Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on Sunday re-elected as the president of the Janata Dal (United) unopposed for the next three years.

The last date of filing nomination for the post was October 5 and except the Bihar Chief Minister, no other leader had filed the nomination.

Speaking to ANI, national election officer of JD(U), Anil Hedge said, "On September 27, a notification was issued for the election to the post of JDU party president."

He said the last date for filing nomination was October 4.&nbsp;

"As till date, only Nitish Kumar has filed nominations and October 5 being the day for scrutiny and him being the only candidate for the post, therefore, I announced his election unopposed," he said.

The certificate for re-election as JDU president for Nitish Kumar was handed over to his representative Sanjay Kumar Singh, who is an MLC from Bihar, by Hedge at the party office in the national capital.

Bihar`s Water Resources Minister Sanjay Jha congratulated Kumar on his re-election and expressed the hope that under his guidance, the party will retain power in the elections.

"I congratulate Nitish Kumar on becoming the party president again. Under his leadership, the JDU will form government again in Bihar in 2020 and once again he will become the Chief Minister of the state," Jha told ANI here.

"Kumar is a visionary leader not only in Bihar but he is one of the best political figures in the country. I am proud to work under his leadership, " Jha added.

Under Kumar`s leadership, JDU bagged 16 out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats it contested in the 2019 general elections while 7 MLAs of the party won in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly election.JDU is also planning to fight on all seats in the soon to be held Jharkhand and Delhi assembly elections.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on Sunday re-elected as the president of the Janata Dal (United) unopposed for the next three years. The last date of filing nomination for the post was October 5 and except the Bihar Chief Minister, no other leader had filed the nomination.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on Sunday re-elected as the president of the Janata Dal (United) unopposed for the next three years. The last date of filing nomination for the post was October 5 and except the Bihar Chief Minister, no other leader had filed the nomination. Speaking to ANI, national election officer of JD(U), Anil Hedge said, "On September 27, a notification was issued for the election to the post of JDU party president." He said the last date for filing nomination was October 4. "As till date, only Nitish Kumar has filed nominations and October 5 being the day for scrutiny and him being the only candidate for the post, therefore, I announced his election unopposed," he said. The certificate for re-election as JDU president for Nitish Kumar was handed over to his representative Sanjay Kumar Singh, who is an MLC from Bihar, by Hedge at the party office in the national capital. Bihar`s Water Resources Minister Sanjay Jha congratulated Kumar on his re-election and expressed the hope that under his guidance, the party will retain power in the elections. "I congratulate Nitish Kumar on becoming the party president again. Under his leadership, the JDU will form government again in Bihar in 2020 and once again he will become the Chief Minister of the state," Jha told ANI here. "Kumar is a visionary leader not only in Bihar but he is one of the best political figures in the country. I am proud to work under his leadership, " Jha added. Under Kumar`s leadership, JDU bagged 16 out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats it contested in the 2019 general elections while 7 MLAs of the party won in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly election.JDU is also planning to fight on all seats in the soon to be held Jharkhand and Delhi assembly elections.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar re-elected as JDU president unopposed

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday filed his nomination for Janata Dal-United (JDU) national president's post.

According to top party sources, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bjp-president-accuses-nitish-kumar-of-negligence-as-flood-death-toll-rises-to-42-253203">Nitish</a>'s behalf, his representative JDU MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted nomination papers to party's national election officer Anil Hegde here.

Sources said that Kumar will be elected unopposed for the 'second time' to the post of JDU president.

In wake of the flood situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-due-to-floods-rises-to-73-as-water-starts-to-recede-253405">Bihar</a>, Kumar did not go to Delhi to submit nomination papers, so his representatives have submitted nomination papers to the national election officer.

Today was the last day for submitting nomination papers for the top party post, which will be scrutinized on Saturday.

