A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

"The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting.

The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP).

Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP.

The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the &nbsp;Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it.

Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan."

Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency.

There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake. "The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting. The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP). Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP. The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it. Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan." Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency. There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress to fight 11 seats in Bihar

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel.

According to initial indications, RJD will be fighting on 20 seats, Congress on 11 seats, and RLSP on 3 Lok Sabha seats. HAM and LEFT parties have been given two seats each while Vikasshil Insan Party and Loktantrik Janata Dal will fight on one seat each in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

However, the final seat sharing agreement will be announced after the meeting of senior Mahagathbandhan leaders including Tejaswi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav with Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party would contest on 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while an equal number of seats will go to the Janata Dal (United). Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan led-Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP) will contest on six seats.

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel.

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel. According to initial indications, RJD will be fighting on 20 seats, Congress on 11 seats, and RLSP on 3 Lok Sabha seats. HAM and LEFT parties have been given two seats each while Vikasshil Insan Party and Loktantrik Janata Dal will fight on one seat each in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. However, the final seat sharing agreement will be announced after the meeting of senior Mahagathbandhan leaders including Tejaswi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party would contest on 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while an equal number of seats will go to the Janata Dal (United). Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan led-Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP) will contest on six seats.

Leaders of Mahagathbandhan to discuss seat-sharing for Bihar today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.&nbsp;

The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. &nbsp;

The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday.

The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday.

Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign. The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday. The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported. "Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday. Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar: PM Modi, Nitish Kumar to share stage after 9 years at NDA's Sankalp rally today 

Bihar Chief Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-nitish-kumar-share-stage-after-9-years-both-remember-pulwama-martyrs-at-sankalp-rally-200875"> Nitish Kumar and NDA leaders from Bihar </a>Sunday resolved to win all the 40 Lok Sabha seats from the state in order to bring back Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country.

"People have turned up at the rally in very large numbers. The Lok Sabha polls are impending...I want to assure you 'Pradhan Mantri jee' (Prime Minister) that we will win 40 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the general elections. "This is our Sankalp (resolve)," Kumar said while addressing NDAs 'Sankalp' rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

Kumar also congratulated the Prime Minister, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for taking action against terror outfits and those who promote terrorism.

Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing over 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

There is no question of compromising on the issue of terrorism, he said, adding that the government would ensure all possible and necessary steps to counter it.

He also praised the Modi government and the armed forces for forcing Pakistan to release Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardhaman.

Union ministers Ram Vilas Paswan, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Radha Mohan Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Bihar BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai, Bihar JD(U) chief Bashishtha Narayan Singh, Bihar minister and state president of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Pashupati Kumar Paras, ministers Mangal Pandey, Nand Kishore Yadav and a host of other NDA leaders also attended the 'Sankalp rally'.

The weather was initially sunny but later turned out to be rainy. It continued to drizzle throughout the PM's speech.

Kumar also assured the PM that work on providing toilet facility to every household in the state will be completed by October 2, 2019, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

PM Modi, later during his speech, appreciated Nitish Kumar for his resolve to complete the construction of toilets by October 2.

Earlier, people attending the rally started raising slogans as they were getting impatient to hear the PM.

Invoking 'seven social sins' as enumerated by Mahatma Gandhi, Kumar apparently attacked the opposition RJD saying there are people who amassed properties after coming to power, though Mahatma Gandhi termed "acquiring assets without work as sin".

Without naming anyone, Kumar said, "What we did after coming to power and what they did after coming to power is known to people."

Kumar said people should be aware of such persons who are more interested in getting 'mewa' (power, position and money) instead of doing 'sewa' (service).

Lauding the work done by both the NDA governments at the Centre and in the state, the CM enumerated various schemes and projects meant for the welfare of the poor.

Giving LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, Rs 5 lakh medical cover to 10.74 crore families as identified on the basis of Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, PM-KISAN scheme which envisage Rs 6,000 per year as assistance to the farmers, are among the few schemes which Kumar named besides enumerating his much talked about 'Saat Nischay' scheme and 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections of unreserved category after getting the necessary amendments passed by the state legislature.

The central government has been quite helpful and cooperative in Bihar's development, he said.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and NDA leaders from Bihar Sunday resolved to win all the 40 Lok Sabha seats from the state in order to bring back Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and NDA leaders from Bihar Sunday resolved to win all the 40 Lok Sabha seats from the state in order to bring back Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country. "People have turned up at the rally in very large numbers. The Lok Sabha polls are impending...I want to assure you 'Pradhan Mantri jee' (Prime Minister) that we will win 40 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the general elections. "This is our Sankalp (resolve)," Kumar said while addressing NDAs 'Sankalp' rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Kumar also congratulated the Prime Minister, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for taking action against terror outfits and those who promote terrorism. Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing over 40 soldiers. There is no question of compromising on the issue of terrorism, he said, adding that the government would ensure all possible and necessary steps to counter it. He also praised the Modi government and the armed forces for forcing Pakistan to release Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardhaman. Union ministers Ram Vilas Paswan, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Radha Mohan Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Bihar BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai, Bihar JD(U) chief Bashishtha Narayan Singh, Bihar minister and state president of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Pashupati Kumar Paras, ministers Mangal Pandey, Nand Kishore Yadav and a host of other NDA leaders also attended the 'Sankalp rally'. The weather was initially sunny but later turned out to be rainy. It continued to drizzle throughout the PM's speech. Kumar also assured the PM that work on providing toilet facility to every household in the state will be completed by October 2, 2019, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. PM Modi, later during his speech, appreciated Nitish Kumar for his resolve to complete the construction of toilets by October 2. Earlier, people attending the rally started raising slogans as they were getting impatient to hear the PM. Invoking 'seven social sins' as enumerated by Mahatma Gandhi, Kumar apparently attacked the opposition RJD saying there are people who amassed properties after coming to power, though Mahatma Gandhi termed "acquiring assets without work as sin". Without naming anyone, Kumar said, "What we did after coming to power and what they did after coming to power is known to people." Kumar said people should be aware of such persons who are more interested in getting 'mewa' (power, position and money) instead of doing 'sewa' (service). Lauding the work done by both the NDA governments at the Centre and in the state, the CM enumerated various schemes and projects meant for the welfare of the poor. Giving LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, Rs 5 lakh medical cover to 10.74 crore families as identified on the basis of Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, PM-KISAN scheme which envisage Rs 6,000 per year as assistance to the farmers, are among the few schemes which Kumar named besides enumerating his much talked about 'Saat Nischay' scheme and 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections of unreserved category after getting the necessary amendments passed by the state legislature. The central government has been quite helpful and cooperative in Bihar's development, he said.

Nitish Kumar assures PM of winning all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state.

It also stressed that the seat distribution process should be worked out within a week.

CPIs Bihar unit secretary, Satya Narain Singh said categorically that the party will fight Begusarai seat, irrespective of whether or not it forms part of the mahagathbandhan comprising RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM(S), Mukesh Sahni Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP).

Bihar has a total 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Singh said that the party has already taken a decision to field Kanhaiya Kumar,the former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president, from the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat.

We are of the view that there should be alliance among left democratic secular forces in order to defeat the BJP which is trying its level best to harp on the peoples sentiments in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, Singh told reporters here at the party office.

We are of the firm view that if the alliance is sealed among left democratic secular forces in Bihar, we will defeat BJP convincingly. But for that, there should be alliance among these forces and the issue of seat-sharing must be decided at the earliest preferably within a week, he added.

The Bihar unit of CPI has identified six seats- Begusarai, Khagaria, Madhubani, Banka, Motihari and Gaya (SC)- which it wants to contest in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the party's state secretary said.

He, however, said that the party may decide to forego one or two seats in favour of greater alliance but we will not at all accept one Lok Sabha seat (Begusarai) which is being discussed in the media, as it is not honourable seat sharing arrangement.

Partys senior leader and Rajya Sabha member D Raja, who met RJD chief Lalu Prasad about a month ago in RIMS in Ranchi, made it clear to him (Prasad) that CPI will be contesting at least four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said.

In the past, the party has won Begusarai seat nine times, Madhubani seven terms while Motihari on five occasions, he said adding that the party has not staked its claim on seats like Jehanabad and Patna which it has won seven and three times respectively in the past.

Interestingly, CPI(ML-Liberation), which also want to be the part of the mahagathbandhan, has also sought six Lok Sabha seats for itself while giving ample hint that it was not rigid on the numbers provided it is offered a respectful number of seats.

Stating that CPI held a very impress rally at Gandhi Maidan on October 25, 2018, he said that Congress party is demanding 11-15 seats despite its February 3, 2019 rally at Gandhi Maidan "which was not impressive one".

We had organized a bigger rally than the Congress at Gandhi Maidan. Our mass base is much more bigger and stronger than Congress in each and every Lok Sabha constituency but despite all these facts Congress is claiming 11-15 seats, Singh said.

The CPI leader said I can understand that they (RJD) may be giving Congress more seats due to several reasons, but our genuine demand should also be looked into.&nbsp;

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state.

