In Patna, the capital of Bihar, stones have been thrown at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's convoy. Several of the convoy's vehicles had their windows broken by stone pelting.

However, the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, was not present in the car.

The incident took place near Sohgi Mor in Gaurichak in Patna.

According to the report, the people of the area were outraged by the murder of a youth.

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A young man's body who went missing about a week ago was discovered in Beur, according to the information that is currently available.

This infuriated the villagers. When the convoy carrying Chief Minister Nitish Kumar passed, the people who had blocked the road began throwing rocks.

The police from nearby police stations arrived at the scene after the incident. The police dispersed the crowd with the help of sticks.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In Patna, the capital of Bihar, stones have been thrown at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's convoy. Several of the convoy's vehicles had their windows broken by stone pelting.

In Patna, the capital of Bihar, stones have been thrown at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's convoy. Several of the convoy's vehicles had their windows broken by stone pelting. However, the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, was not present in the car. The incident took place near Sohgi Mor in Gaurichak in Patna. According to the report, the people of the area were outraged by the murder of a youth. Patna | Stones pelted at the convoy of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar; CM was not present in the convoy at the time of the incident. pic.twitter.com/5kNnn7IDlv — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2022 × A young man's body who went missing about a week ago was discovered in Beur, according to the information that is currently available. This infuriated the villagers. When the convoy carrying Chief Minister Nitish Kumar passed, the people who had blocked the road began throwing rocks. The police from nearby police stations arrived at the scene after the incident. The police dispersed the crowd with the help of sticks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's convoy attacked in Patna, glasses of four vehicles broken

The Indian state of Bihar is witnessing another political divorce. CM Nitish Kumar has ended Janata Dal (United)'s alliance with BJP & joined hands with RJD. What explains the move? How has Nitish Kumar made a career by switching sides? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Decoding the 'political divorce' in Bihar

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their&nbsp;new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent.

On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-resigns-as-bihar-cm-snaps-ties-with-bjp-505166">India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP</a>

BJP&nbsp;attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance&nbsp;and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. 
 
Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently,&nbsp;had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members&nbsp;claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-slams-china-pakistan-for-double-standards-on-terrorism-505306">At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism</a>

In&nbsp;the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.”

Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years&nbsp;after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties.

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent. On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance. Also read | India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP BJP attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently, had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party. Also read | At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism In the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.” Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 8th time, Tejashwi Yadav becomes deputy

Nitish Kumar has broken the alliance with BJP and resigned as the chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar. He submitted his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan along with letters of support from the RJD, Congress, Left, and other minor parties, clearing the way for the 'Mahagathbandha' or grand alliance government to take office once more and for him to continue as chief minister.

In the 243-seat Bihar assembly, the JD-U has 45 MLAs, bringing the grand alliance's strength to 160. With 79 MPs, the RJD is the only party with a majority.

Nitish Kumar, who went to Raj Bhavan alone, announced his resignation to the waiting media. 
 
"I was the chief minister of Bihar. Now, I have given my resignation from the post of chief minister," he said.

Since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when his JD-U received only a single berth in Narendra Modi's government at the Centre, former NDA ally Nitish has been dissatisfied with the BJP.

Earlier, addressing a meeting of lawmakers of his Janata Dal-United, Nitish Kumar, sources said, levelled allegations against the BJP, saying it was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD-U MLAs to rebel against him. 
 
Sources said that Nitish Kumar accused the BJP of "horse trading" and giving some party leaders lucrative offers to make them ministers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Nitish Kumar has broken the alliance with BJP and resigned as the chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar. He submitted his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan along with letters of support from the RJD, Congress, Left, and other minor parties, clearing the way for the 'Mahagathbandha' or grand alliance government to take office once more and for him to continue as chief minister.

Nitish Kumar has broken the alliance with BJP and resigned as the chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar. He submitted his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan along with letters of support from the RJD, Congress, Left, and other minor parties, clearing the way for the 'Mahagathbandha' or grand alliance government to take office once more and for him to continue as chief minister. In the 243-seat Bihar assembly, the JD-U has 45 MLAs, bringing the grand alliance's strength to 160. With 79 MPs, the RJD is the only party with a majority. Nitish Kumar, who went to Raj Bhavan alone, announced his resignation to the waiting media. "I was the chief minister of Bihar. Now, I have given my resignation from the post of chief minister," he said. Since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when his JD-U received only a single berth in Narendra Modi's government at the Centre, former NDA ally Nitish has been dissatisfied with the BJP. Earlier, addressing a meeting of lawmakers of his Janata Dal-United, Nitish Kumar, sources said, levelled allegations against the BJP, saying it was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD-U MLAs to rebel against him. Sources said that Nitish Kumar accused the BJP of "horse trading" and giving some party leaders lucrative offers to make them ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday predicted that the Janata Dal (United) will soon disintegrate in the state.

The soon of RJD chief Lalu Prasad said on Saturday: "The decline of JD (U) is now certain. It has begun in Arunachal Pradesh and soon it will disintegrate in Bihar as well. It is breaking into smaller units and its future in Bihar doesn`t look bright either."

It may be recalled that in a big setback to the JD(U), six out of its seven MLAS in Arunachal Pradesh joined the ruling BJP.

Following this, the opposition has been targeting the party since the JD(U) is an ally of the BJP in Bihar. Even leader of opposition Tejashwi Yadav has raised concerns over the possibility of the JD U)`s falling apart.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday predicted that the Janata Dal (United) will soon disintegrate in the state.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday predicted that the Janata Dal (United) will soon disintegrate in the state. The soon of RJD chief Lalu Prasad said on Saturday: "The decline of JD (U) is now certain. It has begun in Arunachal Pradesh and soon it will disintegrate in Bihar as well. It is breaking into smaller units and its future in Bihar doesn`t look bright either." It may be recalled that in a big setback to the JD(U), six out of its seven MLAS in Arunachal Pradesh joined the ruling BJP. Following this, the opposition has been targeting the party since the JD(U) is an ally of the BJP in Bihar. Even leader of opposition Tejashwi Yadav has raised concerns over the possibility of the JD U)`s falling apart.

After Arunachal, JD(U) will break in Bihar as well: Tej Pratap Yadav

In a major setback to the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Six of seven legislators of Janata Dal-United (JDU) in Arunachal Pradesh have defected to the BJP. The JDU now has just one MLA in the 60-member Arunachal assembly. Along with an MLA of the People's Party of Arunachal, the BJP now has 48 members.

The lone MLA from the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), Kardo Nyigyor from Likabali constituency, has also joined the saffron party.

The development comes a day ahead of the announcement of the panchayat and municipal poll results.

The JD(U) MLAs who switched sides are Talem Taboh from Rumgong Assembly Constituency, Hayeng Mangfi (Chayang Tajo), Jikke Tako (Tali), Dorjee Wangdi Kharma (Kalaktang), Dongru Siongju (Bomdila) and Kanggong Taku from Mariyang-Geku constituency, the bulletin said.

On November 26, the JD(U) had issued show-cause notices to Siongju, Kharma and Taku for "anti-party" activities, and suspended them.

The six JD(U) MLAs had earlier elected Talem Taboh as the new Legislature Party leader allegedly without the knowledge of senior party members.

The PPA MLA was also suspended by the regional outfit earlier this month.

"We have accepted their letters conveying the intention to join the party," BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president B R Waghe said.

The JD(U), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, won seven of the 15 seats it contested in the 2019 assembly elections and emerged as the second-largest party after the BJP, which had bagged 41 seats.

Following the switchover, the BJP now has 48 MLAs in the 60-member House, while the JD(U) is left with only one. Congress and the National People's Party (NPP) have four members each.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major setback to the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Six of seven legislators of Janata Dal-United (JDU) in Arunachal Pradesh have defected to the BJP. The JDU now has just one MLA in the 60-member Arunachal assembly.

In a major setback to the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Six of seven legislators of Janata Dal-United (JDU) in Arunachal Pradesh have defected to the BJP. The JDU now has just one MLA in the 60-member Arunachal assembly. Along with an MLA of the People's Party of Arunachal, the BJP now has 48 members. The lone MLA from the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), Kardo Nyigyor from Likabali constituency, has also joined the saffron party. The development comes a day ahead of the announcement of the panchayat and municipal poll results. The JD(U) MLAs who switched sides are Talem Taboh from Rumgong Assembly Constituency, Hayeng Mangfi (Chayang Tajo), Jikke Tako (Tali), Dorjee Wangdi Kharma (Kalaktang), Dongru Siongju (Bomdila) and Kanggong Taku from Mariyang-Geku constituency, the bulletin said. On November 26, the JD(U) had issued show-cause notices to Siongju, Kharma and Taku for "anti-party" activities, and suspended them. The six JD(U) MLAs had earlier elected Talem Taboh as the new Legislature Party leader allegedly without the knowledge of senior party members. The PPA MLA was also suspended by the regional outfit earlier this month. "We have accepted their letters conveying the intention to join the party," BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president B R Waghe said. The JD(U), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, won seven of the 15 seats it contested in the 2019 assembly elections and emerged as the second-largest party after the BJP, which had bagged 41 seats. Following the switchover, the BJP now has 48 MLAs in the 60-member House, while the JD(U) is left with only one. Congress and the National People's Party (NPP) have four members each. (With inputs from agencies)

Nitish Kumar's JD(U) suffers setback in Arunachal Pradesh

Bihar elections are the first election in India after months of Covid 19 pandemic. While India has greatly returned to normalcy, the months that went by shook the common man and industry. In retrospect, the sudden lockdown looked poorly planned and executed. The pandemic at many levels exposed the inefficiency of public administration. Indians whether farmers, labourers, students, professionals and businessmen suffered through the health crisis, crippling medical system and slower pace of already slowed down the economy.&nbsp;

For many years Bihar elections have been measured through the prism of caste dynamics. Nitish Kumar for the last 15 years was branded as the father of good governance and architect of caste coalition called -maha Dalits. On the other hand, Lalu Yadav’s RJD failed to enlarge its social base or wipe out the tag of corruption and lawlessness, it earned during its 15 years of rule.&nbsp;