October 6 is the last day for withdrawal of nomination and the results will be announced on October 19.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday filed his nomination for Janata Dal-United (JDU) national president's post. According to top party sources, on Nitish's behalf, his representative JDU MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted nomination papers to party's national election officer Anil Hegde here.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday filed his nomination for Janata Dal-United (JDU) national president's post. According to top party sources, on Nitish's behalf, his representative JDU MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted nomination papers to party's national election officer Anil Hegde here. Sources said that Kumar will be elected unopposed for the 'second time' to the post of JDU president. In wake of the flood situation in Bihar, Kumar did not go to Delhi to submit nomination papers, so his representatives have submitted nomination papers to the national election officer. Today was the last day for submitting nomination papers for the top party post, which will be scrutinized on Saturday. October 6 is the last day for withdrawal of nomination and the results will be announced on October 19.

Nitish Kumar files nomination for Janata Dal (United) national president's post

The death toll due to incessant rainfall and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-waives-off-penalties-on-cancellation-refund-for-flights-to-and-from-patna-till-october-3-253086">floods in different parts of Bihar </a>rose to 42, officials said on Wednesday.

"Ganga river is on the rise in Bhagalpur. Kahalgaon belt has been affected badly. NDRF teams have been stationed there. Relief camps and community kitchens have also been set up. 42 deaths have been reported so far," Partyaya Amit, Principal Secretary of the State Disaster Management Department, told ANI.

Meanwhile, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal attacked the Nitish Kumar-led government, accusing it of administrative negligence on dealing with the flood situation in Patna.

"I have been disturbed over the situation in Patna for the last three days. Although the rain stopped 24 hours ago, the waterlogging still persists. This shows that there has been administrative negligence," Jaiswal wrote on his Facebook post on Tuesday.

He said that the Bihar government should analyse the entire situation in the next 10 days and take action against erring officials.

Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited the flood relief camps set up at Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna and said that all relief efforts are being made for the affected people in the city.

He also said that the state government has been dealing with everything to its best capability.

On Monday, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and his family were bailed out by National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF) as they were stranded after flood-water burst into their house.

Five NDRF teams have been deployed in Rajendra Nagar and Kankarbagh areas of Patna to assist people facing difficulties while Indian Air Force helicopters are dropping relief material to the flood-affected areas of the state.

The NDRF has deployed 19 teams in 14 districts of Bihar and has evacuated more than 4,000 people including women, patients, children and elderly and shifted them to the safer places.

Many districts of Bihar, including state capital Patna, have been affected by floods triggered by incessant rainfall in the state recently.

The capital city has been witnessing acute waterlogging, with residents resorting to unusual modes of transportation in order to move from one place to another.

The death toll due to incessant rainfall and floods in different parts of Bihar rose to 42, officials said on Wednesday. "Ganga river is on the rise in Bhagalpur.

The death toll due to incessant rainfall and floods in different parts of Bihar rose to 42, officials said on Wednesday. "Ganga river is on the rise in Bhagalpur. Kahalgaon belt has been affected badly. NDRF teams have been stationed there. Relief camps and community kitchens have also been set up. 42 deaths have been reported so far," Partyaya Amit, Principal Secretary of the State Disaster Management Department, told ANI. Meanwhile, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal attacked the Nitish Kumar-led government, accusing it of administrative negligence on dealing with the flood situation in Patna. "I have been disturbed over the situation in Patna for the last three days. Although the rain stopped 24 hours ago, the waterlogging still persists. This shows that there has been administrative negligence," Jaiswal wrote on his Facebook post on Tuesday. He said that the Bihar government should analyse the entire situation in the next 10 days and take action against erring officials. Nitish Kumar on Tuesday visited the flood relief camps set up at Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna and said that all relief efforts are being made for the affected people in the city. He also said that the state government has been dealing with everything to its best capability. On Monday, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and his family were bailed out by National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF) as they were stranded after flood-water burst into their house. Five NDRF teams have been deployed in Rajendra Nagar and Kankarbagh areas of Patna to assist people facing difficulties while Indian Air Force helicopters are dropping relief material to the flood-affected areas of the state. The NDRF has deployed 19 teams in 14 districts of Bihar and has evacuated more than 4,000 people including women, patients, children and elderly and shifted them to the safer places. Many districts of Bihar, including state capital Patna, have been affected by floods triggered by incessant rainfall in the state recently. The capital city has been witnessing acute waterlogging, with residents resorting to unusual modes of transportation in order to move from one place to another.