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state. It also stressed that the seat distribution process should be worked out within a week. CPIs Bihar unit secretary, Satya Narain Singh said categorically that the party will fight Begusarai seat, irrespective of whether or not it forms part of the mahagathbandhan comprising RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM(S), Mukesh Sahni Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP). Bihar has a total 40 Lok Sabha seats. Singh said that the party has already taken a decision to field Kanhaiya Kumar,the former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president, from the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat. We are of the view that there should be alliance among left democratic secular forces in order to defeat the BJP which is trying its level best to harp on the peoples sentiments in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, Singh told reporters here at the party office. We are of the firm view that if the alliance is sealed among left democratic secular forces in Bihar, we will defeat BJP convincingly. But for that, there should be alliance among these forces and the issue of seat-sharing must be decided at the earliest preferably within a week, he added. The Bihar unit of CPI has identified six seats- Begusarai, Khagaria, Madhubani, Banka, Motihari and Gaya (SC)- which it wants to contest in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the party's state secretary said. He, however, said that the party may decide to forego one or two seats in favour of greater alliance but we will not at all accept one Lok Sabha seat (Begusarai) which is being discussed in the media, as it is not honourable seat sharing arrangement. Partys senior leader and Rajya Sabha member D Raja, who met RJD chief Lalu Prasad about a month ago in RIMS in Ranchi, made it clear to him (Prasad) that CPI will be contesting at least four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said. In the past, the party has won Begusarai seat nine times, Madhubani seven terms while Motihari on five occasions, he said adding that the party has not staked its claim on seats like Jehanabad and Patna which it has won seven and three times respectively in the past. Interestingly, CPI(ML-Liberation), which also want to be the part of the mahagathbandhan, has also sought six Lok Sabha seats for itself while giving ample hint that it was not rigid on the numbers provided it is offered a respectful number of seats. Stating that CPI held a very impress rally at Gandhi Maidan on October 25, 2018, he said that Congress party is demanding 11-15 seats despite its February 3, 2019 rally at Gandhi Maidan "which was not impressive one". We had organized a bigger rally than the Congress at Gandhi Maidan. Our mass base is much more bigger and stronger than Congress in each and every Lok Sabha constituency but despite all these facts Congress is claiming 11-15 seats, Singh said. The CPI leader said I can understand that they (RJD) may be giving Congress more seats due to several reasons, but our genuine demand should also be looked into.

Lok Sabha 2019: CPI won't accept anything less than 3-4 seats in 'grand alliance' in Bihar says State general secretary

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-minor-girls-including-five-victims-of-muzaffarpur-shelter-home-sex-abuse-go-missing-199183">Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna</a> in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said.

Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police Babu Ram said, "Six of the minor girls were found in Gangauli village under the Sakatpur police station area late in the evening".

He said a police team had come from Patna district in search of the missing girls based on the inputs they had gathered during investigation. One of the girls belonged to Gangauli village.

The girl, along with five others, was found at the village and the visiting police team has taken them into custody for interrogation, the SSP said.

Opposition parties flayed the NDA government in Bihar, alleging that five of the girls were "witnesses" in the sex scandal being probed by the CBI under the supervision of the Supreme&nbsp; 
Court, and claimed their escape was a "conspiracy" hatched by the ruling dispensation to protect "big shots".

"Seven girls have escaped from the shelter home. They are said to have fled after cutting the grill of a window at about 3 am. They were under treatment for their violent behaviour," Social Welfare Department Director Raj Kumar told PTI.

It is yet to be ascertained whether the girls include former inmates of the Muzaffarpur Balika Grih, he said.

Hours later, Deputy Inspector General (Patna Range) Rajesh Kumar reached the spot for inspection and said, "We are conducting investigations taking all possible angles into account."

Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were pressed into service to trace the girls who had fled the home situated around 100 km from the state capital.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "Five witnesses of the Muzaffarpur rape case have been made to disappear from Mokama shelter home to protect the chief minister and the government machinery."

Yadav's mother Rabri Devi, who is leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should tell us why he is so scared."

The girls went missing a few hours before hearing in the Muzaffarpur case commenced at a Delhi court, where trial was transferred from the north Bihar town following a Supreme Court order earlier this month.

RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha slammed the Nitish Kumar government over the incident. 
"It appears that the girls have not flee of their own accord, but their escape has been facilitated by the government since the Supreme Court and the CBI have questioned the role of the chief minister in the scandal. Nitish Kumar should resign as other surviving victims face threat to their lives from him," Kushwaha said in a tweet.

Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said, "It appears that attempts are being made to save some people in the Muzaffarpur case. The Supreme Court should take note of the disappearance of girls from Mokama."

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi issued a statement from Ranchi, alleging that the chief minister and Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey be held accountable for the disappearance of the seven girls "which has been made possible to affect the probe into Muzaffarpur sex scandal".

The scandal had come to light in May last year after an FIR was lodged by the Social Welfare Department based on the social audit report of Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences. 
More than 30 girls were lodged at the shelter home when the scandal came to light and medical examinations confirmed that most of them had been subjected to sexual abuse. The shelter home was subsequently sealed and its inmates were moved to care units in Madhubani, Patna and Mokama.

The case was later handed over to the CBI on the recommendation of the state government which, thereafter, also decided to give up the practice of awarding contracts for running shelter homes to state-funded NGOs.&nbsp;

Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said.

Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said. Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police Babu Ram said, "Six of the minor girls were found in Gangauli village under the Sakatpur police station area late in the evening". He said a police team had come from Patna district in search of the missing girls based on the inputs they had gathered during investigation. One of the girls belonged to Gangauli village. The girl, along with five others, was found at the village and the visiting police team has taken them into custody for interrogation, the SSP said. Opposition parties flayed the NDA government in Bihar, alleging that five of the girls were "witnesses" in the sex scandal being probed by the CBI under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and claimed their escape was a "conspiracy" hatched by the ruling dispensation to protect "big shots". "Seven girls have escaped from the shelter home. They are said to have fled after cutting the grill of a window at about 3 am. They were under treatment for their violent behaviour," Social Welfare Department Director Raj Kumar told PTI. It is yet to be ascertained whether the girls include former inmates of the Muzaffarpur Balika Grih, he said. Hours later, Deputy Inspector General (Patna Range) Rajesh Kumar reached the spot for inspection and said, "We are conducting investigations taking all possible angles into account." Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were pressed into service to trace the girls who had fled the home situated around 100 km from the state capital. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "Five witnesses of the Muzaffarpur rape case have been made to disappear from Mokama shelter home to protect the chief minister and the government machinery." Yadav's mother Rabri Devi, who is leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should tell us why he is so scared." The girls went missing a few hours before hearing in the Muzaffarpur case commenced at a Delhi court, where trial was transferred from the north Bihar town following a Supreme Court order earlier this month. RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha slammed the Nitish Kumar government over the incident. "It appears that the girls have not flee of their own accord, but their escape has been facilitated by the government since the Supreme Court and the CBI have questioned the role of the chief minister in the scandal. Nitish Kumar should resign as other surviving victims face threat to their lives from him," Kushwaha said in a tweet. Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said, "It appears that attempts are being made to save some people in the Muzaffarpur case. The Supreme Court should take note of the disappearance of girls from Mokama." Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi issued a statement from Ranchi, alleging that the chief minister and Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey be held accountable for the disappearance of the seven girls "which has been made possible to affect the probe into Muzaffarpur sex scandal". The scandal had come to light in May last year after an FIR was lodged by the Social Welfare Department based on the social audit report of Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences. More than 30 girls were lodged at the shelter home when the scandal came to light and medical examinations confirmed that most of them had been subjected to sexual abuse. The shelter home was subsequently sealed and its inmates were moved to care units in Madhubani, Patna and Mokama. The case was later handed over to the CBI on the recommendation of the state government which, thereafter, also decided to give up the practice of awarding contracts for running shelter homes to state-funded NGOs.

Six of seven girls found hours after they flee shelter home in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday in Barauni, Bihar that the anger in the hears of the Indian people <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-government-withdraws-security-cover-of-5-separatist-leaders-including-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-197880">after the Pulwama attack</a> is in his heart too.&nbsp;

Modi was in Barauni to inaugurate the Patna metro rail project. He was accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;

"I can feel how much anger there is in your hearts," Modi said Sunday. "The anger in your heart is in mine too," he added.&nbsp;

Over 40 jawans died in the Pulwama attack on Thursday after a local youth, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Adil Ahmad Dar</a>, rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying CRPF personnel. The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

The attack was later claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which is headed by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Azhar is one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"I pay my tributes to martyr Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha from Patna and Bhagalpur's martyr Ratan Kumar Thakur who sacrificed their lives for the country. I express my sympathies with their families," Modi said on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Barauni, Bihar: I pay my tributes to martyr Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha from Patna and Bhagalpur's martyr Ratan Kumar Thakur who sacrificed their lives for the country. I express my sympathies with their families. <a href="https://t.co/Wa8Fruh9fM">pic.twitter.com/Wa8Fruh9fM</a>
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The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-outpouring-of-grief-anger-as-india-says-final-goodbye-to-slain-crpf-jawans-197851">Pulwama attack</a> has baffled Indian intelligence agencies considering the losses Jaish has suffered recently in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports by 200 per cent, making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the Pulwama attack at a time and place of their choosing. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has promised India will give a "muh-tod" (befitting) reply to the attack.&nbsp;

Modi is also expected to inaugurate a slew of development projects today in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday in Barauni, Bihar that the anger in the hears of the Indian people after the Pulwama attack is in his heart too. Modi was in Barauni to inaugurate the Patna metro rail project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday in Barauni, Bihar that the anger in the hears of the Indian people after the Pulwama attack is in his heart too. Modi was in Barauni to inaugurate the Patna metro rail project. He was accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "I can feel how much anger there is in your hearts," Modi said Sunday. "The anger in your heart is in mine too," he added. Over 40 jawans died in the Pulwama attack on Thursday after a local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying CRPF personnel. The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack was later claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which is headed by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan. Azhar is one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in Kathmandu. "I pay my tributes to martyr Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha from Patna and Bhagalpur's martyr Ratan Kumar Thakur who sacrificed their lives for the country. I express my sympathies with their families," Modi said on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Barauni, Bihar: I pay my tributes to martyr Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha from Patna and Bhagalpur's martyr Ratan Kumar Thakur who sacrificed their lives for the country. I express my sympathies with their families. pic.twitter.com/Wa8Fruh9fM — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2019 × The Pulwama attack has baffled Indian intelligence agencies considering the losses Jaish has suffered recently in Kashmir. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports by 200 per cent, making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the Pulwama attack at a time and place of their choosing. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has promised India will give a "muh-tod" (befitting) reply to the attack. Modi is also expected to inaugurate a slew of development projects today in Jharkhand.