The pandemic came as a political disruptor and changed the rules, of the game of throne in Bihar. While Lalu is in jail, his son Tejashvi made a bold move to make unemployment, jobs and backwardness of Bihar the issue. After 15 years, Nitish Kumar looks like a politically exhausted leader. He failed to communicate any fresh ideas or promises that can capture the imagination of people. Modi’s several rallies had little impact on the discourse. The once exciting jungle raj and Yuvraj diatribe had less impact than expected. Nitish and Modi are suffering from triple engine anti-incumbency. Young Tejashvi has smartly disengaged himself from the discourse trap normally the BJP lays for its opponents and have rather got the ruling partners to give explanations to the people of Bihar.&nbsp;

The election outcome will determine if voters have chosen to reward or punish the Bihar Government for the mismanagement of the pandemic. It will also send a message to the BJP of acceptance or rejection of their work. People of Bihar will decide if they will forgive the Lalu Yadav clan and accept Tejashvi as its leader.&nbsp;

Election results in the second most important state in the Hindi heartland will have a cascading effect on Indian politics. If Modi and JDU win, this will be a huge vindication of Modi lead NDA. It will clearly convey that even the pandemic or the management of the economy have not been able to shake Modi.&nbsp; 
 
Modi will remain the unfazed, Mr Invincible. This victory will also give a boost to the ambitions of the BJP to win West Bengal.&nbsp;

If BJP and JDU lose Bihar, nationally it’s an embarrassment for Modi administration. It will be perceived as an astounding statement on Prime Minister’s governance also the political price for a David Vs Goliath battle will be huge. In a strange coincidence, what’s happened in the US has put Prime Minister Modi on the back foot. He had put his personal capital behind his friend Trump and risked diplomatic norms of engagement by campaigning for Trump. From Pennsylvania to Patna if friends and allies lose, the days ahead will be tough.&nbsp;

Whatever the outcome, the US elections have proved that the most invincible can be replaced. Right-wing politics is not here to stay forever and also rekindled hope in change. The pandemic will have its effect on the elections as it directly affected lives and livelihoods. 11th November is not just a test for tall men like Prime Minister Modi or Nitish Kumar. It may establish Tesjashvi as young and promising leader of Bihar. With what’s happening in India and globally, the excitement and interest in a state election has never been so thrilling. More than RJD, it’s crucial for the BJP and JDU to win this election. Mr Modi has a lot at stake!&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

Bihar elections are the first election in India after months of Covid 19 pandemic. While India has greatly returned to normalcy, the months that went by shook the common man and industry.

Bihar elections are the first election in India after months of Covid 19 pandemic. While India has greatly returned to normalcy, the months that went by shook the common man and industry. In retrospect, the sudden lockdown looked poorly planned and executed. The pandemic at many levels exposed the inefficiency of public administration. Indians whether farmers, labourers, students, professionals and businessmen suffered through the health crisis, crippling medical system and slower pace of already slowed down the economy. For many years Bihar elections have been measured through the prism of caste dynamics. Nitish Kumar for the last 15 years was branded as the father of good governance and architect of caste coalition called -maha Dalits. On the other hand, Lalu Yadav’s RJD failed to enlarge its social base or wipe out the tag of corruption and lawlessness, it earned during its 15 years of rule. The pandemic came as a political disruptor and changed the rules, of the game of throne in Bihar. While Lalu is in jail, his son Tejashvi made a bold move to make unemployment, jobs and backwardness of Bihar the issue. After 15 years, Nitish Kumar looks like a politically exhausted leader. He failed to communicate any fresh ideas or promises that can capture the imagination of people. Modi’s several rallies had little impact on the discourse. The once exciting jungle raj and Yuvraj diatribe had less impact than expected. Nitish and Modi are suffering from triple engine anti-incumbency. Young Tejashvi has smartly disengaged himself from the discourse trap normally the BJP lays for its opponents and have rather got the ruling partners to give explanations to the people of Bihar. The election outcome will determine if voters have chosen to reward or punish the Bihar Government for the mismanagement of the pandemic. It will also send a message to the BJP of acceptance or rejection of their work. People of Bihar will decide if they will forgive the Lalu Yadav clan and accept Tejashvi as its leader. Election results in the second most important state in the Hindi heartland will have a cascading effect on Indian politics. If Modi and JDU win, this will be a huge vindication of Modi lead NDA. It will clearly convey that even the pandemic or the management of the economy have not been able to shake Modi. Modi will remain the unfazed, Mr Invincible. This victory will also give a boost to the ambitions of the BJP to win West Bengal. If BJP and JDU lose Bihar, nationally it’s an embarrassment for Modi administration. It will be perceived as an astounding statement on Prime Minister’s governance also the political price for a David Vs Goliath battle will be huge. In a strange coincidence, what’s happened in the US has put Prime Minister Modi on the back foot. He had put his personal capital behind his friend Trump and risked diplomatic norms of engagement by campaigning for Trump. From Pennsylvania to Patna if friends and allies lose, the days ahead will be tough. Whatever the outcome, the US elections have proved that the most invincible can be replaced. Right-wing politics is not here to stay forever and also rekindled hope in change. The pandemic will have its effect on the elections as it directly affected lives and livelihoods. 11th November is not just a test for tall men like Prime Minister Modi or Nitish Kumar. It may establish Tesjashvi as young and promising leader of Bihar. With what’s happening in India and globally, the excitement and interest in a state election has never been so thrilling. More than RJD, it’s crucial for the BJP and JDU to win this election. Mr Modi has a lot at stake! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Why Bihar results are important for India

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades.

At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-to-be-bihar-chief-minister-for-4th-term-in-a-row-343271">Nitish Kumar to be Bihar Chief Minister for 4th term in a row</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Patna by Governor Phagu Chauhan.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-tejashwi-yadav-leader-of-single-largest-party-rjd-demands-recount-342683">Bihar Elections: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount</a>

BJP's Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, who will most likely become deputy chief ministers of the state, also took the oath.&nbsp;

In the tightly-fought election of the eastern Indian state, NDA won 125 seats in the 243-member house. However, Kumar's JD(U) was able to manage just 43 seats, but its ally BJP managed to win a lion's share, 74 seats.&nbsp;

The main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) boycotted the event, saying the election was rigged and the mandate was against the NDA.&nbsp;

"The RJD boycotts swearing-in ceremony. The mandate for change is against the NDA. The mandate has been changed on the state's directions. Ask the unemployed, farmers, contract workers and employed teachers of Bihar what is going on with them. The public is agitated by the fraud of the NDA," RJD wrote in a tweet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades. At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present.

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades. At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present. Also read | Nitish Kumar to be Bihar Chief Minister for 4th term in a row Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Patna by Governor Phagu Chauhan. Also read | Bihar Elections: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount BJP's Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, who will most likely become deputy chief ministers of the state, also took the oath. In the tightly-fought election of the eastern Indian state, NDA won 125 seats in the 243-member house. However, Kumar's JD(U) was able to manage just 43 seats, but its ally BJP managed to win a lion's share, 74 seats. The main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) boycotted the event, saying the election was rigged and the mandate was against the NDA. "The RJD boycotts swearing-in ceremony. The mandate for change is against the NDA. The mandate has been changed on the state's directions. Ask the unemployed, farmers, contract workers and employed teachers of Bihar what is going on with them. The public is agitated by the fraud of the NDA," RJD wrote in a tweet.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time

JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar elected as leader of NDA legislature party, he is set to become Bihar's chief minister for 4th straight term.

Nitish Kumar is likely to approach the governor to stake claim to form the next government in the state and he will be swearing-in tomorrow.

On Friday, the Bihar Chief Minister had tendered his resignation to state Governor Phagu Chauhan.

This comes as the constituents of the NDA, which secured a majority in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly Elections.&nbsp;

The BJP had won 74 seats, JD-U 43, while eight seats were won by other NDA constituents.

(With inputs from agencies)

JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar elected as leader of NDA legislature party, he is set to become Bihar's chief minister for 4th straight term. Nitish Kumar is likely to approach the governor to stake claim to form the next government in the state and he will be swearing-in tomorrow.

JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar elected as leader of NDA legislature party, he is set to become Bihar's chief minister for 4th straight term. Nitish Kumar is likely to approach the governor to stake claim to form the next government in the state and he will be swearing-in tomorrow. On Friday, the Bihar Chief Minister had tendered his resignation to state Governor Phagu Chauhan. This comes as the constituents of the NDA, which secured a majority in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly Elections. The BJP had won 74 seats, JD-U 43, while eight seats were won by other NDA constituents. (With inputs from agencies)

Nitish Kumar to be Bihar Chief Minister for 4th term in a row

The rise of Asaduddin Owaisi in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-election-results-2020-nda-gets-absolute-majority-with-125-seats-mahagathbandhan-settles-with-110-seats-342291">Bihar</a> politics has taken all political parties by surprise. He has not only done well but also won seats in Muslim majority constituencies.

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How a political party, which was limited to Hyderabad city, has managed to make a dent in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, Mumbai, and the recently-held assembly elections in Bihar 
 
WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/kartikeya_1975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kartikeya_1975</a> analyses the rise of AIMIM chief <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@asadowaisi</a> and his impact on national politics <a href="https://t.co/pt2XqYKI9R">pic.twitter.com/pt2XqYKI9R</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1326931511979900928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What is most surprising is the rise of a small city-based party in states like Bihar and Maharashtra which have no historical connection with his party. It is the political position taken by Owaisi on contemporary issues that has hit&nbsp;a chord with a certain section of the electorate in different states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-tejashwi-yadav-leader-of-single-largest-party-rjd-demands-recount-342683">Also Read:&nbsp;Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount</a>

Speaking to WION, Asaduddin said, "Muslims are disempowered and mainstream parties like Congress have failed them. Congress is not fighting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/family-run-parties-biggest-threat-to-indias-democracy-pm-modi-after-bihar-win-342464">BJP </a>enough." Owaisi said that he is being blamed by regional and national parties for cutting the secular vote, but secular parties are the ones who have been&nbsp;refraining from taking up minority issues. Political secularism is a joke," he said.&nbsp;

He also said that people should ask the question why Rahul Gandhi shifted his constituency from Amethi to Wayanad? "He shifted because of substantial Muslim presence in Wayanad," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-bihar-results-are-important-for-india-341995">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Bihar results are important for India</a>

There is some truth in Owaisi's claim. Mainstream political parties have given up on constitutional nationalism. They are shying away from issues causing anxiety in the community. National parties seem to be opposing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chirag-paswan-credits-bihar-polls-victory-to-pm-narendra-modi-342358">BJP </a>less as the national narrative has made constitutional nationalism less appealing. On the other hand, Owaisi has been taking up all issues head-on which major parties have remained silent throughout the political campaign.&nbsp;

Owaisi is also bitter with Congress. "Rahul Gandhi used to say in rallies that a man is para-dropping in these elections in a helicopter. Only Rahul Gandhi has the right to travel in helicopters," asked Owaisi. &nbsp;

He maintains that he has received support from the minority community because major political parties are not giving enough representation to the Muslims and their economic issues are not being addressed.&nbsp;

He also counters the charge that he is helping sectarian politics grow. He says that no one has asked political parties to not to speak about Muslims, but it is just so that they are not talking about them. Rise of Owaisi is also not completely out of sync with trends of the last 40 years.

