner. Nitish fears BJP may play big brother during state polls next year and demand an equal number of seats — and even the chief minister’s chair — if it manages to win more seats than the JD(U). The Bihar chief minister fears that the BJP may do a Shiv Sena on JD(U). So, he is caught between a stronger Modi and weakened Lalu. Lalu’s RJD recorded its worst performance ever in Lok Sabha polls. His daughter Misa again lost to Ram Kirpal Yadav. His two sons Tejaswi and Tej Pratap have fallen out, which is harming the party’s prospects. Lalu is languishing in jail, his health is failing and prospects of an early release are pretty dim. He may not be averse to accepting Nitish back to revive his party’s sagging fortunes, despite the backstabbing in 2017. Nitish has a vote bank which is transferable to any alliance. In the 2014 Lok Sabha, JD(U) secured 16 per cent votes. In 2015, this vote was transferred to the Mahagathbandhan, which improved its vote share from 27 per cent to 43 per cent. In 2019, yet again, it was transferred to NDA, which pulled up its vote share from 36 per cent to 53 per cent. Nitish enjoys good clout among Kurmi, Koeris, MBCs, Mahadalits and even Muslims. His schemes and policies have built a solid woman vote bank, not unlike Modi. Nitish could wait for the five state election results, including Delhi early next year, before taking a final call. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Nitish Kumar, caught between a strong Modi and weak Lalu

Amitabh Bachchan has done it again. The superstar has cleared the outstanding loans of over two thousand farmers from Bihar.&nbsp;The 76-year-old actor took to his personal blog to share the news.

Bachchan said he called on some of the farmers to his residence and donated the amount at the hands of his children Shweta and Abhishek.&nbsp; 
 
"A promise made done. The farmers from Bihar who had outstanding loans, picked 2,100 of them, and paid off their amount with an OTS with the bank. Called some of them over to Janak and personally gave it to them at the hands of Shweta and Abhishek," he wrote on his blog.&nbsp; 
 
The superstar also said he was on his way to honour another promise he made to the martyr families of the Pulwama terror attack. 
 
"Now going to Janak to complete another promise... To give some monetary assist to the martyrs families, who sacrificed their lives at Pulwama..."&nbsp; 
 
This isn't the first time that Bachchan has helped farmers in repaying their loand. He had earlier supported 1,398 farmers from Uttar Pradesh and 350 from Maharashtra by paying off their loans.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Amitabh Bachchan has done it again. The superstar has cleared the outstanding loans of over two thousand farmers from Bihar. The 76-year-old actor took to his personal blog to share the news.

Amitabh Bachchan has done it again. The superstar has cleared the outstanding loans of over two thousand farmers from Bihar. The 76-year-old actor took to his personal blog to share the news. Bachchan said he called on some of the farmers to his residence and donated the amount at the hands of his children Shweta and Abhishek. "A promise made done. The farmers from Bihar who had outstanding loans, picked 2,100 of them, and paid off their amount with an OTS with the bank. Called some of them over to Janak and personally gave it to them at the hands of Shweta and Abhishek," he wrote on his blog. The superstar also said he was on his way to honour another promise he made to the martyr families of the Pulwama terror attack. "Now going to Janak to complete another promise... To give some monetary assist to the martyrs families, who sacrificed their lives at Pulwama..." This isn't the first time that Bachchan has helped farmers in repaying their loand. He had earlier supported 1,398 farmers from Uttar Pradesh and 350 from Maharashtra by paying off their loans. (With inputs from PTI)

Amitabh Bachchan pays off loan of 2,100 farmers from Bihar

Watch: India Watch, 12th June 2019

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term.&nbsp;

The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages.

The cases against the wards will be registered under the non-bail able section in Bihar after receiving complaints from the elderly parents.

Many other decisions were also taken during the cabinet meeting that took place on Tuesday.

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term. The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages.

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term. The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages. The cases against the wards will be registered under the non-bail able section in Bihar after receiving complaints from the elderly parents. Many other decisions were also taken during the cabinet meeting that took place on Tuesday.

Bihar: Abandoning elderly parents will now land sons, daughters in jail

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/giriraj-singh-modi-loyalist-who-wears-hindutva-on-his-sleeve-222886">Union Minister Giriraj Singh</a> for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported.

The development follows Singh's remark wherein he had said that it would have been "beautiful" to see similar get-togethers and fruit feasts organised during the Navratras as well.

"How beautiful would the picture have emerged, had phalaahaar (a fruit feast) been organized during Navaratra with the same fervour with splendid photographs taken. Why do we lag behind in observance of our own karm-dharm (religious customs) in public, while staying ahead in making a show for those of others," Singh tweeted in Hindi.