Anger in your hearts after Pulwama attack is in mine too: PM Narendra Modi in Bihar

6 killed as Seemanchal Express derails, probe ordered

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the Centre`s scheme of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker general candidates in government jobs and educational institutions in the state on Friday.

The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also passed 58 agendas placed before it.

Earlier on January 22, Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting at his 1 Anne Marg residence here in Patna in which he discussed the issue with Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar and Secretary to the Chief Minister Manish Kumar Varma along with others.

Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttar-Pradesh are the other states that have implemented the centre`s scheme.

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Constitution Bill, 2019 in Parliament to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category across religions.

The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, with 165 votes in favour and seven against.

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the Centre`s scheme of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker general candidates in government jobs and educational institutions in the state on Friday.

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the Centre`s scheme of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker general candidates in government jobs and educational institutions in the state on Friday. The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also passed 58 agendas placed before it. Earlier on January 22, Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting at his 1 Anne Marg residence here in Patna in which he discussed the issue with Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar and Secretary to the Chief Minister Manish Kumar Varma along with others. Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttar-Pradesh are the other states that have implemented the centre`s scheme. The Lok Sabha recently passed the Constitution Bill, 2019 in Parliament to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category across religions. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, with 165 votes in favour and seven against.

Bihar cabinet approves Centre's 10% quota for economically weaker general category

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;as the Congress is still not strong opposition."

Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement."

In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said.

This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president.

"Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI.

"It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added.

Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI.

Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.&nbsp;

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' as the Congress is still not strong opposition." Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement." In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said. This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president. "Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI. "It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added. Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI. Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.

Congress not a strong opposition to fight Lok Sabha polls, says Prashant Kishor

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February.

In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category.

He added that all processes must be completed by February.

Kumar believed that quota allocation for weaker sections in general category would help in providing more employment.

The Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category, across religions.

The reservation is meant for individuals whose annual earning is below Rs 8 lakh and who possess less than 5 acres of agriculture land.&nbsp;

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February. In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category.

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February. In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category. He added that all processes must be completed by February. Kumar believed that quota allocation for weaker sections in general category would help in providing more employment. The Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category, across religions. The reservation is meant for individuals whose annual earning is below Rs 8 lakh and who possess less than 5 acres of agriculture land.

Bihar government likely to implement 10% quota for general category by February

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday.

The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions.

In its May 2018 report, the institute expressed "grave concerns" on the management of 17 shelter homes, including 'Balika grih' in Muzzafarpur where 34 girls had reported abuse at the hands of office-bearers and outsiders.

The audit report was submitted to the state government and later became the basis of a Supreme Court order directing a CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case.

The apex court later handed over the remaining 16 cases to the agency too.

The CBI, which had on Wednesday booked two shelter homes in Bhagalpur and Gaya, registered six new cases against Novelty Welfare Society, which ran a short-stay home in Munger district; Panaah shelter home, also in same district; Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan which ran a short-stay home in Kaimur; Om Sai Foundation which ran sewa kutir in Muzzafarpur; and short-stay home run by Ikard and Kaushal Kutir run by Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna.

It is alleged that the Director of Novelty Welfare Society and others used to lock the room of a mentally-sick woman inmate causing wrongful restraint and confinement and ill-treated other inmates.

It also sublet a portion of the shelter home for a rent of Rs 10,000 and did not provide proper ventilation or sanitation facilities for the inmates, the FIR alleged.

In the case of 'Panaah', it is alleged that office-bearers of the home "physically exploited" the inmates forcing them to do manual work including cooking and cleaning, the FIR stated.

It said the shelter home was being run from a building meant for an observation home and was not "livable" for young children.

The CBI has booked Sudarshan Ram, Pintu Pal and Tara Devi, all office-bearers of Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan, which ran the short-stay home at Lalpur in Kaimur district.

It is alleged that the security guard was sexally abusive, passing lewd comments and physically assaulting women and girls inmates. He managed day-to-day affairs of the home giving him undue power and authority over residents.

The director of Om Sai Foundation has also been booked by the agency for allegedly subjecting inmates to physical assault and verbal abuse.

The short-stay home in Patna run by Ikard reported repeated violence, according to the agency FIR.

It is alleged several girl inmates who lost their way were kept there. In spite of providing addresses and phone numbers of their homes, they were not put in touch with their families.

A girl had committed suicide nearly a year ago as she could not cope with the violent atmosphere, while another girl lost her mental balance, it alleged.

It was reported that they got no clothes, medicines, toiletries with a very poor quality of food being served to the inmates.

The CBI has also booked the caretaker of Kaushal Kutir run by NGO Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna, for alleged abusive behaviour.

Male and female inmates were not allowed to speak or even look at each other, the FIR alleged. The open space was not accessible for inmates of the shelter home, it said.&nbsp;

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday. The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions.

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday. The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions. In its May 2018 report, the institute expressed "grave concerns" on the management of 17 shelter homes, including 'Balika grih' in Muzzafarpur where 34 girls had reported abuse at the hands of office-bearers and outsiders. The audit report was submitted to the state government and later became the basis of a Supreme Court order directing a CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The apex court later handed over the remaining 16 cases to the agency too. The CBI, which had on Wednesday booked two shelter homes in Bhagalpur and Gaya, registered six new cases against Novelty Welfare Society, which ran a short-stay home in Munger district; Panaah shelter home, also in same district; Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan which ran a short-stay home in Kaimur; Om Sai Foundation which ran sewa kutir in Muzzafarpur; and short-stay home run by Ikard and Kaushal Kutir run by Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna. It is alleged that the Director of Novelty Welfare Society and others used to lock the room of a mentally-sick woman inmate causing wrongful restraint and confinement and ill-treated other inmates. It also sublet a portion of the shelter home for a rent of Rs 10,000 and did not provide proper ventilation or sanitation facilities for the inmates, the FIR alleged. In the case of 'Panaah', it is alleged that office-bearers of the home "physically exploited" the inmates forcing them to do manual work including cooking and cleaning, the FIR stated. It said the shelter home was being run from a building meant for an observation home and was not "livable" for young children. The CBI has booked Sudarshan Ram, Pintu Pal and Tara Devi, all office-bearers of Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan, which ran the short-stay home at Lalpur in Kaimur district. It is alleged that the security guard was sexally abusive, passing lewd comments and physically assaulting women and girls inmates. He managed day-to-day affairs of the home giving him undue power and authority over residents. The director of Om Sai Foundation has also been booked by the agency for allegedly subjecting inmates to physical assault and verbal abuse. The short-stay home in Patna run by Ikard reported repeated violence, according to the agency FIR. It is alleged several girl inmates who lost their way were kept there. In spite of providing addresses and phone numbers of their homes, they were not put in touch with their families. A girl had committed suicide nearly a year ago as she could not cope with the violent atmosphere, while another girl lost her mental balance, it alleged. It was reported that they got no clothes, medicines, toiletries with a very poor quality of food being served to the inmates. The CBI has also booked the caretaker of Kaushal Kutir run by NGO Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna, for alleged abusive behaviour. Male and female inmates were not allowed to speak or even look at each other, the FIR alleged. The open space was not accessible for inmates of the shelter home, it said.

CBI registers cases against 6 more shelter homes in Bihar for abuse of inmates 

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the 'Mahagathbandhan' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD.

Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.

According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner".

They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court.

Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance.

"This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters.

In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said.

"We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the 'Mahagathbandhan' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD. Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner". They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court. Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end. Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance. "This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters. In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said. "We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.

Tejashwi Yadav to host Grand Alliance meet today

Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker. Many such parties are discussing with Congress to form the mahagathbandhan (MGB) to take on the BJP. Alliances in key states of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which account for 207 seats, out of which NDA won 150 in 2014, will decide the course of 2019.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh: The entire premise that BJP will have a tough time in 2019 is built on the alliance between Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in UP. It was tested in bypolls to three seats earlier this year where BJP recorded big losses. BSP and SP have a solid vote base of Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs accounting for 44 per cent of the population. The alliance has proved it can seamlessly transfer votes in bypolls. Both parties are known for their anti-BJP stance. They are toying with the idea of joining MGB. Though, Congress is well past its prime in the Hindi heartland and is confined to two family-stronghold seats, it can be a game-changer in 13 seats.