Backward caste politics has been splintered into caste-based politics. Rise of BJP has led to the consolidation of the majority of Hindus under a bloc and minority politics has seen the emergence of leaders and social media who are solely taking up minority issues.&nbsp;

The rise of Asaduddin Owaisi in Bihar politics has taken all political parties by surprise. He has not only done well but also won seats in Muslim majority constituencies.

The rise of Asaduddin Owaisi in Bihar politics has taken all political parties by surprise. He has not only done well but also won seats in Muslim majority constituencies. How a political party, which was limited to Hyderabad city, has managed to make a dent in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, Mumbai, and the recently-held assembly elections in Bihar WION's @kartikeya_1975 analyses the rise of AIMIM chief @asadowaisi and his impact on national politics pic.twitter.com/pt2XqYKI9R — WION (@WIONews) November 12, 2020 × What is most surprising is the rise of a small city-based party in states like Bihar and Maharashtra which have no historical connection with his party. It is the political position taken by Owaisi on contemporary issues that has hit a chord with a certain section of the electorate in different states. Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount Speaking to WION, Asaduddin said, "Muslims are disempowered and mainstream parties like Congress have failed them. Congress is not fighting BJP enough." Owaisi said that he is being blamed by regional and national parties for cutting the secular vote, but secular parties are the ones who have been refraining from taking up minority issues. Political secularism is a joke," he said. He also said that people should ask the question why Rahul Gandhi shifted his constituency from Amethi to Wayanad? "He shifted because of substantial Muslim presence in Wayanad," he said. Also Read: Why Bihar results are important for India There is some truth in Owaisi's claim. Mainstream political parties have given up on constitutional nationalism. They are shying away from issues causing anxiety in the community. National parties seem to be opposing BJP less as the national narrative has made constitutional nationalism less appealing. On the other hand, Owaisi has been taking up all issues head-on which major parties have remained silent throughout the political campaign. Owaisi is also bitter with Congress. "Rahul Gandhi used to say in rallies that a man is para-dropping in these elections in a helicopter. Only Rahul Gandhi has the right to travel in helicopters," asked Owaisi. He maintains that he has received support from the minority community because major political parties are not giving enough representation to the Muslims and their economic issues are not being addressed. He also counters the charge that he is helping sectarian politics grow. He says that no one has asked political parties to not to speak about Muslims, but it is just so that they are not talking about them. Rise of Owaisi is also not completely out of sync with trends of the last 40 years. Backward caste politics has been splintered into caste-based politics. Rise of BJP has led to the consolidation of the majority of Hindus under a bloc and minority politics has seen the emergence of leaders and social media who are solely taking up minority issues.

Political secularism is a farce, says Asaduddin Owaisi

BJP's Bihar president Sanjay Jaiswal said today that National Democratic Alliance(NDA) set to form government in Bihar after won 121 seats and was leading in 4 seats.

<a href="Also Read: NDA forges ahead of Grand Alliance in Bihar Patna">Also Read: NDA forges ahead of Grand Alliance in Bihar Patna</a>

According to reports, the NDA had garnered over 53 per cent votes while LJP has managed to win less than six per cent votes even as HAM and VIP have become part of the NDA.

As the results poured in on Tuesday,&nbsp; Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday called up chief minister Nitish Kumar. India's home minister had already declared that Nitish would retain his position irrespective of the seats won by the two parties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-polls-trends-indicate-bjp-set-to-emerge-as-single-largest-party-342101">Also Read:&nbsp;Trends indicate BJP set to emerge as single-largest party</a>

The Congress, however, failed to impress as it continued to lose ground in successive polls from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The party dropped from 27 seats five years ago to nearly 20 according to the latest trends with the RJD-led Grand Alliance lagging behind the BJP-led NDA alliance even as it contested in 70 seats.

Congress blamed its defeat on the EVMs asserting that machines could be hacked.

"If the direction of satellites to Mars and Moon can be controlled from the earth, then why can't EVM be hacked, Udit Raj, Congress national spokesperson, said.

The Left fared better than expected winning seven seats and leading in several others as results were being declared.

In counting late night, CPI(ML) had won six out of the 19 seats it had contested and was leading in six seats.

BJP's Bihar president Sanjay Jaiswal said today that National Democratic Alliance(NDA) set to form government in Bihar after won 121 seats and was leading in 4 seats.

BJP's Bihar president Sanjay Jaiswal said today that National Democratic Alliance(NDA) set to form government in Bihar after won 121 seats and was leading in 4 seats. Also Read: NDA forges ahead of Grand Alliance in Bihar Patna According to reports, the NDA had garnered over 53 per cent votes while LJP has managed to win less than six per cent votes even as HAM and VIP have become part of the NDA. As the results poured in on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday called up chief minister Nitish Kumar. India's home minister had already declared that Nitish would retain his position irrespective of the seats won by the two parties. Also Read: Trends indicate BJP set to emerge as single-largest party The Congress, however, failed to impress as it continued to lose ground in successive polls from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The party dropped from 27 seats five years ago to nearly 20 according to the latest trends with the RJD-led Grand Alliance lagging behind the BJP-led NDA alliance even as it contested in 70 seats. Congress blamed its defeat on the EVMs asserting that machines could be hacked. "If the direction of satellites to Mars and Moon can be controlled from the earth, then why can't EVM be hacked, Udit Raj, Congress national spokesperson, said. The Left fared better than expected winning seven seats and leading in several others as results were being declared. In counting late night, CPI(ML) had won six out of the 19 seats it had contested and was leading in six seats.

NDA set to form government in Bihar: Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided.&nbsp;

The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-2020-first-phase-voter-turnout-over-54-amid-peaceful-polling-338643">Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The tightly-contested election is India's first amid the pandemic and held in three phases with the first phase summed up on October 27 the final phase scheduled to vote on November 7.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-election-2020-technical-snag-glitches-in-75-evms-hassle-voters-in-phase-1-polling-338531">Bihar Election 2020: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters on Tuesday to vote in large numbers and follow safety measures while voting to avoid contracting the deadly virus.&nbsp;

"Make this festival of democracy successful by voting in large numbers. During the exercise, apart from maintaining social distancing, also wear a mask," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Grand alliance's (Mahagathbandhan) chief ministerial face and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav asked voters to vote for a developed Bihar

"A change is necessary for building a new Bihar in a new era," the RJD leader tweeted.&nbsp;

Several key players will be participating in this phase, which includes Tejashwi himself, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, four other state ministers and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's son Luv Sinha, among others.&nbsp;

The voter turnout was more than 55 per cent in the first phase, which is marginally better than the figures in 2015 despite the pandemic.&nbsp;

The results of the election will be announced on November 10.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided. The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms.

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided. The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms. Also read | Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling The tightly-contested election is India's first amid the pandemic and held in three phases with the first phase summed up on October 27 the final phase scheduled to vote on November 7. Also read | Bihar Election 2020: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters on Tuesday to vote in large numbers and follow safety measures while voting to avoid contracting the deadly virus. "Make this festival of democracy successful by voting in large numbers. During the exercise, apart from maintaining social distancing, also wear a mask," he tweeted. Grand alliance's (Mahagathbandhan) chief ministerial face and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav asked voters to vote for a developed Bihar "A change is necessary for building a new Bihar in a new era," the RJD leader tweeted. Several key players will be participating in this phase, which includes Tejashwi himself, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, four other state ministers and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's son Luv Sinha, among others. The voter turnout was more than 55 per cent in the first phase, which is marginally better than the figures in 2015 despite the pandemic. The results of the election will be announced on November 10.

Bihar Assembly election 2020: Voting for second phase begins

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. &nbsp;

The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said.

In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said.

The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said. The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said. In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said. The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Elections 2020: 53.51% polling recorded in the second phase, says Election Commission

The first phase of polling for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-2020-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-safely-follow-pandemic-rules-338464">Bihar</a> assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-election-2020-technical-snag-glitches-in-75-evms-hassle-voters-in-phase-1-polling-338531">Also Read:&nbsp;Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling</a>

The polls were held in 71 constituencies spread across 16 districts amid tight security and strict COVID-19 regulations in place. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App, the provisional polling percentage was 54.26 that was updated till 10 PM.

The Chief Electoral Officer's office said in Patna that the voter turnout in the 2015 election in these 16 districts was 54.75 per cent.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said in Delhi that the voter turnout in phase one was 54.94 per cent in the 2015 assembly polls, while in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the corresponding figure was 53.54 per cent.

Election Commission secretary general Umesh Sinha told reporters in Delhi that the "projected" voter turnout is expected to exceed the last assembly and the Lok Sabha poll figures. 
This was the first major poll held in the country amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the poll time increased by an hour till 6 pm to allow suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients to vote in the last hour.

Polling went beyond 6 PM in some constituencies, while the voting hours were curtailed in Naxal-affected areas and ended at 4 pm after beginning at 7 am.

Out of the 16 districts which went to polls, 12 are hit by Left-wing extremism, a senior poll panel official said.

"And out of the 12, four are considered as extreme Left-Wing affected," the official said in Delhi, expressing satisfaction at the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Of the nearly 2.15 crore electors eligible to exercise the franchise, 1.12 crore were male, 1.01 crore female and 599 were categorised as third gender, according to data provided by the Election Commission.

As many as 1,066 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the poll.

The prominent candidates whose electoral fate has been locked in the EVMs are Shreyasi Singh, a CWG gold medallist shooter, and six members of the outgoing cabinet -- Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), Ram Narayan Mandal (Banka), Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad), Jaikumar Singh (Dinara) and Santosh Kumar Nirala (Rajpur).

Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of EVMs said in Delhi that the functioning of electronic voting machines was "very satisfactory" during the polling.

A minuscule 0.22 per cent of the total 41,689 ballot units, 0.25 per cent of the total 31,371 control units and 1.28 per cent of the total 31,371 paper trail machines were replaced due to malfunctioning, the officer said.