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कितनी खूबसूरत तस्वीर होती जब इतनी ही चाहत से नवरात्रि पे फलाहार का आयोजन करते और सुंदर सुदंर फ़ोटो आते??...अपने कर्म धर्म मे हम पिछड़ क्यों जाते और दिखावा में आगे रहते है??? <a href="https://t.co/dy7s1UgBgy">pic.twitter.com/dy7s1UgBgy</a>
— Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/girirajsinghbjp/status/1135770253416206336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Singh's tweeted his comment along with pictures of Iftaar parties hosted in Patna, Bihar by Janata Dal (United), former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party which is headed by Ram Vilas Paswan.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Singh retained Begusarai for the BJP and defeated CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar by a margin of over four lakh votes.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported. The development follows Singh's remark wherein he had said that it would have been "beautiful" to see similar get-togethers and fruit feasts organised during the Navratras as well. "How beautiful would the picture have emerged, had phalaahaar (a fruit feast) been organized during Navaratra with the same fervour with splendid photographs taken. Why do we lag behind in observance of our own karm-dharm (religious customs) in public, while staying ahead in making a show for those of others," Singh tweeted in Hindi. कितनी खूबसूरत तस्वीर होती जब इतनी ही चाहत से नवरात्रि पे फलाहार का आयोजन करते और सुंदर सुदंर फ़ोटो आते??...अपने कर्म धर्म मे हम पिछड़ क्यों जाते और दिखावा में आगे रहते है??? pic.twitter.com/dy7s1UgBgy — Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) June 4, 2019 × Singh's tweeted his comment along with pictures of Iftaar parties hosted in Patna, Bihar by Janata Dal (United), former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party which is headed by Ram Vilas Paswan. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Singh retained Begusarai for the BJP and defeated CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar by a margin of over four lakh votes.

Amit Shah reprimands Union Minister Giriraj Singh for remarks on iftar parties

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision.

Kumar, who is also the JD(U) chief, made it clear that his does not want to join the new Cabinet just for the sake of "symbolic" representation but would fully support the government from outside.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-is-in-store-for-ndas-alliance-in-modi-20-cabinet-222843">NDA's allies who are part of the Modi 2.0 Cabinet</a>

The BJP has full majority on its own and there should be no worry about JD(U)`s support, he added.&nbsp;

"This morning the BJP President called me and I told him that I have already communicated my decision to Bhupendraji (Bhupendra Yadav, BJP General Secretary) yesterday itself" he told reporters as having told Shah.

JD(U) refused to accept one ministerial berth for each ally as proposed by the BJP and declined to join the government. Other allies like LJSP headed by Ram Vilas Paswan, Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and RPI(A) joined the new Cabinet yesterday.&nbsp;

"We communicated our decision to them in the day. Then in the night BJP`s general secretary in-charge came to me. We have communicated our decision in the day but they came in the night again. We have decided, We are together. Our alliance is for Bihar`s development. We do not wish for symbolic representation," Kumar said referring Yadav`s meeting with him last night after the swearing in.

He said if at all necessary for JD(U)`s participation then it should be on the basis of "proportion" in Bihar, suggesting the party should get more ministerial berths.

However, when pressed for the number of ministerial berths the party was interested in, the chief minister said the issue has not yet come to that stage.

"We only said one is not alright. There should be proportional representation. What that proportion is, we have not come to that stage."

Referring to the discussions with the BJP on joining the government, Kumar said, "After the NDA meeting in Parliament (last Saturday), BJP president Amit Shah asked me to come on May 30. In the meeting, he said that an MP from each NDA ally would be inducted into the cabinet. They want to give symbolic representation to each NDA ally. I have said that it is not needed," Kumar told reporters here.

"When I discussed the proposal with my core team, they said that it is not appropriate. There is no need of symbolic representation but proportional representation is needed. We have not said anything about the seats we needed. We are in alliance and are together. We don`t have any problem in that," he said.

Speaking further, Nitish said, "There should be proportional representation. We are in the government then what is the need of symbolic representation. When a party has majority government then it is their decision to make ministers."

"We are with NDA without any of our MP as Cabinet Minister. During Atal ji`s time, BJP did not get full majority but today is different," he said adding that the sharing of ministries then was different.

To a reporter`s question about the BJP inducting five ministers from Bihar, four of them from upper castes, Kumar said he did not want to comment on the issue because it was BJP`s prerogative to do what it wants to do about their ministers.

He said everyone should remember the long queues of poor and those deprived sections, who voted in Bihar and that should be kept in mind during times of cabinet formation.&nbsp;

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision.