Strategists in both parties feel while they will be able to transfer votes to Congress, the reciprocity is unlikely to happen like in 1996 (BSP-INC alliance) and 2017 (SP-INC alliance). There’s not much value which Congress brings to the table in UP. Both these parties may not want to tie their fate to MGB, and &nbsp;instead join the Third Front and wait for results.&nbsp;

Bihar: The fight is veering towards a bipolar contest in Bihar. BJP-led NDA consisting of JDU and LJP vs RJD-led UPA consisting of Congress, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav. BJP inducted Kushwaha before 2014, to make a dent in Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi/Koeri vote bank which accounts for 12 per cent of population. After JDU’s ghar wapsi, BJP faced the problem of plenty. It eased out Kushwaha and retained Paswan who has considerable clout among Dalits (6 per cent of population). He will also act as NDA’s counter to Manjhi who is a leader of Mahadalits (10 per cent of population). Both alliances have almost equal support, NDA of upper caste, Kurmi / Koeri and Dalits while UPA of Muslims and Yadavs. Mahadalits and Most Backward Classes (24 per cent) hold the keys to success in Bihar. RJD hopes to encash on the double &nbsp; anti-incumbency, against Modi’s 5-year and Nitish’s 13-year rule. Paswan who is a political bellwether has decided to stay with NDA. The problem of plenty has now shifted to UPA, so one can expect a big tussle on ticket distribution there.

Maharashtra: BJP almost won the state elections contesting independently held six months after Lok Sabha polls. It did partner with Shiv Sena to form the government, but their relationship strained forever. Shiv Sena which was the bigger brother in the state found itself to be the junior partner. It is playing the role of opposition within the NDA, sharply critical of Modi and has announced plans to contest 2019 elections alone. On the other hand, NCP and Congress have sealed a 24-24 formula for elections. Congress has adopted an accommodative approach for bigger goal of defeating BJP. Shiv Sena is adopting ‘hum to doobenge sanam tumko bhi le doobenge’ strategy.&nbsp;

As per my analysis, Shiv Sena could be routed and get 2-3 seats (current 18) while BJP may not suffer much with loss of 4-5 seats (current 23), based on 2014 numbers. UPA could gain 20-odd seats. Uddhav is making noise to extract his pound of flesh from BJP. Both parties need each other and will come to the table soon.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu: All allies of BJP in state (PMK, DMDK, MDMK, PT) have left NDA. The political landscape has changed with Jaya’s death, split in AIADMK and entry of superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan in politics. DMK stays with UPA and could play a crucial role in 2019 as state exhibits a strong trend of AIADMK and DMK alternately sweeping the state in central elections. BJP initially hoped to ally with AIADMK however, split of TTK, has forced a rethink. It needs to bag few seats here to negate losses in North and West where it has maxed out. It has also sent feelers to Rajini. Rajini could join NDA and Kamal UPA in my opinion.&nbsp;

Apart from these, other key players are AITC, BJD, TRS and CPM: AITC is facing the heat from BJP in West Bengal. It needs support of Congress to thwart attempts of BJP. However, Congress doesn’t gain much from the alliance as Mamata Banerjee doesn’t have any votes outside Bengal. Mamata is averse to joining any Third Front as the leadership issue has become complicated.

<img alt="Federal clout at power centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8be145a-44d2-423d-8c16-0e3f8cc26349" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/771140-tally-in.jpg" />

Naveen Patnaik has maintained an equidistance approach from BJP and Congress. He is not keen on joining UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Odisha. BJP is also gaining strength there and his joining NDA will help BJP piggyback on BJD’s vote bank.

TRS can’t join UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Telangana. War of words between Modi and KCR during state polls have ensured he can’t join NDA immediately. He is floating the idea of Third Front to make a rainbow coalition of regional parties. Akhilesh has shown interest while Mamata and Naveen have been non-committal.&nbsp;

CPM can’t join MGB, as it is left with sizeable presence only in Kerala and Bengal. If it joins MGB it risks losing space to Congress in Kerala. It can under no circumstances join hands with Mamata in Bengal.&nbsp;

All regional parties have a common wish: a hung Parliament. The elections circus has just begun.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-federal-clout-at-power-centre-2701542">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker.

Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker. Many such parties are discussing with Congress to form the mahagathbandhan (MGB) to take on the BJP. Alliances in key states of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which account for 207 seats, out of which NDA won 150 in 2014, will decide the course of 2019. Uttar Pradesh: The entire premise that BJP will have a tough time in 2019 is built on the alliance between Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in UP. It was tested in bypolls to three seats earlier this year where BJP recorded big losses. BSP and SP have a solid vote base of Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs accounting for 44 per cent of the population. The alliance has proved it can seamlessly transfer votes in bypolls. Both parties are known for their anti-BJP stance. They are toying with the idea of joining MGB. Though, Congress is well past its prime in the Hindi heartland and is confined to two family-stronghold seats, it can be a game-changer in 13 seats. Strategists in both parties feel while they will be able to transfer votes to Congress, the reciprocity is unlikely to happen like in 1996 (BSP-INC alliance) and 2017 (SP-INC alliance). There’s not much value which Congress brings to the table in UP. Both these parties may not want to tie their fate to MGB, and instead join the Third Front and wait for results. Bihar: The fight is veering towards a bipolar contest in Bihar. BJP-led NDA consisting of JDU and LJP vs RJD-led UPA consisting of Congress, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav. BJP inducted Kushwaha before 2014, to make a dent in Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi/Koeri vote bank which accounts for 12 per cent of population. After JDU’s ghar wapsi, BJP faced the problem of plenty. It eased out Kushwaha and retained Paswan who has considerable clout among Dalits (6 per cent of population). He will also act as NDA’s counter to Manjhi who is a leader of Mahadalits (10 per cent of population). Both alliances have almost equal support, NDA of upper caste, Kurmi / Koeri and Dalits while UPA of Muslims and Yadavs. Mahadalits and Most Backward Classes (24 per cent) hold the keys to success in Bihar. RJD hopes to encash on the double anti-incumbency, against Modi’s 5-year and Nitish’s 13-year rule. Paswan who is a political bellwether has decided to stay with NDA. The problem of plenty has now shifted to UPA, so one can expect a big tussle on ticket distribution there. Maharashtra: BJP almost won the state elections contesting independently held six months after Lok Sabha polls. It did partner with Shiv Sena to form the government, but their relationship strained forever. Shiv Sena which was the bigger brother in the state found itself to be the junior partner. It is playing the role of opposition within the NDA, sharply critical of Modi and has announced plans to contest 2019 elections alone. On the other hand, NCP and Congress have sealed a 24-24 formula for elections. Congress has adopted an accommodative approach for bigger goal of defeating BJP. Shiv Sena is adopting ‘hum to doobenge sanam tumko bhi le doobenge’ strategy. As per my analysis, Shiv Sena could be routed and get 2-3 seats (current 18) while BJP may not suffer much with loss of 4-5 seats (current 23), based on 2014 numbers. UPA could gain 20-odd seats. Uddhav is making noise to extract his pound of flesh from BJP. Both parties need each other and will come to the table soon. Tamil Nadu: All allies of BJP in state (PMK, DMDK, MDMK, PT) have left NDA. The political landscape has changed with Jaya’s death, split in AIADMK and entry of superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan in politics. DMK stays with UPA and could play a crucial role in 2019 as state exhibits a strong trend of AIADMK and DMK alternately sweeping the state in central elections. BJP initially hoped to ally with AIADMK however, split of TTK, has forced a rethink. It needs to bag few seats here to negate losses in North and West where it has maxed out. It has also sent feelers to Rajini. Rajini could join NDA and Kamal UPA in my opinion. Apart from these, other key players are AITC, BJD, TRS and CPM: AITC is facing the heat from BJP in West Bengal. It needs support of Congress to thwart attempts of BJP. However, Congress doesn’t gain much from the alliance as Mamata Banerjee doesn’t have any votes outside Bengal. Mamata is averse to joining any Third Front as the leadership issue has become complicated. Naveen Patnaik has maintained an equidistance approach from BJP and Congress. He is not keen on joining UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Odisha. BJP is also gaining strength there and his joining NDA will help BJP piggyback on BJD’s vote bank. TRS can’t join UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Telangana. War of words between Modi and KCR during state polls have ensured he can’t join NDA immediately. He is floating the idea of Third Front to make a rainbow coalition of regional parties. Akhilesh has shown interest while Mamata and Naveen have been non-committal. CPM can’t join MGB, as it is left with sizeable presence only in Kerala and Bengal. If it joins MGB it risks losing space to Congress in Kerala. It can under no circumstances join hands with Mamata in Bengal. All regional parties have a common wish: a hung Parliament. The elections circus has just begun. (This article was originally published on 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)

Regional parties could play key role in 2019

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Friday said the state government has collected around Rs 15,466 crore in taxes from 2017 to November 2018, which is 38 per cent higher compared from last fiscal year for the same period.