Bihar: BJP president accuses Nitish Kumar of negligence as flood death toll rises to 42

Amid talks of change in leadership in Bihar's ruling NDA, the BJP on Wednesday clarified that the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will continue to lead the alliance in the next Assembly polls scheduled in 2020.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi took to Twitter to clarify party`s position, days after senior BJP leader and former union minister Sanjay Paswan said Nitish Kumar should now step down as Chief Minister and make way for the BJP.

"Nitish Kumar is the Captain of NDA in Bihar and will remain its Captain in next assembly elections in 2020 also. When Captain is hitting four and six and defeating rivals by inning where is the question of any change," Modi said.

Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held in October-November 2020.

Paswan, also a member of the state legislative council, had earlier said the BJP entrusted him with the Chief Minister`s post for 15 long years and now he should reciprocate the gesture.

His remarks came after a poster war began between the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The JD-U had released a poster with the slogan "kyon kare vichar, thike to hain Nitish Kumar (why should we discuss over when it`s okay to have Nitish Kumar) but they revised it when RJD responded by putting up a poster with a slogan criticising Kumar for the "increasing crime, corruption, AES deaths and stealing the mandate".

The revised version of JD-U`s poster came up with slogan "Kyon kare vichar, jab hain hi Nitish Kumar" (Why should we mull over, when there is Nitish Kumar).

Following that, RJD hit back with another slogan - `Kyun na karein vichar, Bihar jo hai bimar` (Why should we not think, Bihar is not well).&nbsp;

Amid talks of change in leadership in Bihar's ruling NDA, the BJP on Wednesday clarified that the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will continue to lead the alliance in the next Assembly polls scheduled in 2020.

Amid talks of change in leadership in Bihar's ruling NDA, the BJP on Wednesday clarified that the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will continue to lead the alliance in the next Assembly polls scheduled in 2020. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi took to Twitter to clarify party`s position, days after senior BJP leader and former union minister Sanjay Paswan said Nitish Kumar should now step down as Chief Minister and make way for the BJP. "Nitish Kumar is the Captain of NDA in Bihar and will remain its Captain in next assembly elections in 2020 also. When Captain is hitting four and six and defeating rivals by inning where is the question of any change," Modi said. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held in October-November 2020. Paswan, also a member of the state legislative council, had earlier said the BJP entrusted him with the Chief Minister`s post for 15 long years and now he should reciprocate the gesture. His remarks came after a poster war began between the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The JD-U had released a poster with the slogan "kyon kare vichar, thike to hain Nitish Kumar (why should we discuss over when it`s okay to have Nitish Kumar) but they revised it when RJD responded by putting up a poster with a slogan criticising Kumar for the "increasing crime, corruption, AES deaths and stealing the mandate". The revised version of JD-U`s poster came up with slogan "Kyon kare vichar, jab hain hi Nitish Kumar" (Why should we mull over, when there is Nitish Kumar). Following that, RJD hit back with another slogan - `Kyun na karein vichar, Bihar jo hai bimar` (Why should we not think, Bihar is not well).

No change in leadership, Nitish to remain captain: Sushil Modi

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday to inquire about former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's health condition.

The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of weakness and palpitation.

Earlier today, BSP Chief Mayawati, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Satish Upadhyay and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also paid a visit to Jaitley.

Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Harsh Vardhan, Ashwini Choubey and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid a visit to check on the ailing BJP leader.

Soon after Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS'&nbsp;Intensive Care Unit (ICU) last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to check on Jaitley's health.

The hospital has not yet issued any bulletin on the leader's health.