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision. Kumar, who is also the JD(U) chief, made it clear that his does not want to join the new Cabinet just for the sake of "symbolic" representation but would fully support the government from outside. Also read: NDA's allies who are part of the Modi 2.0 Cabinet The BJP has full majority on its own and there should be no worry about JD(U)`s support, he added. "This morning the BJP President called me and I told him that I have already communicated my decision to Bhupendraji (Bhupendra Yadav, BJP General Secretary) yesterday itself" he told reporters as having told Shah. JD(U) refused to accept one ministerial berth for each ally as proposed by the BJP and declined to join the government. Other allies like LJSP headed by Ram Vilas Paswan, Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and RPI(A) joined the new Cabinet yesterday. "We communicated our decision to them in the day. Then in the night BJP`s general secretary in-charge came to me. We have communicated our decision in the day but they came in the night again. We have decided, We are together. Our alliance is for Bihar`s development. We do not wish for symbolic representation," Kumar said referring Yadav`s meeting with him last night after the swearing in. He said if at all necessary for JD(U)`s participation then it should be on the basis of "proportion" in Bihar, suggesting the party should get more ministerial berths. However, when pressed for the number of ministerial berths the party was interested in, the chief minister said the issue has not yet come to that stage. "We only said one is not alright. There should be proportional representation. What that proportion is, we have not come to that stage." Referring to the discussions with the BJP on joining the government, Kumar said, "After the NDA meeting in Parliament (last Saturday), BJP president Amit Shah asked me to come on May 30. In the meeting, he said that an MP from each NDA ally would be inducted into the cabinet. They want to give symbolic representation to each NDA ally. I have said that it is not needed," Kumar told reporters here. "When I discussed the proposal with my core team, they said that it is not appropriate. There is no need of symbolic representation but proportional representation is needed. We have not said anything about the seats we needed. We are in alliance and are together. We don`t have any problem in that," he said. Speaking further, Nitish said, "There should be proportional representation. We are in the government then what is the need of symbolic representation. When a party has majority government then it is their decision to make ministers." "We are with NDA without any of our MP as Cabinet Minister. During Atal ji`s time, BJP did not get full majority but today is different," he said adding that the sharing of ministries then was different. To a reporter`s question about the BJP inducting five ministers from Bihar, four of them from upper castes, Kumar said he did not want to comment on the issue because it was BJP`s prerogative to do what it wants to do about their ministers. He said everyone should remember the long queues of poor and those deprived sections, who voted in Bihar and that should be kept in mind during times of cabinet formation.

Proportional representation in cabinet needed: Nitish Kumar

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls.

According to the Election Commission's website, the NOTA vote share of Bihar stood at two per cent of the total votes polled in the state that has 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Daman and Diu (1.7 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (1.49 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (1.44 per cent) followed in the list with 1.7 per cent, 1.49 per cent and 1.44 per cent votes, respectively, under NOTA.

NOTA, which was introduced in India following a 2013 Supreme Court directive, allows voters to express their dissent by pressing a button saying none of the contestants is worthy of their vote.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where it was introduced for the first time in any parliamentary election, around 60 lakh voters had opted for the NOTA option -- equalling about 1.1 per cent of the total votes polled during those elections across 543 seats.

In the 2019 elections, the constituency of Gopalganj in Bihar saw 51,660 voters pressing the NOTA button (5.04 per cent), the highest in the country. 
Other constituencies in the state like Paschim Champaran (4.51 per cent), Nawada (3.73 per cent) and Jahanabad (3.37 per cent) also saw many voters opting for NOTA.

While counting of votes continued till late night on Thursday, by evening, it was clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party had sealed electoral victory with a 300-plus win. The party secured 302 of the 542 seats, while Indian National Congress had 52 seats. Results from Arunachal Pradesh West constituency are yet to be announced.

In the key constituency of Varanasi, the seat from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi contested the elections and won, saw 4,037 voters (0.38 per cent) opting for NOTA.

The constituency of Kerala's Wayanad, where the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi won from, saw 2,155 voters (0.2 per cent) pressing the NOTA button.

Among other key constituencies where results had been declared, Amit Shah's Gandhinagar constituency saw 14,214 (1.11 per cent) NOTA votes, Ravi Shankar Prasad's Patna Sahib constituency saw 5,076 (0.52 per cent), and Gautam Gambhir's East Delhi constituency had 4,920 (0.39 per cent) such votes.&nbsp;

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls.