Speaking at Aranya Bhawan during an inauguration of training programme meant for newly recruited officers of Bihar Finance Service, Sushil said: "The revenue collection for the financial year 2018-19 is Rs 27,000 crore and so far, we have achieved a target of Rs 15,466 crore till November, which is an increase of 38 per cent as compared to last fiscal year for the same period," he said.

Stressing that the strength of tax-payers has seen a remarkable growth of 3.87 lakh against 1.69 lakh registered during VAT regime, Sushil stated that out of 3.87 lakh, 2.18 lakh are new tax-payers.

"In order to provide relief to small taxpayers, the GST council may soon enhance the limit of Rs 20 lakh turnover to Rs 75 lakh under composition scheme. We are also planning to bring composition scheme for service providers who have the turnover of Rs 50 lakh and reduce tax on goods in the construction sector from existing 12 and 18 per cent to 5 per cent," he added.

Talking about the taxes levied on auto and cement sectors, he asserted that the GST Council is considering a plan to reduce the 28 per cent tax rate on cement and auto parts as the average monthly collection of GST has witnessed an increase in tax collections, which was earlier set at Rs 89,700 crore (2017-18) and now kept at Rs 97,100 crore for 2018-19.

Praising Prime Minister Modi for implementing GST in the country, Sushil said that it is the biggest indirect tax reforms after independence.

Before the implementation of GST, around 17 different types of taxes were levied which have been now included in the GST.

GST has put an end to the check-posts system across the country and it has turned the concept of "one nation, one tax, one market" into reality.

He further said that several parts of the world saw a surge in prices after the introduction of GST, however, India is the only country, which witnessed fall in prices of various products after the implementation of GST.&nbsp;

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Friday said the state government has collected around Rs 15,466 crore in taxes from 2017 to November 2018, which is 38 per cent higher compared from last fiscal year for the same period.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Friday said the state government has collected around Rs 15,466 crore in taxes from 2017 to November 2018, which is 38 per cent higher compared from last fiscal year for the same period. Speaking at Aranya Bhawan during an inauguration of training programme meant for newly recruited officers of Bihar Finance Service, Sushil said: "The revenue collection for the financial year 2018-19 is Rs 27,000 crore and so far, we have achieved a target of Rs 15,466 crore till November, which is an increase of 38 per cent as compared to last fiscal year for the same period," he said. Stressing that the strength of tax-payers has seen a remarkable growth of 3.87 lakh against 1.69 lakh registered during VAT regime, Sushil stated that out of 3.87 lakh, 2.18 lakh are new tax-payers. "In order to provide relief to small taxpayers, the GST council may soon enhance the limit of Rs 20 lakh turnover to Rs 75 lakh under composition scheme. We are also planning to bring composition scheme for service providers who have the turnover of Rs 50 lakh and reduce tax on goods in the construction sector from existing 12 and 18 per cent to 5 per cent," he added. Talking about the taxes levied on auto and cement sectors, he asserted that the GST Council is considering a plan to reduce the 28 per cent tax rate on cement and auto parts as the average monthly collection of GST has witnessed an increase in tax collections, which was earlier set at Rs 89,700 crore (2017-18) and now kept at Rs 97,100 crore for 2018-19. Praising Prime Minister Modi for implementing GST in the country, Sushil said that it is the biggest indirect tax reforms after independence. Before the implementation of GST, around 17 different types of taxes were levied which have been now included in the GST. GST has put an end to the check-posts system across the country and it has turned the concept of "one nation, one tax, one market" into reality. He further said that several parts of the world saw a surge in prices after the introduction of GST, however, India is the only country, which witnessed fall in prices of various products after the implementation of GST.

Bihar government collected 38% more tax than last year: Sushil Kumar Modi

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday.

While addressing a press conference, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-legislators-revolt-declare-they-will-remain-in-nda-184275">Kushwaha </a>said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

"We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said.

Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan".

Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD).

The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations.

"Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi.

Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp; 
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Ahmed Patel, Congress: There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan. <a href="https://t.co/yftEF0IpJY">pic.twitter.com/yftEF0IpJY</a>
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Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/apmwLHsu1U">pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U</a>
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A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-arrogance-among-reasons-to-leave-nda-ljp-must-also-quit-upendra-kushwaha-185282">arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar</a> were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality"&nbsp;and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi.

Chirag Paswan, the leader of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ljp-makes-public-its-unease-with-bjp-over-ram-temple-185367"> Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) </a>a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP.&nbsp;

While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav. "We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said. Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan". Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD). The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations. "Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi. Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Ahmed Patel, Congress: There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan. pic.twitter.com/yftEF0IpJY — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit. While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality" and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi. Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP. While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar

A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-pitches-for-70-jobs-to-madhya-pradesh-residents-says-up-and-bihar-people-take-away-locals-job-184943">remarks on UP-Bihar migrants</a> where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people.

The case has been filed by&nbsp;Tamanna Hashmi in Muzaffarpur court.

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a>&nbsp;on Monday pitched for jobs for locals.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs."

He further said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment."&nbsp;

Nath also added that&nbsp;he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-sp-slam-kamal-nath-for-saying-up-and-bihar-people-take-away-locals-job-185082">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> responded to his comments and called it "divisive".

BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh said, "He has also been a Union minister. He should be aware of these rules. What he is talking about is already in place... By making such a claim, he is misleading people".

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to Nath's statement stating that it is wrong for other states to question why people from North India take up jobs there.&nbsp;

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The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly.

Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17.

Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his remarks on UP-Bihar migrants where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people.

A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his remarks on UP-Bihar migrants where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people. The case has been filed by Tamanna Hashmi in Muzaffarpur court. Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath on Monday pitched for jobs for locals. Speaking to reporters, he said, "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs." He further said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment." Nath also added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded to his comments and called it "divisive". BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh said, "He has also been a Union minister. He should be aware of these rules. What he is talking about is already in place... By making such a claim, he is misleading people". Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to Nath's statement stating that it is wrong for other states to question why people from North India take up jobs there. Bihar: Case filed in Muzaffarpur Court by one Tamanna Hashmi against Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath over his remark on UP-Bihar migrants (file pic) pic.twitter.com/m7ai7vryxj — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly. Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls.

Bihar: Case registered against Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath over his remarks on migrants

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-likely-to-quit-nda-reports-182855">Upendra Kushwaha</a> of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition.

Both the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) MLAs-- Sudhanshu Shekhar and Lalan Paswan-- and its lone MLC-Sanjiv Singh Shyam- made a statement to this effect at a joint press conference in Patna.

They also pitched for a ministerial berth for Shekhar a first-term MLA and the youngest among the three.

We will also approach the Election Commission with the claim that we represent the real RLSP and we enjoy the support of most workers and office-bearers in the party, Shyam said making it clear that the RLSP was heading towards a split.

RLSP which fought the 2014 general election as well the 2015 state polls as a NDA constituent has altogether three MPs, including Kushwaha, two MLAs and one MLC in Bihar.

While the three Legislators have announced their separation from Kushwaha, among the two other Lok Sabha members--Arun Kumar from Jehanabad and Ram Kumar Sharma from Sitamarhi--the former has been charting an independent course for past two years.

Sharma, who initially made statements in favour of NDA and Nitish Kumar later changed his stance and was seen with Kushwaha when he had announced his resignation from the cabinet and also severing ties with the NDA in Delhi.

We had been stating since long that we were in favour of the RLSP remaining in the NDA but Kushwaha, who was more interested in his personal gains, paid no heed, Shyam said pointing to the RLSP chiefs quitting announcement on Monday.

The RLSP MLC alleged that Khushwaha had of late been making noises about the RLSP bot being considered for a ministerial berth after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA last year.&nbsp;

In reality, he never tried. When ministerial berths were being allocated among allies he was simply roaming around in Patna, Shyam claimed.

Khushwaha was happy with his own ministerial berth at the Centre. After that his entire attention had been on getting a deal that served his interests better. He simply did not care that somebody from his party should get a ministerial berth in the state as well, he added.

Replying to a query, he said neither he nor Paswan want ministerial berths.

We would like Sudhanshu Shekhar's inclusion in the state council of ministers and we would be hugely disappointed if he is not considered for the same, he said.

We are not defectors. Rather, we represent the real RLSP. Our stance is in line with the sentiments of most workers and office-bearers in the party. We will soon be approaching the Election Commission with our claim, he added.

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RLSP MLA Lalan Paswan: RLSP is ours. Sudhanshu Shekhar Ji (RLSP MLA) should be made a minister in NDA. We are in the NDA since the start. We want to make Narendra Modi the prime minister again in 2019. We've no relations with Upendra Kushwaha Ji now, he went with Mahagathbandhan <a href="https://t.co/q9cQBCCUZD">pic.twitter.com/q9cQBCCUZD</a>
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NDA leaders in Bihar were not immediately available for comments on the development.&nbsp;

However, rumblings within the party had come to the fore last month when Shekhar and Paswan turned up at a meeting of BJP legislature party held at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.&nbsp;

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president Upendra Kushwaha of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition.