In 12 polling stations of Jamui, the poll timing was increased by one hour due to the delay in replacing the faulty machines, he said. 
One control unit and at least one ballot unit makes for one EVM.

Deputy Election Commissioner in charge of Bihar Chandra Bhushan Kumar said in Delhi that overall cash seizure in Bihar so far stood at Rs 46.11 crore including foreign currency worth Rs 89.30 lakh.

Across all 16 districts that went to poll on Wednesday, voters were seen queuing up at polling stations since early morning and COVID-19 norms were largely followed with people wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from each other.

At a polling station in Jalpura village of Bhojpur district, there were not many voters around 3.15 pm when a PTI reporter went to cast his ballot, but plastic hand gloves were strewn all around, used and discarded by electors.

Hand sanitisers were kept at the entrance and the exit gates of the booth. Some people, however, were seen without a face mask.

"We have hand gloves, but some people are refusing to wear," said Angad Kumar, the presiding officer of one of the four booths at the polling station.

A 55-year-old polling agent died of heart attack in Nawada district. Officials said Krishna Singh was deployed at booth number 258 in Foolawa village of Hisua assembly constituency.

They said Singh complained of severe heart pain and was rushed to the Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

As many as 159 people were detained as a preventive measure during the polling, the election panel said.

The first phase of polling for the Bihar assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout.

The first phase of polling for the Bihar assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout. Also Read: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling The polls were held in 71 constituencies spread across 16 districts amid tight security and strict COVID-19 regulations in place. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App, the provisional polling percentage was 54.26 that was updated till 10 PM. The Chief Electoral Officer's office said in Patna that the voter turnout in the 2015 election in these 16 districts was 54.75 per cent. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said in Delhi that the voter turnout in phase one was 54.94 per cent in the 2015 assembly polls, while in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the corresponding figure was 53.54 per cent. Election Commission secretary general Umesh Sinha told reporters in Delhi that the "projected" voter turnout is expected to exceed the last assembly and the Lok Sabha poll figures. This was the first major poll held in the country amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the poll time increased by an hour till 6 pm to allow suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients to vote in the last hour. Polling went beyond 6 PM in some constituencies, while the voting hours were curtailed in Naxal-affected areas and ended at 4 pm after beginning at 7 am. Out of the 16 districts which went to polls, 12 are hit by Left-wing extremism, a senior poll panel official said. "And out of the 12, four are considered as extreme Left-Wing affected," the official said in Delhi, expressing satisfaction at the smooth conduct of the exercise. Of the nearly 2.15 crore electors eligible to exercise the franchise, 1.12 crore were male, 1.01 crore female and 599 were categorised as third gender, according to data provided by the Election Commission. As many as 1,066 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the poll. The prominent candidates whose electoral fate has been locked in the EVMs are Shreyasi Singh, a CWG gold medallist shooter, and six members of the outgoing cabinet -- Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), Ram Narayan Mandal (Banka), Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad), Jaikumar Singh (Dinara) and Santosh Kumar Nirala (Rajpur). Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of EVMs said in Delhi that the functioning of electronic voting machines was "very satisfactory" during the polling. A minuscule 0.22 per cent of the total 41,689 ballot units, 0.25 per cent of the total 31,371 control units and 1.28 per cent of the total 31,371 paper trail machines were replaced due to malfunctioning, the officer said. In 12 polling stations of Jamui, the poll timing was increased by one hour due to the delay in replacing the faulty machines, he said. One control unit and at least one ballot unit makes for one EVM. Deputy Election Commissioner in charge of Bihar Chandra Bhushan Kumar said in Delhi that overall cash seizure in Bihar so far stood at Rs 46.11 crore including foreign currency worth Rs 89.30 lakh. Across all 16 districts that went to poll on Wednesday, voters were seen queuing up at polling stations since early morning and COVID-19 norms were largely followed with people wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from each other. At a polling station in Jalpura village of Bhojpur district, there were not many voters around 3.15 pm when a PTI reporter went to cast his ballot, but plastic hand gloves were strewn all around, used and discarded by electors. Hand sanitisers were kept at the entrance and the exit gates of the booth. Some people, however, were seen without a face mask. "We have hand gloves, but some people are refusing to wear," said Angad Kumar, the presiding officer of one of the four booths at the polling station. A 55-year-old polling agent died of heart attack in Nawada district. Officials said Krishna Singh was deployed at booth number 258 in Foolawa village of Hisua assembly constituency. They said Singh complained of severe heart pain and was rushed to the Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead. As many as 159 people were detained as a preventive measure during the polling, the election panel said.

Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women.

He took an apparent dig at the young opposition leadership in the polls, without taking any names, saying that "those even having no knowledge of alphabets of politic are making statements against me day and night to gain publicity".

"Let them take publicity, I don't bother because I believe in working and not making speeches for the sake of publicity," he said addressing rallies in Nabinagar in Aurangabad and Dinara in the neighbouring Rohtas district.

Though he did not take any name, the message seems directed at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and LJP chief Chirag Paswan who are making all-out attack on Kumar.

After launching campaign for the current Bihar polls Monday with a virtual rally, Kumar started touring the state from Wednesday to address public meetings.

On Saturday, he held public meetings at Nabinagar, Nokha, karaghar and ended at Dinara in Rohtas district.

Coming down heavily on his main opponent Lalu Prasad, he reeled out comparative data to tell people about the situation prevailing in the state before NDA under him took over the reins in 2005 end.

Making special mention of condition of women during the two regimes, Kumar said "while the leader at that time installed wife on the chair (of CM) but did he do anything for welfare of the females?" RJD president Lalu Prasad, who became chief minister of Bihar in 1990 had taken his wife Rabri Devi out of kitchen and made her the chief minister when he had to go to jail in 1997 in connection with a multi-crore fodder scam case.

Prasad spent long time in prison and in his absence Rabri Devi continued to hold CM post.

Her chief ministerial tenure even exceeds that of Prasad's seven years.

Nitish Kumar as leader of the NDA had thrown the RJD out of power in November 2005 and since then he is at the helm of the state affairs.

Like in the past, Kumar, who has been declared the NDA face in the polls, kept his focus on the RJD which is spearheading Grand Alliance and continued to attack his main political rival Lalu Prasad, spending time in Ranchi jail after conviction in four cases of fodder scam.

Kumar is keeping his campaign narrative around "15 years vs 15 years", appealing voters to compare performance of the NDA and the RJD regimes that spent an equal amount of 15 years.

Highlighting work done for women during 15-year under him, Kumar said while girls were inspired to pursue studies through bicycle yojna, 50 per cent of seats in the panchayats and urban local bodies were reserved for women.

More recently the state government earmarked 35 per cent of jobs for women in police force and other state government services.

"Does any state has more number of women in the police force than Bihar?" he asked the crowd.

Kumar also made reference of launching JEEVIKA progrmme for the women by providing easy finance to women self-help groups to empower them economically.

"We had planned to enroll 10 lakh women through SHGs but the number has increased to 1.2 crore now," he said addressing a rally in Dinara in favour of state minister and JD(U) nominee from the seat Jai Kumar Singh.

He also talked about providing Rs 10,000 assistane to girls clearing plus two exam and Rs 25,000 to those completing graduation and said this would be increased to Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively if his government returns to power.

Kumar highlighted bad law and order situation in Bihar during the RJD rule and cited latest figure of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) which placed Bihar on 23 rd position in terms of crime now.

The NDA chief ministerial candidate said while they believe in working for the people, the history of the opponents makes it clear that they work only for their wife, sons and children.

"Due to this greed of working only for self, they are behind the bars," he said adding "some more will follow the suit."

Though he did not take any names, the barbs were apparently dircted at Prasad and his family.

Kumar made rich praise of the central government in assisting development of Bihar and caring for its people.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is providing foodgrains to the poor free from March to November in the wake of coronovirus pandemic and also gave RS 6000 assistance to farmers as a help during the present crisis period," he said.

He said if voted to power the state and the centre would further step up efforts to see Bihar stand among the frontline states.

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women.

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women. He took an apparent dig at the young opposition leadership in the polls, without taking any names, saying that "those even having no knowledge of alphabets of politic are making statements against me day and night to gain publicity". "Let them take publicity, I don't bother because I believe in working and not making speeches for the sake of publicity," he said addressing rallies in Nabinagar in Aurangabad and Dinara in the neighbouring Rohtas district. Though he did not take any name, the message seems directed at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and LJP chief Chirag Paswan who are making all-out attack on Kumar. After launching campaign for the current Bihar polls Monday with a virtual rally, Kumar started touring the state from Wednesday to address public meetings. On Saturday, he held public meetings at Nabinagar, Nokha, karaghar and ended at Dinara in Rohtas district. Coming down heavily on his main opponent Lalu Prasad, he reeled out comparative data to tell people about the situation prevailing in the state before NDA under him took over the reins in 2005 end. Making special mention of condition of women during the two regimes, Kumar said "while the leader at that time installed wife on the chair (of CM) but did he do anything for welfare of the females?" RJD president Lalu Prasad, who became chief minister of Bihar in 1990 had taken his wife Rabri Devi out of kitchen and made her the chief minister when he had to go to jail in 1997 in connection with a multi-crore fodder scam case. Prasad spent long time in prison and in his absence Rabri Devi continued to hold CM post. Her chief ministerial tenure even exceeds that of Prasad's seven years. Nitish Kumar as leader of the NDA had thrown the RJD out of power in November 2005 and since then he is at the helm of the state affairs. Like in the past, Kumar, who has been declared the NDA face in the polls, kept his focus on the RJD which is spearheading Grand Alliance and continued to attack his main political rival Lalu Prasad, spending time in Ranchi jail after conviction in four cases of fodder scam. Kumar is keeping his campaign narrative around "15 years vs 15 years", appealing voters to compare performance of the NDA and the RJD regimes that spent an equal amount of 15 years. Highlighting work done for women during 15-year under him, Kumar said while girls were inspired to pursue studies through bicycle yojna, 50 per cent of seats in the panchayats and urban local bodies were reserved for women. More recently the state government earmarked 35 per cent of jobs for women in police force and other state government services. "Does any state has more number of women in the police force than Bihar?" he asked the crowd. Kumar also made reference of launching JEEVIKA progrmme for the women by providing easy finance to women self-help groups to empower them economically. "We had planned to enroll 10 lakh women through SHGs but the number has increased to 1.2 crore now," he said addressing a rally in Dinara in favour of state minister and JD(U) nominee from the seat Jai Kumar Singh. He also talked about providing Rs 10,000 assistane to girls clearing plus two exam and Rs 25,000 to those completing graduation and said this would be increased to Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively if his government returns to power. Kumar highlighted bad law and order situation in Bihar during the RJD rule and cited latest figure of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) which placed Bihar on 23 rd position in terms of crime now. The NDA chief ministerial candidate said while they believe in working for the people, the history of the opponents makes it clear that they work only for their wife, sons and children. "Due to this greed of working only for self, they are behind the bars," he said adding "some more will follow the suit." Though he did not take any names, the barbs were apparently dircted at Prasad and his family. Kumar made rich praise of the central government in assisting development of Bihar and caring for its people. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is providing foodgrains to the poor free from March to November in the wake of coronovirus pandemic and also gave RS 6000 assistance to farmers as a help during the present crisis period," he said. He said if voted to power the state and the centre would further step up efforts to see Bihar stand among the frontline states.