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls. According to the Election Commission's website, the NOTA vote share of Bihar stood at two per cent of the total votes polled in the state that has 40 Lok Sabha seats. Daman and Diu (1.7 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (1.49 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (1.44 per cent) followed in the list with 1.7 per cent, 1.49 per cent and 1.44 per cent votes, respectively, under NOTA. NOTA, which was introduced in India following a 2013 Supreme Court directive, allows voters to express their dissent by pressing a button saying none of the contestants is worthy of their vote. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where it was introduced for the first time in any parliamentary election, around 60 lakh voters had opted for the NOTA option -- equalling about 1.1 per cent of the total votes polled during those elections across 543 seats. In the 2019 elections, the constituency of Gopalganj in Bihar saw 51,660 voters pressing the NOTA button (5.04 per cent), the highest in the country. Other constituencies in the state like Paschim Champaran (4.51 per cent), Nawada (3.73 per cent) and Jahanabad (3.37 per cent) also saw many voters opting for NOTA. While counting of votes continued till late night on Thursday, by evening, it was clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party had sealed electoral victory with a 300-plus win. The party secured 302 of the 542 seats, while Indian National Congress had 52 seats. Results from Arunachal Pradesh West constituency are yet to be announced. In the key constituency of Varanasi, the seat from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi contested the elections and won, saw 4,037 voters (0.38 per cent) opting for NOTA. The constituency of Kerala's Wayanad, where the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi won from, saw 2,155 voters (0.2 per cent) pressing the NOTA button. Among other key constituencies where results had been declared, Amit Shah's Gandhinagar constituency saw 14,214 (1.11 per cent) NOTA votes, Ravi Shankar Prasad's Patna Sahib constituency saw 5,076 (0.52 per cent), and Gautam Gambhir's East Delhi constituency had 4,920 (0.39 per cent) such votes.

Bihar sees highest number of NOTA votes, Gopalganj tops tally

The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-wins-yet-again-tweets-prime-minister-modi-as-bjp-exhibits-leads-on-300-plus-seats-gears-for-parliamentary-win-220920">resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections</a> as suggest the counting trends.

BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats. In all, the alliance is leading on 37 seats.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is leading on two seats, while the Congress on one seat.

The others allies of RJD-led grand alliance are trailing as the counting advances towards the conclusion.

In Patna Sahib, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is leading against Congress'&nbsp;Shatrughan Sinha by a margin of over 92,797 votes.

In Pataliputra seat, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter and RJD candidate Misha Bharti is leading over BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav by a margin of 80,27 votes.

Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-pm-modi-had-predicted-something-over-ls-polls-results-in-interview-and-it-turned-true-220977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At Arrah, RK Singh of BJP is ahead of Raju Yadav of CPI-M-L (Liberation) by a margin of 58,398 votes. At Jamui (SC) Chirag Kumar Paswan, son of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti Party is ahead of Bhudeo Choudhary of Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 160016 votes.

At Begusarai, Giriraj Singh of BJP is ahead of Kanhaiya Kumar, CPI by a huge margin of 1,99,350 votes. At Buxar, Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP is ahead of RJD's Jagadanand Singh by 41,144 votes.

At Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh of JDU is ahead of Neelam Devi of the Congress party by 48,666 votes.

At Purvi Champaran, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh of BJP is ahead of Akash Kumar Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 97,814 votes.

At Saran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy of BJP is leading Chandrika Roy of Rashtriya Janata Dal by 76,153 votes.

The opposition parties that contested the polls together were RJD, Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni's Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP), and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA had won 31 seats in Bihar. The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections were held from April 11 to May 19.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections as suggest the counting trends. BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats.

The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections as suggest the counting trends. BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats. In all, the alliance is leading on 37 seats. Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is leading on two seats, while the Congress on one seat. The others allies of RJD-led grand alliance are trailing as the counting advances towards the conclusion. In Patna Sahib, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is leading against Congress' Shatrughan Sinha by a margin of over 92,797 votes. In Pataliputra seat, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter and RJD candidate Misha Bharti is leading over BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav by a margin of 80,27 votes. Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true At Arrah, RK Singh of BJP is ahead of Raju Yadav of CPI-M-L (Liberation) by a margin of 58,398 votes. At Jamui (SC) Chirag Kumar Paswan, son of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti Party is ahead of Bhudeo Choudhary of Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 160016 votes. At Begusarai, Giriraj Singh of BJP is ahead of Kanhaiya Kumar, CPI by a huge margin of 1,99,350 votes. At Buxar, Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP is ahead of RJD's Jagadanand Singh by 41,144 votes. At Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh of JDU is ahead of Neelam Devi of the Congress party by 48,666 votes. At Purvi Champaran, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh of BJP is ahead of Akash Kumar Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 97,814 votes. At Saran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy of BJP is leading Chandrika Roy of Rashtriya Janata Dal by 76,153 votes. The opposition parties that contested the polls together were RJD, Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni's Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP), and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD). In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA had won 31 seats in Bihar. The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections were held from April 11 to May 19.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Ruling coalition surges towards massive victory in Bihar

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Nitish Kumar says, ''People have expressed what they were having in their heart.''

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Nitish Kumar Says, ''People Expressed What They Had In Their Heart''

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