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president Upendra Kushwaha of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition. Both the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) MLAs-- Sudhanshu Shekhar and Lalan Paswan-- and its lone MLC-Sanjiv Singh Shyam- made a statement to this effect at a joint press conference in Patna. They also pitched for a ministerial berth for Shekhar a first-term MLA and the youngest among the three. We will also approach the Election Commission with the claim that we represent the real RLSP and we enjoy the support of most workers and office-bearers in the party, Shyam said making it clear that the RLSP was heading towards a split. RLSP which fought the 2014 general election as well the 2015 state polls as a NDA constituent has altogether three MPs, including Kushwaha, two MLAs and one MLC in Bihar. While the three Legislators have announced their separation from Kushwaha, among the two other Lok Sabha members--Arun Kumar from Jehanabad and Ram Kumar Sharma from Sitamarhi--the former has been charting an independent course for past two years. Sharma, who initially made statements in favour of NDA and Nitish Kumar later changed his stance and was seen with Kushwaha when he had announced his resignation from the cabinet and also severing ties with the NDA in Delhi. We had been stating since long that we were in favour of the RLSP remaining in the NDA but Kushwaha, who was more interested in his personal gains, paid no heed, Shyam said pointing to the RLSP chiefs quitting announcement on Monday. The RLSP MLC alleged that Khushwaha had of late been making noises about the RLSP bot being considered for a ministerial berth after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA last year. In reality, he never tried. When ministerial berths were being allocated among allies he was simply roaming around in Patna, Shyam claimed. Khushwaha was happy with his own ministerial berth at the Centre. After that his entire attention had been on getting a deal that served his interests better. He simply did not care that somebody from his party should get a ministerial berth in the state as well, he added. Replying to a query, he said neither he nor Paswan want ministerial berths. We would like Sudhanshu Shekhar's inclusion in the state council of ministers and we would be hugely disappointed if he is not considered for the same, he said. We are not defectors. Rather, we represent the real RLSP. Our stance is in line with the sentiments of most workers and office-bearers in the party. We will soon be approaching the Election Commission with our claim, he added. RLSP MLA Lalan Paswan: RLSP is ours. Sudhanshu Shekhar Ji (RLSP MLA) should be made a minister in NDA. We are in the NDA since the start. We want to make Narendra Modi the prime minister again in 2019. We've no relations with Upendra Kushwaha Ji now, he went with Mahagathbandhan pic.twitter.com/q9cQBCCUZD — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × NDA leaders in Bihar were not immediately available for comments on the development. However, rumblings within the party had come to the fore last month when Shekhar and Paswan turned up at a meeting of BJP legislature party held at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

RLSP legislators revolt; declare they will remain in NDA

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'</a>

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict'</a>

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-will-continue-to-lend-full-support-to-people-of-kashmir-imran-khan-182917">Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-bitter-experience-tried-putting-forth-my-words-while-in-nda-rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-pulls-out-from-nda-182866">'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA</a>

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts".&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-insists-will-not-renegotiate-brexit-deal-182934">EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal</a>

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement. UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict' UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court. Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10. 'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts". EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe.

The apex court said the report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) raises grave concern about 17 shelter homes in Bihar and CBI must look into all of them.

CBI told the bench, also comprising Justice S A Nazeer and Justice Deepak Gupta, that in principle, it was ready to take over the investigation.

The agency is already investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, in which it is expected to file a charge sheet by December 7, the court was told.

The apex court also said CBI officers probing the shelter home cases in Bihar shall not be transferred without its prior permission.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe. The apex court said the report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) raises grave concern about 17 shelter homes in Bihar and CBI must look into all of them. CBI told the bench, also comprising Justice S A Nazeer and Justice Deepak Gupta, that in principle, it was ready to take over the investigation. The agency is already investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, in which it is expected to file a charge sheet by December 7, the court was told. The apex court also said CBI officers probing the shelter home cases in Bihar shall not be transferred without its prior permission.

Supreme Court transfers 16 Bihar shelter home abuse cases to CBI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said "nobody has the power" to abolish reservation for repressed classes and those who make statements to this effect wish to give rise to tensions in society, reported news agency PTI.

Kumar was addressing Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) workers of his party, Janata Dal (United), from the Magadh region at a conclave.

"Some people wish to give rise to tensions and differences in the society. Ambedkar's (draft of) Constitution was approved by the Constituent Assembly. The provision for reservation was made to help the marginalised sections join the social mainstream," he said.

If there won't be reservation then how will those at the margins come to the mainstream? We will sacrifice whatever required, if needed, but no one has the power to scrap reservation, he added.&nbsp;

Kumar said his party introduced reservation for SCs in village panchayats in 2006 and reserved 50 per cent quota for women.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said "nobody has the power" to abolish reservation for repressed classes and those who make statements to this effect wish to give rise to tensions in society, reported news agency PTI.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said "nobody has the power" to abolish reservation for repressed classes and those who make statements to this effect wish to give rise to tensions in society, reported news agency PTI. Kumar was addressing Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) workers of his party, Janata Dal (United), from the Magadh region at a conclave. "Some people wish to give rise to tensions and differences in the society. Ambedkar's (draft of) Constitution was approved by the Constituent Assembly. The provision for reservation was made to help the marginalised sections join the social mainstream," he said. If there won't be reservation then how will those at the margins come to the mainstream? We will sacrifice whatever required, if needed, but no one has the power to scrap reservation, he added. Kumar said his party introduced reservation for SCs in village panchayats in 2006 and reserved 50 per cent quota for women.

Nobody has power to abolish reservation: Nitish Kumar

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence.

The former minister's husband Chandrashekhar Verma surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case.

A bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also directed that Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail.

The alleged sexual exploitation of the girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department.&nbsp;

The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case.&nbsp;

The apex court had also taken note of the allegations referred by CBI against Thakur and issued notice to him to explain why he should not be transferred to a jail outside the state.

The CBI in its report had alleged that Thakur is an influential person and a mobile phone was recovered from him inside the jail where he is currently lodged under judicial custody.&nbsp;

The top court had also asked the Bihar Police to investigate the former minister and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma in connection with the recovery of huge quantity of ammunition from them.

Verma had to resign as the minister of Social Welfare from the Bihar government in the wake of the Muzzafarpur shelter home sexual abuse case.

The apex court had on September 18 stayed a Patna High Court order to set up a fresh CBI team to probe the case, saying such a move would not only be detrimental to the ongoing investigation but also to victims.

It had said that there was no reason now to change the existing investigating team, which was set up by the CBI Director, and directed the investigation to continue under the same team which was set up on July 30.

Earlier, the bench had said that the investigation seems to be going in the right direction and had also asked the Income Tax Department to look into assets of the NGO which was running the shelter home and its owner Thakur.

The apex court had also noted that no allegations were made against the team probing the case with regard to the manner in which the investigation was being conducted.

The sexual abuse of 34 of the 42 inmates was confirmed in their medical examination. The TISS audit report had said that many girls at the shelter home had complained of sexual abuse.

An FIR was lodged against 11 people, including Thakur, on May 31. The probe was later taken over by the CBI.

A special investigation team was formed to probe the complaints. The NGO running the shelter home in Muzaffarpur was blacklisted and the girls were shifted to shelter homes in Patna and Madhubani. Women staff members of the shelter home and Thakur were among those who were arrested by the police in connection with the case.

The apex court had earlier taken cognizance of the matter after it received a letter from one Ranvijay Kumar, who had expressed concern that the alleged victims were subjected to media interviews.

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence.

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence. The former minister's husband Chandrashekhar Verma surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case. A bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also directed that Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. The alleged sexual exploitation of the girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department. The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case. The apex court had also taken note of the allegations referred by CBI against Thakur and issued notice to him to explain why he should not be transferred to a jail outside the state. The CBI in its report had alleged that Thakur is an influential person and a mobile phone was recovered from him inside the jail where he is currently lodged under judicial custody. The top court had also asked the Bihar Police to investigate the former minister and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma in connection with the recovery of huge quantity of ammunition from them. Verma had to resign as the minister of Social Welfare from the Bihar government in the wake of the Muzzafarpur shelter home sexual abuse case. The apex court had on September 18 stayed a Patna High Court order to set up a fresh CBI team to probe the case, saying such a move would not only be detrimental to the ongoing investigation but also to victims. It had said that there was no reason now to change the existing investigating team, which was set up by the CBI Director, and directed the investigation to continue under the same team which was set up on July 30. Earlier, the bench had said that the investigation seems to be going in the right direction and had also asked the Income Tax Department to look into assets of the NGO which was running the shelter home and its owner Thakur. The apex court had also noted that no allegations were made against the team probing the case with regard to the manner in which the investigation was being conducted. The sexual abuse of 34 of the 42 inmates was confirmed in their medical examination. The TISS audit report had said that many girls at the shelter home had complained of sexual abuse. An FIR was lodged against 11 people, including Thakur, on May 31. The probe was later taken over by the CBI. A special investigation team was formed to probe the complaints. The NGO running the shelter home in Muzaffarpur was blacklisted and the girls were shifted to shelter homes in Patna and Madhubani. Women staff members of the shelter home and Thakur were among those who were arrested by the police in connection with the case. The apex court had earlier taken cognizance of the matter after it received a letter from one Ranvijay Kumar, who had expressed concern that the alleged victims were subjected to media interviews.