Was anything done for women apart from putting wife on CM chair: Nitish continues to attack Lalu

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state.

Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls.

"There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he told CNN News18 when asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar.

Shah said people of Bihar will get a "double engine" government -- one at Bihar headed by Nitish Kumar and another at the Centre headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance.

"It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

Shah's comments come amid the war of words between LJP chief Chirag Paswan and BJP over the former targetting the ruling JD(U) saying voting for it meant pushing the state to "backwardness".

Paswan on Friday asserted that his party will come to power in the state and implement its 'Bihar first, Bihari first' vision document.

The second phase of elections is scheduled to be held on November 3.

Paswan told the party candidates, "It is necessary for all of you to win the assembly election for the sake of Bihar's future. Giving votes to JD(U) means pushing Bihar to backwardness."

"The LJP is not just contesting elections, but will emerge victorious and implement Bihar first, Bihari first," Paswan, who is a Lok Sabha member from Jamui, said.

Paswan also tweeted a couplet in Hindi: "Zulm karo mat, Zulm saho mat. Jeena Hai to marna sikho, Kadam kadam par larna sikho (Don't oppress, don't tolerate oppression. If you want to live, learn to die first, also learn to fight back at every step)."

He also posted a 13-second audio clip of his father and LJP founder, late Ram Vilas Paswan, in which he is heard reciting the same lines to enthuse the party workers and woo the voters.

The LJP has already announced a list of 42 candidates for the first phase of Bihar assembly election slated to be held on October 28.

The party has unequivocally stated that it will put up candidates in 143 constituencies especially to thwart the electoral chances of candidates of the ruling JD(U) which is contesting 122 seats.

The LJP had quit the NDA in Bihar on October 4 saying it will contest the state assembly poll on its own and not under the alliance's chief minister face and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

Paswan's party had, however, clarified that it will not field any candidate against the BJP and the decision to go it alone was taken due to "ideological differences" with the JD(U).

The BJP, which is contesting 121 seats, has termed the LJP as "votekatwa" (one who takes away votes) whose only aim is to ensure that the NDA does not win in Bihar.

"The party (LJP) which cannot win a single seat in Bihar is spreading confusion by claiming to form the government," senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said.

"Paswan says he will not let Nitish Kumar become the CM which means that he is opposing the decision of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. What kind of politics is it that on the one hand he (Paswan) showers praise on the PM and on the other opposes Nitish Kumar to whom he (PM) has extended his support?" he said.

The saffron party has iterated that whoever opposes Kumar's candidacy for the CM's post is against the BJP.

Sushil Modi termed Paswan's claim that he has met top BJP leader Amit Shah and discussed the Bihar polls as "false and baseless".

The deputy chief minister said that he had a talk with Shah, who specifically told him that there was no such meeting.

On the issue of poll understanding in the Bihar assembly election between the BJP and the LJP, he said there was difference of opinion between them on seat adjustment as Paswan wanted more of them and the talks had failed.

The LJP had walked out of the NDA in Bihar on its own, Suhil Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state. Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state. Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls. "There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he told CNN News18 when asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar. Shah said people of Bihar will get a "double engine" government -- one at Bihar headed by Nitish Kumar and another at the Centre headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance. "It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said. Shah's comments come amid the war of words between LJP chief Chirag Paswan and BJP over the former targetting the ruling JD(U) saying voting for it meant pushing the state to "backwardness". Paswan on Friday asserted that his party will come to power in the state and implement its 'Bihar first, Bihari first' vision document. The second phase of elections is scheduled to be held on November 3. Paswan told the party candidates, "It is necessary for all of you to win the assembly election for the sake of Bihar's future. Giving votes to JD(U) means pushing Bihar to backwardness." "The LJP is not just contesting elections, but will emerge victorious and implement Bihar first, Bihari first," Paswan, who is a Lok Sabha member from Jamui, said. Paswan also tweeted a couplet in Hindi: "Zulm karo mat, Zulm saho mat. Jeena Hai to marna sikho, Kadam kadam par larna sikho (Don't oppress, don't tolerate oppression. If you want to live, learn to die first, also learn to fight back at every step)." He also posted a 13-second audio clip of his father and LJP founder, late Ram Vilas Paswan, in which he is heard reciting the same lines to enthuse the party workers and woo the voters. The LJP has already announced a list of 42 candidates for the first phase of Bihar assembly election slated to be held on October 28. The party has unequivocally stated that it will put up candidates in 143 constituencies especially to thwart the electoral chances of candidates of the ruling JD(U) which is contesting 122 seats. The LJP had quit the NDA in Bihar on October 4 saying it will contest the state assembly poll on its own and not under the alliance's chief minister face and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar. Paswan's party had, however, clarified that it will not field any candidate against the BJP and the decision to go it alone was taken due to "ideological differences" with the JD(U). The BJP, which is contesting 121 seats, has termed the LJP as "votekatwa" (one who takes away votes) whose only aim is to ensure that the NDA does not win in Bihar. "The party (LJP) which cannot win a single seat in Bihar is spreading confusion by claiming to form the government," senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said. "Paswan says he will not let Nitish Kumar become the CM which means that he is opposing the decision of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. What kind of politics is it that on the one hand he (Paswan) showers praise on the PM and on the other opposes Nitish Kumar to whom he (PM) has extended his support?" he said. The saffron party has iterated that whoever opposes Kumar's candidacy for the CM's post is against the BJP. Sushil Modi termed Paswan's claim that he has met top BJP leader Amit Shah and discussed the Bihar polls as "false and baseless". The deputy chief minister said that he had a talk with Shah, who specifically told him that there was no such meeting. On the issue of poll understanding in the Bihar assembly election between the BJP and the LJP, he said there was difference of opinion between them on seat adjustment as Paswan wanted more of them and the talks had failed. The LJP had walked out of the NDA in Bihar on its own, Suhil Modi said.

Nitish to be next CM of Bihar, asserts Amit Shah amid tensions between BJP, LJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state.&nbsp;

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/47-open-grounds-19-halls-to-be-used-for-public-rallies-during-bihar-polls-only-100-people-to-be-allowed-332385">47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed</a>

He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gears-up-for-first-election-amid-pandemic-as-dates-for-bihar-assembly-polls-announced-330130">India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced</a>

His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj,&nbsp;

Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies.&nbsp;

Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. &nbsp;

The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election. Also read | 47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said. Also read | India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj, Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies. Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.

Bihar election 2020: PM Narendra Modi to address 12 rallies

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-86052-new-cases-as-total-infections-near-6-million-mark-330100">India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark</a>

The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10.&nbsp;

The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively.

The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats.&nbsp;

The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode.&nbsp;

The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning.&nbsp;

Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500.&nbsp;

He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people.&nbsp;

Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls. Also read | India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10. The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively. The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats. The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode. The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning. Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500. He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people. Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-targets-nitish-for-not-venturing-out-of-home-sushil-modi-hits-back-314128">Also Read:&nbsp;Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back</a>

The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year.

The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button.

The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting.

According to EC's rule, maximum of &nbsp;1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling.

Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only.

The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29. Also Read: Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year. The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button. The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting. According to EC's rule, maximum of 1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling. Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only. The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls

Flood situation remained grim in Bihar where swollen rivers originating in Nepal and flowing through the states northern districts have affected more than 45 lakh people so far, the disaster management department said on Friday.

No loss of life was reported on account of floods in the last 24 hours, causing the death toll to remain stable at 11, though the number of people troubled by the calamity grew by more than half a million during the period, according to the bulletin issued by the department.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-rahul-and-others-auction-prized-possession-to-raise-funds-for-bihar-assam-flood-victims-317301">Kohli, Rahul and others auction prized possession to raise funds for Bihar, Assam flood victims</a>

The number of distressed people, across 1012 panchayats of 14 districts, has reached 45.39 lakh, compared with the previous days figure of 39.63 lakh, said the department.

The state's response to floods has triggered wordy duel between rival parties, keeping in view the approaching assembly election.

Leader of the opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who toured flood-hit parts of East Champaran, expressed bewilderment over "only 19 relief camps" having been set up by the Nitish Kumar government so far.

"The states water resources minister is busy gathering resources for the ruling JD(U) ahead of assembly polls. Nobody has seen the states minister for disaster management in the past four months when the state has been hit by crisis after crisis.

"And the Chief Minister has not stepped out of his residence for 135 days. The people are left to despair", Yadav tweeted.

He was lambasted by the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine which charged the RJD leader with trying to gain publicity by his tours instead of extending cooperation to the state government in its flood control measures.

According to the disaster management department, 3.76 lakh people have so far been evacuated from flood-ravaged localities out of whom 26,732 have taken shelter at the relief camps.

Besides, 1193 community kitchens are catering to 7.71 lakh people in the inundated areas.

Relief and rescue operations were being carried out by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

"Our 21 teams are deployed across 12 of the flood- affected districts. Our personnel have so far rescued more than 8600 people", said Vijay Sinha, commandant of 9th battalion of NDRF, stationed at Bihta in Patna district.

"Saving lives and beyond is our motto and we pay special attention to vulnerable populace like children, the elderly and pregnant women," he added.

Sinha highlighted the case of a young woman from Darbhanga, who went into labour late Thursday night and could get timely medical care because of timely response to her familys distress call.

Our men picked her up from her marooned village and carried her to the nearest primary health centre, which was 10 kms away, the NDRF commandant said.

The districts hit by the floods are West Champaran, East Champaran, Saran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Khagaria, Samastipur, Kishanganj, Supaul and Sheohar.