Muzaffarpur shelter homes case: SC asks why Bihar ex-minister has not been arrested

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

''It has been decided that BJP and JDU will contest equal number of seats for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in Bihar. Other allies will also get a respectable seat share,'' Shah said.&nbsp;

An exact number of seats that each party may contest will be announced in a few days, he added.&nbsp;

''Upendra Kushwaha and Ram Vilas Paswan will remain with us. When a new ally has joined us, there will be a reduction in seat share for everyone,'' Shah said.&nbsp;

JD(U) contested the last Lok Sabha elections in alliance with Lef parties. However, the party formed grand alliance with RJD and Congress for the 2015 Assembly polls.&nbsp;

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar. ''It has been decided that BJP and JDU will contest equal number of seats for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in Bihar. Other allies will also get a respectable seat share,'' Shah said. An exact number of seats that each party may contest will be announced in a few days, he added. ''Upendra Kushwaha and Ram Vilas Paswan will remain with us. When a new ally has joined us, there will be a reduction in seat share for everyone,'' Shah said. JD(U) contested the last Lok Sabha elections in alliance with Lef parties. However, the party formed grand alliance with RJD and Congress for the 2015 Assembly polls.

Lok Sabha elections: BJP, JD(U) to contest equal number of seats in Bihar

Recent happenings in Gujarat are unfortunate. I thought the Constitution of India guaranteed free movement of its citizens throughout the country. Hence, what is happening is certainly not acceptable.

Now, the revelation has come out that certain sub-ethnic group's involvement is being suspected. A leader of the said ethnic group, who is sitting MLA from the opposition side, has been suspected of engineering the exodus of workers of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from Gujarat. To what extent will they go and where will this all end?

Gujarat, over the course of my innumerable visits, has endeared itself to me, and its people are of enterprising nature. Knowing them so, I do not think any ordinary Gujarati will support this.

Not new

At the same time, it is also borne by the record that this is not new in India. Oft and on we have such sons-of-soil and other movements happening in different parts of the country, in different states of India at different points of time.

I remember in the recent past, I had to cancel my visit in a place close to Ramnagaram, near Mysuru, because there were disturbances en route at Mandya, on account of an unacceptable Supreme Court Order in the Cauvery dispute case. I had to return from Bengaluru on that day in September 2016.

Karnataka incidents

The state of Karnataka witnesses two kinds of movements to drive away other ethnic groups. In cases of specific discord on the interests of the state with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the local Tamils are attacked. This is reciprocated in equal measure by their Tamilian counterparts against Kannadigas.

The other kind is a general disdain for people from Northeastern states, who are such friendly people and always likeable in the face of fiercest persecution in most parts of India outside their region.

Maharashtra incidents

Events such as these are common and repetitive in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra. Some political parties have eked out their survival out of such an in-group political ideology. Call it the Shiv Sena or MNS and whatever, it is indeed a reality. The migrants from UP/ Bihar are referred to with disdain as 'bhaiyyas'.

No matter how long they might be staying in the state, they are persecuted. In fact, on this, I have made references in my book also as to how this repeatedly creates a law and order problem in Maharashtra requiring the Union government's intervention. These are realities of India, and one wishes they do not exist.

Negative stereotype outgroups

In this context, one prominent and highly-respected social anthropologist, Prof Sachidanda, whose works we used to devour in the 1980s, has opined that every hamlet, village, community, caste, and other formations always regard any intruder into the group with disdain. This phenomenon he names as negative stereotype outgroup. This trend in Maharashtra has now extended to Gujarat, where migrants from UP/ Bihar have become negative stereotype outgroups.

Why do migrations take place

When it comes to the question of sacrificing their self-esteem and security, why does the population of UP and Bihar have to migrate? This is a question that is not asked enough. This is a question the politicians of these states owe an answer.

Whenever there is an attack or untoward incident or movement, these politicians resort to all sorts of rhetoric. I underline, I do not support this trend. But we have to address the genesis of the problem.

Politicians to blame in UP and Bihar

Let us now recall that Lalu Prasad Yadav ruled Bihar for more than a decade. Nitish Kumar, the present CM, with different allies has ruled the state for more than 10 years. Mayawati and Mulayam's parties ruled Uttar Pradesh for close to two decades alternatively, till 2017.&nbsp;

A comparison to this is Narendra Modi, who was CM for about 12 years in Gujarat. See the difference in developmental levels between Gujarat and UP/ Bihar.&nbsp;

Highest investments in pre-1991

Let me also underline one more salient point. During the pre-1991 era, the amount of investments in terms of public sector in UP and Bihar were overwhelming, and other states had miniscule share in comparison.

Also, in that era, location of public sector investments as per the then Industrial Policy and, due to their political might, many private investments were also happening in these two states. Further, Bihar before 2000 was a combined Bihar in which the amount of natural endowments like mineral wealth, etc. are incomparable.&nbsp;

Poor state governance

Still, due to poor governance, these two states could not harness the assets and their poor population remains poor and have to leave the state in search of employment. Will any politician from these two states answer for this?

I underline that what happened in Gujarat is unpardonable, and those behind this should be prosecuted as per law. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/hate-against-migrants-not-new-in-india-but-there-is-more-to-it-than-meets-the-eye-2147584.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Recent happenings in Gujarat are unfortunate. I thought the Constitution of India guaranteed free movement of its citizens throughout the country. Hence, what is happening is certainly not acceptable.

Recent happenings in Gujarat are unfortunate. I thought the Constitution of India guaranteed free movement of its citizens throughout the country. Hence, what is happening is certainly not acceptable. Now, the revelation has come out that certain sub-ethnic group's involvement is being suspected. A leader of the said ethnic group, who is sitting MLA from the opposition side, has been suspected of engineering the exodus of workers of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from Gujarat. To what extent will they go and where will this all end? Gujarat, over the course of my innumerable visits, has endeared itself to me, and its people are of enterprising nature. Knowing them so, I do not think any ordinary Gujarati will support this. Not new At the same time, it is also borne by the record that this is not new in India. Oft and on we have such sons-of-soil and other movements happening in different parts of the country, in different states of India at different points of time. I remember in the recent past, I had to cancel my visit in a place close to Ramnagaram, near Mysuru, because there were disturbances en route at Mandya, on account of an unacceptable Supreme Court Order in the Cauvery dispute case. I had to return from Bengaluru on that day in September 2016. Karnataka incidents The state of Karnataka witnesses two kinds of movements to drive away other ethnic groups. In cases of specific discord on the interests of the state with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the local Tamils are attacked. This is reciprocated in equal measure by their Tamilian counterparts against Kannadigas. The other kind is a general disdain for people from Northeastern states, who are such friendly people and always likeable in the face of fiercest persecution in most parts of India outside their region. Maharashtra incidents Events such as these are common and repetitive in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra. Some political parties have eked out their survival out of such an in-group political ideology. Call it the Shiv Sena or MNS and whatever, it is indeed a reality. The migrants from UP/ Bihar are referred to with disdain as 'bhaiyyas'. No matter how long they might be staying in the state, they are persecuted. In fact, on this, I have made references in my book also as to how this repeatedly creates a law and order problem in Maharashtra requiring the Union government's intervention. These are realities of India, and one wishes they do not exist. Negative stereotype outgroups In this context, one prominent and highly-respected social anthropologist, Prof Sachidanda, whose works we used to devour in the 1980s, has opined that every hamlet, village, community, caste, and other formations always regard any intruder into the group with disdain. This phenomenon he names as negative stereotype outgroup. This trend in Maharashtra has now extended to Gujarat, where migrants from UP/ Bihar have become negative stereotype outgroups. Why do migrations take place When it comes to the question of sacrificing their self-esteem and security, why does the population of UP and Bihar have to migrate? This is a question that is not asked enough. This is a question the politicians of these states owe an answer. Whenever there is an attack or untoward incident or movement, these politicians resort to all sorts of rhetoric. I underline, I do not support this trend. But we have to address the genesis of the problem. Politicians to blame in UP and Bihar Let us now recall that Lalu Prasad Yadav ruled Bihar for more than a decade. Nitish Kumar, the present CM, with different allies has ruled the state for more than 10 years. Mayawati and Mulayam's parties ruled Uttar Pradesh for close to two decades alternatively, till 2017. A comparison to this is Narendra Modi, who was CM for about 12 years in Gujarat. See the difference in developmental levels between Gujarat and UP/ Bihar. Highest investments in pre-1991 Let me also underline one more salient point. During the pre-1991 era, the amount of investments in terms of public sector in UP and Bihar were overwhelming, and other states had miniscule share in comparison. Also, in that era, location of public sector investments as per the then Industrial Policy and, due to their political might, many private investments were also happening in these two states. Further, Bihar before 2000 was a combined Bihar in which the amount of natural endowments like mineral wealth, etc. are incomparable. Poor state governance Still, due to poor governance, these two states could not harness the assets and their poor population remains poor and have to leave the state in search of employment. Will any politician from these two states answer for this? I underline that what happened in Gujarat is unpardonable, and those behind this should be prosecuted as per law. (This article was originally published on 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)

Hate against migrants not new, but there is more to it than meets the eye

The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday.

Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28.

"Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during investigation," Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters.

He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas.

"Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas," he added.

Two cases have been lodged for spreading rumours on social media which led to violence, the DGP said.

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Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks. 
Police are taking action wherever needed. We have registered 3 cases under the IT Act for spreading hatred on social media: Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049203234009763841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I spoke to Gujarat CM y'day. We're in touch with them.They're monitoring situation.Those who've committed a crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on violence against UP/Bihar migrants in Gujarat after a rape case in Sabarkantha <a href="https://t.co/vrdnddlGW1">pic.twitter.com/vrdnddlGW1</a>
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Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season.

"If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said.

Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said.

Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.

The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday.

The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday. Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28. "Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during investigation," Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters. He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas. "Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas," he added. Two cases have been lodged for spreading rumours on social media which led to violence, the DGP said. Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks. Police are taking action wherever needed. We have registered 3 cases under the IT Act for spreading hatred on social media: Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × I spoke to Gujarat CM y'day. We're in touch with them.They're monitoring situation.Those who've committed a crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on violence against UP/Bihar migrants in Gujarat after a rape case in Sabarkantha pic.twitter.com/vrdnddlGW1 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season. "If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said. Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said. Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.

342 arrested for attacks on non-Gujaratis, security beefed up

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments.

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. 
 
The consumption of&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said.

The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini.

According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds.

According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned.

According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey,&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17.

Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.&nbsp;

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments. Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring khaini under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. The consumption of khaini is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said. The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini. According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned. According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey, khaini consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17. Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.

Khaini not to be banned in Bihar, says Health Minister

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his&nbsp;brother&nbsp;Tejashwi.

He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close".

His clarification came amid reports that said&nbsp;Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party.

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All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD <a href="https://t.co/Ymxh3zlGVd">pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005686866840936448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said, 'There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close'

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his brother Tejashwi. He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close". His clarification came amid reports that said Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party. All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Tej Pratap rules out difference with Tejashwi

Regional disparity is growing in the country and despite an increase in the states' share in tax revenue, the percentage of allocation for Bihar has actually gone down, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday in Patna.

At a symposium on "analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India", Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence.

The symposium was organised by the Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance (CEPPF) here which is managed by city-based think-tank Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI).

"The state is also burdened by a very high density of population. Yet it has been performing well for the past many years and registering a high growth rate," the senior BJP leader said, making a strong pitch for greater central assistance to the state, at a time when demand for special category status has been revived by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Regional disparity - the gap between the rich states and the poor ones - is increasing. While the states' share in tax revenue has increased over the years, from 28.5 per cent under the 11th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in the 14th, if we look at the share of Bihar in the divisible pool, it has actually dropped from 14.6 per cent to 9.66 per cent during the period," Mr Modi said.

He also said the GST, "under which both the centre and the state surrender their sovereignty with regard to tax collection, provides an ideal model of cooperative federalism and it should be taken note of by the 15th Finance Commission".

Echoing the Deputy Chief Minister's views on GST, Chief Economic Advisor to Government of India Arvind Subramanian said the new tax regime was "an important and revolutionary model of politics, administration and technology".

He also highlighted "low performance" of panchayats and municipal bodies on revenue generation front, with the remark "the closer a tier of government is to the people, the more unwilling it is to raise taxes".

"The second and third tiers of government (state governments and panchayats/municipal bodies) should strive to improve their revenue generation by ensuring a better delivery of public services," he added.

He also lauded Bihar's good economic performance and said the state should maintain a growth rate of at least 10 per cent for the next 25 years to catch up with the rest of the country.

Others who spoke on the occasion included CEPPF Director Shaibal Gupta and ADRI Director Prabhat P Ghosh.

At a symposium on 'analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India', Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence

Regional disparity is growing in the country and despite an increase in the states' share in tax revenue, the percentage of allocation for Bihar has actually gone down, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday in Patna. At a symposium on "analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India", Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence. The symposium was organised by the Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance (CEPPF) here which is managed by city-based think-tank Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI). "The state is also burdened by a very high density of population. Yet it has been performing well for the past many years and registering a high growth rate," the senior BJP leader said, making a strong pitch for greater central assistance to the state, at a time when demand for special category status has been revived by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Regional disparity - the gap between the rich states and the poor ones - is increasing. While the states' share in tax revenue has increased over the years, from 28.5 per cent under the 11th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in the 14th, if we look at the share of Bihar in the divisible pool, it has actually dropped from 14.6 per cent to 9.66 per cent during the period," Mr Modi said. He also said the GST, "under which both the centre and the state surrender their sovereignty with regard to tax collection, provides an ideal model of cooperative federalism and it should be taken note of by the 15th Finance Commission". Echoing the Deputy Chief Minister's views on GST, Chief Economic Advisor to Government of India Arvind Subramanian said the new tax regime was "an important and revolutionary model of politics, administration and technology". He also highlighted "low performance" of panchayats and municipal bodies on revenue generation front, with the remark "the closer a tier of government is to the people, the more unwilling it is to raise taxes". "The second and third tiers of government (state governments and panchayats/municipal bodies) should strive to improve their revenue generation by ensuring a better delivery of public services," he added. He also lauded Bihar's good economic performance and said the state should maintain a growth rate of at least 10 per cent for the next 25 years to catch up with the rest of the country. Others who spoke on the occasion included CEPPF Director Shaibal Gupta and ADRI Director Prabhat P Ghosh.

Regional disparity is growing in the country: Sushil Modi

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar.

Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the&nbsp;law on atrocities against Dalit.

In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits.

Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it.

He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas".

The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar.

A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the&nbsp;party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said&nbsp;that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
 
&nbsp;

 
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Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan also sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit. In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits. Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas". The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar. A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar. (With inputs from PTI)

Ram Vilas Paswan meets Amit Shah, demands special status for Bihar

The National Investigation Agency's(NIA) Special Court today&nbspsentenced all accused in the 2013 Bodhgaya serial blasts case.

The NIA court sentenced all five accused to life imprisonment. Special NIA judge Manoj Kumar Sinha had earlier held all five accused - Imtiyaz Ansari, Haider Ali, Mujib Ullah, Omair Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi&nbsp- guilty in the case.

The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar had injured five people including Buddhist monks and spread panic in the complex.

At least ten bombs exploded that day with Indian authorities blaming it on Indian Mujahideen (IM).&nbsp

The blasts were widely condemned by nations with large Buddhist population with Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Thailand government expressing shock and dismay over the bombings.

The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar

The National Investigation Agency's(NIA) Special Court today&nbspsentenced all accused in the 2013 Bodhgaya serial blasts case. The NIA court sentenced all five accused to life imprisonment. Special NIA judge Manoj Kumar Sinha had earlier held all five accused - Imtiyaz Ansari, Haider Ali, Mujib Ullah, Omair Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi - guilty in the case. The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar had injured five people including Buddhist monks and spread panic in the complex. At least ten bombs exploded that day with Indian authorities blaming it on Indian Mujahideen (IM). The blasts were widely condemned by nations with large Buddhist population with Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Thailand government expressing shock and dismay over the bombings.

Bodhgaya serial blasts case: Court sentences all 5 accused to life imprisonment

RJD&nbsp;candidate Shahnawaz Alam defeated JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam by a huge margin of over 41,225 votes to bag the Jokihat assembly seat in bypoll. The results were declared on Thursday.

Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam.

It's the third victory for RJD under the leadership of Tejaswi Yadav, who took over the party after his father Lalu Yadav was convicted in fodder scam.&nbsp;

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Nation has rejected the poisonous politics of polarisation,vendetta, hatred & fascism in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BypollsVerdict?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BypollsVerdict</a> 
 
Special thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yadavakhilesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MayawatiUp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayawatiUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantrld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantrld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SitaramYechury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HemantSorenJMM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HemantSorenJMM</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoKavitha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaoKavitha</a> for their magnanimous politics & vision!
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1002142966172053505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The party had earlier won Jehanabad and Aaria.

He also praised his father by saying that he showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common role to dislodge ''fascist forces''.&nbsp;

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Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/laluprasadrjd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@laluprasadrjd</a> ji showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common goal to dislodge fascist forces. 
 
Better late than never, opposition saw merit in his vision of consolidation and result is their to be seen against 45 parties alliance of BJP. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bypoll?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bypoll</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1002131694298828801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam

RJD candidate Shahnawaz Alam defeated JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam by a huge margin of over 41,225 votes to bag the Jokihat assembly seat in bypoll. The results were declared on Thursday. Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam. It's the third victory for RJD under the leadership of Tejaswi Yadav, who took over the party after his father Lalu Yadav was convicted in fodder scam. Nation has rejected the poisonous politics of polarisation,vendetta, hatred & fascism in #BypollsVerdict Special thanks to @RahulGandhi @MamataOfficial @yadavakhilesh @MayawatiUp @jayantrld @SitaramYechury @HemantSorenJMM & @RaoKavitha for their magnanimous politics & vision! — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 31, 2018 × The party had earlier won Jehanabad and Aaria. He also praised his father by saying that he showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common role to dislodge ''fascist forces''. Sh @laluprasadrjd ji showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common goal to dislodge fascist forces. Better late than never, opposition saw merit in his vision of consolidation and result is their to be seen against 45 parties alliance of BJP. #bypoll — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 31, 2018 ×

Bihar: Setback for Nitish Kumar as RJD win Jokihat assembly by huge margin

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