Only West Champaran (four) and Darbhanga (seven) have reported flood-related deaths.

East Central Railway zone Chief Public Relation Officer, Rajesh Kumar, said that with flood waters flowing above danger level near three Railway bridges in the Samastipur-Darbhanga section, routes of some special trains have been diverted, while services of some others stopped for the time being.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Flood situation remained grim in Bihar where swollen rivers originating in Nepal and flowing through the states northern districts have affected more than 45 lakh people so far, the disaster management department said on Friday.

Flood situation remained grim in Bihar where swollen rivers originating in Nepal and flowing through the states northern districts have affected more than 45 lakh people so far, the disaster management department said on Friday. No loss of life was reported on account of floods in the last 24 hours, causing the death toll to remain stable at 11, though the number of people troubled by the calamity grew by more than half a million during the period, according to the bulletin issued by the department. Also read | Kohli, Rahul and others auction prized possession to raise funds for Bihar, Assam flood victims The number of distressed people, across 1012 panchayats of 14 districts, has reached 45.39 lakh, compared with the previous days figure of 39.63 lakh, said the department. The state's response to floods has triggered wordy duel between rival parties, keeping in view the approaching assembly election. Leader of the opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who toured flood-hit parts of East Champaran, expressed bewilderment over "only 19 relief camps" having been set up by the Nitish Kumar government so far. "The states water resources minister is busy gathering resources for the ruling JD(U) ahead of assembly polls. Nobody has seen the states minister for disaster management in the past four months when the state has been hit by crisis after crisis. "And the Chief Minister has not stepped out of his residence for 135 days. The people are left to despair", Yadav tweeted. He was lambasted by the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine which charged the RJD leader with trying to gain publicity by his tours instead of extending cooperation to the state government in its flood control measures. According to the disaster management department, 3.76 lakh people have so far been evacuated from flood-ravaged localities out of whom 26,732 have taken shelter at the relief camps. Besides, 1193 community kitchens are catering to 7.71 lakh people in the inundated areas. Relief and rescue operations were being carried out by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). "Our 21 teams are deployed across 12 of the flood- affected districts. Our personnel have so far rescued more than 8600 people", said Vijay Sinha, commandant of 9th battalion of NDRF, stationed at Bihta in Patna district. "Saving lives and beyond is our motto and we pay special attention to vulnerable populace like children, the elderly and pregnant women," he added. Sinha highlighted the case of a young woman from Darbhanga, who went into labour late Thursday night and could get timely medical care because of timely response to her familys distress call. Our men picked her up from her marooned village and carried her to the nearest primary health centre, which was 10 kms away, the NDRF commandant said. The districts hit by the floods are West Champaran, East Champaran, Saran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Khagaria, Samastipur, Kishanganj, Supaul and Sheohar. Only West Champaran (four) and Darbhanga (seven) have reported flood-related deaths. East Central Railway zone Chief Public Relation Officer, Rajesh Kumar, said that with flood waters flowing above danger level near three Railway bridges in the Samastipur-Darbhanga section, routes of some special trains have been diverted, while services of some others stopped for the time being.

Bihar floods: Situation remains grim, more than 4.5 million affected

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

The jailed former chief minister, serving sentences in Ranchi in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets in his native dialect Bhojpuri to take potshots at Kumar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihars-covid-19-tally-reaches-21558-with-over-1000-new-cases-313852">Bihar's COVID-19 tally reaches 21,558 with over 1,000 new cases</a>

"Does a Chief Minister lead from the front or sleep with a blanket pulled over himself? In the four months since the first lockdown, Nitish has not ventured out of his bungalow even four times", said the septuagenarian, whose Twitter account is operated by people close to him.

He alleged that the people of the state have been left to fend for themselves amid the pandemic while the chief minister was busy in "rangai putai" (polishing) of the "mask of his good governance, characterized by unemployment, starvation, corruption and crime".

"This game of hide and seek will not drive coronavirus away. Who will fight the battle if the commander of the army runs away,"&nbsp;Prasad added, sharing a tweet from his wife and successor as CM Rabri Devi, who had expressed similar views on the micro-blogging site, albeit in plain Hindi.

Kumar, who is known to be techno-savvy, has remained active politically and administratively through digital mediums like video conferencing.

This has not gone down well with the party founded and headed by Prasad who used to pose as a luddite in his hey days in a bid to underscore his humble roots which had endeared him to the masses.

Meanwhile, Modi, a senior BJP leader who was one of the litigants on whose PIL in the 1990s the Patna High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the fodder scam cases, hit back.

"At a time when the lockdown has been re-imposed because of coronavirus spike and people are being advised to work from home, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi are asking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to go among the people, throwing physical distancing to the winds,"&nbsp;Modi, one of the most prolific social media users among politicians in Bihar, tweeted.

The Deputy CM also wondered why the couple did not give similar advice to their younger son and heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav, who had remained away from the state for a long time after the nationwide lockdown was first clamped.

"Is the RJD wishing the chief minister to become infected with the coronavirus? A party known for its belief in black magic can go to any extent, driven by political envy", remarked Modi.

He was alluding to Shankar Charan Tripathi, a self-styled occultist whom Prasad had appointed as a spokesman of his party a few years ago, but sacked within months.

Sushil Modi also referred to the drubbing received in the Lok Sabha polls last year by the RJD, which failed to win a single seat in the state where the total number was 40, and the torpor exhibited by Tejashwi Yadav later who failed to attend the assembly session soon afterwards, which continued for over a month, despite being the leader of the opposition.

"Why did Lalu-Rabri not tweet at that time, babua, Janata ke beech rah ke chaheen (son, one must remain among the people)", remarked the BJP leader as a parting note, trying his hands at the colorful dialect.

As election for Bihar is approaching, wordy duel between rivals are intensifying.

Lalu Prasad, despite being in jail, keeps taking potshots at Kumar and the BJP to make his presence felt and boost RJD's prospects. 
&nbsp;

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi. The jailed former chief minister, serving sentences in Ranchi in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets in his native dialect Bhojpuri to take potshots at Kumar. Also read | Bihar's COVID-19 tally reaches 21,558 with over 1,000 new cases "Does a Chief Minister lead from the front or sleep with a blanket pulled over himself? In the four months since the first lockdown, Nitish has not ventured out of his bungalow even four times", said the septuagenarian, whose Twitter account is operated by people close to him. He alleged that the people of the state have been left to fend for themselves amid the pandemic while the chief minister was busy in "rangai putai" (polishing) of the "mask of his good governance, characterized by unemployment, starvation, corruption and crime". "This game of hide and seek will not drive coronavirus away. Who will fight the battle if the commander of the army runs away," Prasad added, sharing a tweet from his wife and successor as CM Rabri Devi, who had expressed similar views on the micro-blogging site, albeit in plain Hindi. Kumar, who is known to be techno-savvy, has remained active politically and administratively through digital mediums like video conferencing. This has not gone down well with the party founded and headed by Prasad who used to pose as a luddite in his hey days in a bid to underscore his humble roots which had endeared him to the masses. Meanwhile, Modi, a senior BJP leader who was one of the litigants on whose PIL in the 1990s the Patna High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the fodder scam cases, hit back. "At a time when the lockdown has been re-imposed because of coronavirus spike and people are being advised to work from home, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi are asking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to go among the people, throwing physical distancing to the winds," Modi, one of the most prolific social media users among politicians in Bihar, tweeted. The Deputy CM also wondered why the couple did not give similar advice to their younger son and heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav, who had remained away from the state for a long time after the nationwide lockdown was first clamped. "Is the RJD wishing the chief minister to become infected with the coronavirus? A party known for its belief in black magic can go to any extent, driven by political envy", remarked Modi. He was alluding to Shankar Charan Tripathi, a self-styled occultist whom Prasad had appointed as a spokesman of his party a few years ago, but sacked within months. Sushil Modi also referred to the drubbing received in the Lok Sabha polls last year by the RJD, which failed to win a single seat in the state where the total number was 40, and the torpor exhibited by Tejashwi Yadav later who failed to attend the assembly session soon afterwards, which continued for over a month, despite being the leader of the opposition. "Why did Lalu-Rabri not tweet at that time, babua, Janata ke beech rah ke chaheen (son, one must remain among the people)", remarked the BJP leader as a parting note, trying his hands at the colorful dialect. As election for Bihar is approaching, wordy duel between rivals are intensifying. Lalu Prasad, despite being in jail, keeps taking potshots at Kumar and the BJP to make his presence felt and boost RJD's prospects.

Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back

The RJD suffered a big jolt on Tuesday when five of its eight members of the legislative council in Bihar quit the opposition party and joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD (U) even as Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, one of its founding members, resigned as the national vice- president.

It was a day of mayhem for the main opposition party as S M Qamar Alam, a national general secretary of the RJD, walked to the chamber of Vidhan Parishad Acting Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh along with four others to tender their resignation.

The other MLCs who resigned are Sanjay Prasad, Radha Charan Seth, Ranvijay Kumar Singh and Dlip Rai.

The acting chairman said the five MLCs have been recognised as a separate group, the merger of which into the JD(U) has been approved.

Meanwhile, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, a former Union minister, who is down with COVID 19 and admitted to AIIMS, Patna, shot off a letter to the party leadership conveying his decision to step down as national vice-president as he was unhappy over the type of people being inducted into the RJD of late.

Singh is said to have been miffed over reports that Rama Singh, a mafia don-turned-politician formerly associated with Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP who had defeated the RJD veteran in his pocket borough of Vaishali in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, was likely to join the party founded and headed by Lalu Prasad.

The RJD suffered a big jolt on Tuesday when five of its eight members of the legislative council in Bihar quit the opposition party and joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD (U) even as Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, one of its founding members, resigned as the national vice- president.

The RJD suffered a big jolt on Tuesday when five of its eight members of the legislative council in Bihar quit the opposition party and joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD (U) even as Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, one of its founding members, resigned as the national vice- president. It was a day of mayhem for the main opposition party as S M Qamar Alam, a national general secretary of the RJD, walked to the chamber of Vidhan Parishad Acting Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh along with four others to tender their resignation. The other MLCs who resigned are Sanjay Prasad, Radha Charan Seth, Ranvijay Kumar Singh and Dlip Rai. The acting chairman said the five MLCs have been recognised as a separate group, the merger of which into the JD(U) has been approved. Meanwhile, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, a former Union minister, who is down with COVID 19 and admitted to AIIMS, Patna, shot off a letter to the party leadership conveying his decision to step down as national vice-president as he was unhappy over the type of people being inducted into the RJD of late. Singh is said to have been miffed over reports that Rama Singh, a mafia don-turned-politician formerly associated with Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP who had defeated the RJD veteran in his pocket borough of Vaishali in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, was likely to join the party founded and headed by Lalu Prasad.

Massive setback for RJD in Bihar as five of its eight MLCs quit party to join Nitish Kumar's JD(U)

Rajasthan today reported 130 new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-floors-of-bsf-headquarters-sealed-after-staffer-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-296560"> coronavirus</a> cases with the total number of cases rising to 3,016 in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-pay-for-rail-tickets-of-every-needy-migrant-worker-amid-lockdown-sonia-gandhi-296497">Also Read:&nbsp;Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker, says&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi</a>

There have been 6 deaths in the last 24 hours due to the virus with the death toll rising to 77 in the state, health authorities said on Monday.

Meanwhile, Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (eastern range) said: "All liquor shops in the eastern range that were opened today have been closed as social distancing norms were flouted in those shops."

Long queues were seen in several areas including in Andhra Pradesh's Nuzividu road of Hanuman junction town of Krishna district with authorities keeping a keen eye on social distancing guidelines. In Maharashtra too which has seen the highest number of cases and casualties witnessed people queuing out of liquor shops in large numbers.

As migrants continued to return home, chief minister Nitish Kumar said: "I want to thank Centre for considering the suggestion to run special trains to send the people of Bihar who are stranded in other states back home."

"Nobody will have to pay for the tickets. A quarantine center has been set up for them," the Bihar chief minister said.

"All of them will be staying at the quarantine center for 21 days. After which they will be given a minimum amount of Rs 1,000 each by the Bihar government. Under this scheme, Rs 1,000 has been already given to 19 lakh people in the state," CM Nitish Kumar added.

Rajasthan today reported 130 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 3,016 in the state. Also Read: Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker, says Sonia Gandhi There have been 6 deaths in the last 24 hours due to the virus with the death toll rising to 77 in the state, health authorities said on Monday.

Rajasthan today reported 130 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 3,016 in the state. Also Read: Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker, says Sonia Gandhi There have been 6 deaths in the last 24 hours due to the virus with the death toll rising to 77 in the state, health authorities said on Monday. Meanwhile, Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (eastern range) said: "All liquor shops in the eastern range that were opened today have been closed as social distancing norms were flouted in those shops." Long queues were seen in several areas including in Andhra Pradesh's Nuzividu road of Hanuman junction town of Krishna district with authorities keeping a keen eye on social distancing guidelines. In Maharashtra too which has seen the highest number of cases and casualties witnessed people queuing out of liquor shops in large numbers. As migrants continued to return home, chief minister Nitish Kumar said: "I want to thank Centre for considering the suggestion to run special trains to send the people of Bihar who are stranded in other states back home." "Nobody will have to pay for the tickets. A quarantine center has been set up for them," the Bihar chief minister said. "All of them will be staying at the quarantine center for 21 days. After which they will be given a minimum amount of Rs 1,000 each by the Bihar government. Under this scheme, Rs 1,000 has been already given to 19 lakh people in the state," CM Nitish Kumar added.

Nobody will have to pay for train tickets, migrants to be given Rs 1000 after quarantine: CM Nitish Kumar

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled this year, chief minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) expelled the poll strategist Prashant Kishor and diplomat-turned politician Pavan Varma, citing 'anti-party activities'.

Kishor was the Vice-President of the party and Varma was the General-Secretary of JD(U). The two had been quite vocal about their opposition&nbsp;to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Open Revolt

Nitish Kumar was apparently miffed with both Kishor and Varma because of their open criticism of the party for supporting CAA.&nbsp;

The JD(U) had voted for the Citizenship Amendment Act in both houses of Parliament. Pavan Varma even wrote an open letter to the chief minister over the party's alliance with the BJP outside Bihar, and sought clarity over the party's stand on CAA and NRC.

Varma was also extremely critical of the BJP in his open letter.

Kishor and Varma were considered to be the close aides of Nitish Kumar. However, after Varma tweeted the letter publicly, Kumar broke his silence for the first time, giving Varma an option to leave JD(U) and join any other party of his choice.

Nitish Kumar even said that Prashant Kishor was inducted into the party at the recommendation of the then BJP chief Amit Shah. After this, Kishor had hit out at Nitish Kumar in an angry tweet, accusing him of lying.

BJP Factor

Amit Shah had announced that the BJP would be fighting the Bihar Assembly Elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;

According to the party sources, Prashant Kishor was not happy with the seat-sharing ratio that JD(U) and the BJP had agreed upon. He had asked JD(U) to contest the higher number of seats than the BJP in Bihar Assembly Elections.

Furthermore, Kishor and Varma were also upset with JD(U) for tying-up with the BJP for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. BJP will be fighting the Delhi polls with its NDA partners - JD(U) and LJP.&nbsp;

They both had been claiming that JD(U)'s support to CAA was an act to maintain the balance with the BJP.

The differences were already growing within the party over Nitish giving preference to the 'outsiders' - Prashant Kishor and Pavan Varma. But alas, no one knew - things will turn this bitter and lead&nbsp;to the JD(U) chief&nbsp;expelling his own handpicked aides. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled this year, chief minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) expelled the poll strategist Prashant Kishor and diplomat-turned politician Pavan Varma, citing 'anti-party activities'.

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled this year, chief minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) expelled the poll strategist Prashant Kishor and diplomat-turned politician Pavan Varma, citing 'anti-party activities'. Kishor was the Vice-President of the party and Varma was the General-Secretary of JD(U). The two had been quite vocal about their opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Open Revolt Nitish Kumar was apparently miffed with both Kishor and Varma because of their open criticism of the party for supporting CAA. The JD(U) had voted for the Citizenship Amendment Act in both houses of Parliament. Pavan Varma even wrote an open letter to the chief minister over the party's alliance with the BJP outside Bihar, and sought clarity over the party's stand on CAA and NRC. Varma was also extremely critical of the BJP in his open letter. Kishor and Varma were considered to be the close aides of Nitish Kumar. However, after Varma tweeted the letter publicly, Kumar broke his silence for the first time, giving Varma an option to leave JD(U) and join any other party of his choice. Nitish Kumar even said that Prashant Kishor was inducted into the party at the recommendation of the then BJP chief Amit Shah. After this, Kishor had hit out at Nitish Kumar in an angry tweet, accusing him of lying. BJP Factor Amit Shah had announced that the BJP would be fighting the Bihar Assembly Elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. According to the party sources, Prashant Kishor was not happy with the seat-sharing ratio that JD(U) and the BJP had agreed upon. He had asked JD(U) to contest the higher number of seats than the BJP in Bihar Assembly Elections. Furthermore, Kishor and Varma were also upset with JD(U) for tying-up with the BJP for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. BJP will be fighting the Delhi polls with its NDA partners - JD(U) and LJP. They both had been claiming that JD(U)'s support to CAA was an act to maintain the balance with the BJP. The differences were already growing within the party over Nitish giving preference to the 'outsiders' - Prashant Kishor and Pavan Varma. But alas, no one knew - things will turn this bitter and lead to the JD(U) chief expelling his own handpicked aides. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Nitish Kumar's JD(U) expelled Prashant Kishor and Pavan Varma

RJD national president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-in-a-first-lalu-prasad-yadav-led-rjd-draw-a-blank-in-bihar-221152">Lalu Prasad Yadav</a> on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people.

"Palturam (Nitish Kumar) is an expert in changing colours. On the one hand, he backstabbed the people. On the other hand, his party supported the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-votes-in-favour-of-introduction-of-citizenship-amendment-bill-267153">Citizenship Amendment Bill</a> in Parliament. People, whose parents are illiterate and do not have any property listed in their name, will not be considered citizens because of this law," Yadav tweeted today.

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कल रात गया ज़िला के शांति बाग में <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC_NPR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC_NPR</a> के ग़रीब विरोधी काले क़ानून के खिलाफ 18 दिन से चल रहे अनिश्चितकालीन धरने को संबोधित किया। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC_Protests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC_Protests</a> <a href="https://t.co/bhZh1tZjBu">pic.twitter.com/bhZh1tZjBu</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1217289195338657792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council Rabri Devi also said that Nitish Kumar is fooling the public on CAA and the people have made up their mind to trample his doublespeak.

"The whole country is burning in the fire of CAA, NRC and NPR. Nitish Ji is fooling the public on this issue. On the one hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. On the other hand, he is saying that he will not implement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nrc-row-assamese-cant-be-allowed-to-become-a-minority-in-their-own-land-246694">NRC</a>. The public know everything and have made up their minds to trample his doublespeak," Rabri tweeted.

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समुचा देश CAA,NRC,NPR के ज्वाला में जल रहल बा बाकी नीतीश जी झुठों के जनता के बेवकूफ बनावे रहल बा। एक ओर सदन में एह बिल के समर्थन करता अउरू दूसर ओर बिल के लागू ना होखे के बात कहता। 
 
ई केकरा के मूर्ख बनावतारन।जनता सब जानता। ईन कर दूधारी तलवार के कुन्द करे के विचार जनता बना लेले बा।
— Rabri Devi (@RabriDeviRJD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RabriDeviRJD/status/1217401947344392192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bihar Chief Minister Kumar on January 13 said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

"No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Narendra Modi</a> has also clarified it," Kumar had said in the state assembly.

RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people.

RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people. "Palturam (Nitish Kumar) is an expert in changing colours. On the one hand, he backstabbed the people. On the other hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. People, whose parents are illiterate and do not have any property listed in their name, will not be considered citizens because of this law," Yadav tweeted today. कल रात गया ज़िला के शांति बाग में #CAA_NRC_NPR के ग़रीब विरोधी काले क़ानून के खिलाफ 18 दिन से चल रहे अनिश्चितकालीन धरने को संबोधित किया। #CAA_NRC_Protests pic.twitter.com/bhZh1tZjBu — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) January 15, 2020 × Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council Rabri Devi also said that Nitish Kumar is fooling the public on CAA and the people have made up their mind to trample his doublespeak. "The whole country is burning in the fire of CAA, NRC and NPR. Nitish Ji is fooling the public on this issue. On the one hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. On the other hand, he is saying that he will not implement NRC. The public know everything and have made up their minds to trample his doublespeak," Rabri tweeted. समुचा देश CAA,NRC,NPR के ज्वाला में जल रहल बा बाकी नीतीश जी झुठों के जनता के बेवकूफ बनावे रहल बा। एक ओर सदन में एह बिल के समर्थन करता अउरू दूसर ओर बिल के लागू ना होखे के बात कहता। ई केकरा के मूर्ख बनावतारन।जनता सब जानता। ईन कर दूधारी तलवार के कुन्द करे के विचार जनता बना लेले बा। — Rabri Devi (@RabriDeviRJD) January 15, 2020 × Bihar Chief Minister Kumar on January 13 said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified it," Kumar had said in the state assembly.

Nitish Kumar supported law which will take away citizenship of people: Lalu Prasad Yadav

Bihar Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-no-more-the-able-administrator-he-once-was-229884">Nitish Kumar</a> on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-proposal-of-nationwide-nrc-right-now-ravi-shankar-prasad-270883">NRC</a>) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

"No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-government-20-must-focus-on-fixing-indias-economy-263158">Narendra Modi</a> has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD (U) is an ally of BJP.

At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government had no discussions of conducting a nationwide NRC.

"After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said.

Earlier on Sunday, JD (U) vice-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdu-has-nothing-to-do-with-prashant-kishors-activities-in-wb-nitish-kumar-225557">Prashant Kishor</a> thanked the Congress party and its leadership for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC.

He also reassured the people of Bihar that the CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state.

Thanking Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-challenge-to-rahul-mamata-over-caa-273794">Rahul Gandhi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-rubbish-entire-nation-knows-he-is-indian-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-rahuls-citizenship-row-214729">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, Kishor had tweeted, "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi &amp;@priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bihar."

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I join my voice with all to thank <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congress</a> leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC</a>. Both <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rahulgandhi</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyankagandhi</a> deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. 
 
Also would like to reassure to all - बिहार में CAA-NRC लागू नहीं होगा।
— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrashantKishor/status/1216209842521526272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD (U) is an ally of BJP. At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government had no discussions of conducting a nationwide NRC. "After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said. Earlier on Sunday, JD (U) vice-president Prashant Kishor thanked the Congress party and its leadership for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC. He also reassured the people of Bihar that the CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state. Thanking Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kishor had tweeted, "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi &@priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bihar." I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi & @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - बिहार में CAA-NRC लागू नहीं होगा। — Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) January 12, 2020 ×

No question of NRC in Bihar, PM has clarified his stand on it: Nitish Kumar

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-rashtriya-janata-dal-will-push-21st-century-india-into-darkness-pm-modi-in-bihar-218694">Rashtriya Janata Dal</a> (RJD) on Friday put up a poster outside its headquarters which hits out at Bihar Chief Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-no-more-the-able-administrator-he-once-was-229884"> Nitish Kumar</a> and Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-slabs-can-be-reduced-to-3-in-future-sushil-kumar-modi--153662">Sushil Kumar Modi</a>.

"Jhoot ki tokri, Ghotalo ka Dhanda (a basket of lies, a business of scams)" said the party's poster, which also featured Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi.

It comes after a poster comparing 15 years of governance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ailing-lalu-prasad-yadav-wont-be-shifted-to-jail-anytime-soon-229669">Lalu Prasad Yadav</a>'s RJD with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United (JDU) was seen outside the Income Tax intersection here on Thursday morning ahead of the 2020 Bihar Vidhan Sabha polls.

The tussle between the RJD and JD(U) has come to the fore with the poster war signifying that Assembly polls will be all about comparing the work done while in office 15 years each for both parties.

Assembly elections are expected to be held in Bihar in the last quarter of 2020.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday put up a poster outside its headquarters which hits out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday put up a poster outside its headquarters which hits out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. "Jhoot ki tokri, Ghotalo ka Dhanda (a basket of lies, a business of scams)" said the party's poster, which also featured Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi. It comes after a poster comparing 15 years of governance of Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United (JDU) was seen outside the Income Tax intersection here on Thursday morning ahead of the 2020 Bihar Vidhan Sabha polls. The tussle between the RJD and JD(U) has come to the fore with the poster war signifying that Assembly polls will be all about comparing the work done while in office 15 years each for both parties. Assembly elections are expected to be held in Bihar in the last quarter of 2020.

Rashtriya Janata Dal hits out at Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi in new poster

Amid the war of words between Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-leadership-nitish-to-remain-captain-sushil-modi-248999">Sushil Kumar Modi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-rashtriya-janata-dal-will-push-21st-century-india-into-darkness-pm-modi-in-bihar-218694">Janata Dal</a> (United) vice president Prashant Kishor, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday clarified that "all was well" between the two alliance partners in the state.

"All is well, there is no problem," Kumar told ANI in response to a question on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-2019-polls-bjp-jdu-clash-over-seat-sharing-in-bihar-147101">BJP-JDU alliance</a> in Bihar.

The remarks by JD(U) Chief comes after his party's senior leader blazed gun over the alliance by asserting that his party was the senior partner in the alliance and must get more seats. 
Late state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi criticised Kishor for his statement and said that the 2020 Assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar.

Responding to the statement, Kishor outlined that in Bihar, Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-re-elected-as-jdu-president-unopposed-254079">Nitish Kumar</a>'s leadership and the role of JU(U) as the biggest party in the 2015 elections were decided by the people of Bihar and not by the leadership of another party or top leadership.

Amid the war of words between Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Janata Dal (United) vice president Prashant Kishor, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday clarified that "all was well" between the two alliance partners in the state.

Amid the war of words between Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Janata Dal (United) vice president Prashant Kishor, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday clarified that "all was well" between the two alliance partners in the state. "All is well, there is no problem," Kumar told ANI in response to a question on the BJP-JDU alliance in Bihar. The remarks by JD(U) Chief comes after his party's senior leader blazed gun over the alliance by asserting that his party was the senior partner in the alliance and must get more seats. Late state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi criticised Kishor for his statement and said that the 2020 Assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. Responding to the statement, Kishor outlined that in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership and the role of JU(U) as the biggest party in the 2015 elections were decided by the people of Bihar and not by the leadership of another party or top leadership.

All is well, says Nitish Kumar on BJP-JDU alliance in Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state.

"When nobody is forming the government then what is the way out? Political parties in Maharashtra should see the matter. How does it concern us?" he told reporters when asked about the President`s rule in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also condoled the death of mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh and called him the pride of Bihar.

74-year-old Singh passed away earlier in the day at Patna Medical College and Hospital.

Maharashtra came under President`s rule after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP indicated they were not willing to form a government. The NCP and Congress too had said they were not in an urgency to form government in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena.

Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in the 288-member assembly.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state. "When nobody is forming the government then what is the way out? Political parties in Maharashtra should see the matter. How does it concern us?" he told reporters when asked about the President`s rule in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also condoled the death of mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh and called him the pride of Bihar. 74-year-old Singh passed away earlier in the day at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Maharashtra came under President`s rule after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP indicated they were not willing to form a government. The NCP and Congress too had said they were not in an urgency to form government in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena. Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in the 288-member assembly.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar defends President's rule in Maharashtra

"What can I say in this?" said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday as Shiv Sena exited the BJP-led NDA alliance in the Centre following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-governor-invites-shive-sena-to-stake-claim-in-government-formation-after-bjp-refuses-261219">differences over government</a> formation in Maharashtra.

He was responding to a question on the Shiv Sena-BJP tussle in Maharashtra after which Sena MP Arvind Sawant resigned from his ministerial post at the Centre.

Kumar, who is the president of Janata Dal (U) and a part of the NDA coalition, had earlier refused to be part of the government at the Centre over "proportional representation" in Cabinet.Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut hinted that his party may go with Congress and NCP stating that BJP is not following rotational chief ministers formula.He also took a jibe a Nitish Kumar.

"In Bihar, Nitish Kumar was also giving `BJP hatao` slogan...," he said.

Nitish Kumar is running the government in Bihar with the support of BJP.

He had earlier quit NDA ahead of 2015 Bihar Assembly polls later but later joined the alliance after breaking ties with Lalu Prasad-led RJD and the Congress in 2017.

"What can I say in this?" said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday as Shiv Sena exited the BJP-led NDA alliance in the Centre following differences over government formation in Maharashtra.

"What can I say in this?" said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday as Shiv Sena exited the BJP-led NDA alliance in the Centre following differences over government formation in Maharashtra. He was responding to a question on the Shiv Sena-BJP tussle in Maharashtra after which Sena MP Arvind Sawant resigned from his ministerial post at the Centre. Kumar, who is the president of Janata Dal (U) and a part of the NDA coalition, had earlier refused to be part of the government at the Centre over "proportional representation" in Cabinet.Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut hinted that his party may go with Congress and NCP stating that BJP is not following rotational chief ministers formula.He also took a jibe a Nitish Kumar. "In Bihar, Nitish Kumar was also giving `BJP hatao` slogan...," he said. Nitish Kumar is running the government in Bihar with the support of BJP. He had earlier quit NDA ahead of 2015 Bihar Assembly polls later but later joined the alliance after breaking ties with Lalu Prasad-led RJD and the Congress in 2017.

Nitish Kumar dodges question on Shiv Sena leaving NDA

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital.

"My party and I have always vouched for giving full statehood for Delhi. And we have said this everytime. So that they can look after everything from law and order, development among others," Kumar said addressing his party workers here.

The JDU chief also raised the demand for special category status for Bihar in the meeting.

"Just like we want special status for Bihar, we have always wanted statehood for Delhi," Kumar said.

The JDU is looking to contest Assembly elections next year in the national capital and is eyeing the voter base from Bihar and Poorvanchal region in Delhi.

"Even if just for a day the people of Bihar residing in Delhi decide that they will not work then the whole Delhi will come to a stop," Kumar said in an attempt to woo the voters from the region.&nbsp;

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital.

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital. "My party and I have always vouched for giving full statehood for Delhi. And we have said this everytime. So that they can look after everything from law and order, development among others," Kumar said addressing his party workers here. The JDU chief also raised the demand for special category status for Bihar in the meeting. "Just like we want special status for Bihar, we have always wanted statehood for Delhi," Kumar said. The JDU is looking to contest Assembly elections next year in the national capital and is eyeing the voter base from Bihar and Poorvanchal region in Delhi. "Even if just for a day the people of Bihar residing in Delhi decide that they will not work then the whole Delhi will come to a stop," Kumar said in an attempt to woo the voters from the region.

Nitish Kumar vouches for full statehood for Delhi

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