On August 10, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on visiting him, was informed by the doctors that he is responding to the treatment and is stable.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday to inquire about former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's health condition.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday to inquire about former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's health condition. The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of weakness and palpitation. Earlier today, BSP Chief Mayawati, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Satish Upadhyay and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also paid a visit to Jaitley. Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Harsh Vardhan, Ashwini Choubey and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid a visit to check on the ailing BJP leader. Soon after Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS' Intensive Care Unit (ICU) last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to check on Jaitley's health. The hospital has not yet issued any bulletin on the leader's health. On August 10, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on visiting him, was informed by the doctors that he is responding to the treatment and is stable.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik visit Arun Jaitley at AIIMS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-floods-train-services-temporarily-suspended-between-samastipur-darbhanga-239028">flood situation in Bihar</a>&nbsp;as death toll passes 130 in the past few days.

''Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji and Deputy CM @SushilModi Ji and reviewed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of Bihar. The Centre has been working with the State Government to help those affected and we will continue providing all possible assistance needed,'' PM Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to Bihar CM <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKumar</a> Ji and Deputy CM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushilModi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushilModi</a> Ji and reviewed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of Bihar. The Centre has been working with the State Government to help those affected and we will continue providing all possible assistance needed.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1155864320812580864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-floods-nitish-kumar-to-visit-sitamarhi-today-to-take-stock-of-rescue-relief-operations-237393">134 people have lost their lives</a> and over 1,243 villages have been affected due to the floods.

On July 19, the chief minister had kickstarted the process of sending cash relief of Rs 6,000 directly into the bank accounts of flood-affected families.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army and Air Force are carrying out rescue operations and around 1.25 lakh people have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas in the state so far.

The Chief Secretary of Bihar, Deepak Kumar said, "221 relief camps have been established and about 1 lakh people are taking shelter in these relief camps. More than 700 community kitchen are being run.''

Earlier,&nbsp;Nitish Kumar, along with chief secretary Deepak Kumar conducted an aerial survey of the flooded areas.

Around 12 districts including Sheohar, Dharbangha, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Madhubani, Araria and Kishanganj have been severely affected due to rising water levels in rivers following torrential rains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the flood situation in Bihar as death toll passes 130 in the past few days. ''Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji and Deputy CM @SushilModi Ji and reviewed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the flood situation in Bihar as death toll passes 130 in the past few days. ''Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji and Deputy CM @SushilModi Ji and reviewed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of Bihar. The Centre has been working with the State Government to help those affected and we will continue providing all possible assistance needed,'' PM Modi tweeted. Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji and Deputy CM @SushilModi Ji and reviewed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of Bihar. The Centre has been working with the State Government to help those affected and we will continue providing all possible assistance needed. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 29, 2019 × Around 134 people have lost their lives and over 1,243 villages have been affected due to the floods. On July 19, the chief minister had kickstarted the process of sending cash relief of Rs 6,000 directly into the bank accounts of flood-affected families. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army and Air Force are carrying out rescue operations and around 1.25 lakh people have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas in the state so far. The Chief Secretary of Bihar, Deepak Kumar said, "221 relief camps have been established and about 1 lakh people are taking shelter in these relief camps. More than 700 community kitchen are being run.'' Earlier, Nitish Kumar, along with chief secretary Deepak Kumar conducted an aerial survey of the flooded areas. Around 12 districts including Sheohar, Dharbangha, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Madhubani, Araria and Kishanganj have been severely affected due to rising water levels in rivers following torrential rains.

PM Modi reviews Bihar flood situation, death toll rises to 134

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/toll-climbs-to-55-as-flood-situation-worsens-in-assam-and-bihar-236700">flood situation in Bihar</a> turns grim, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-chairs-meeting-to-review-flood-situation-235901">Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> is scheduled to visit Sitamarhi today to take stock of the rescue and relief operations, government officials said.&nbsp;

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi will visit worst-hit Darbhanga and Madhubani districts to review the situation and rehabilitation work.&nbsp;

On July 16, Kumar had said that a total of 1.25 lakh people had been rescued so far in the state.&nbsp;

Around 12 districts including Sheohar, Dharbangha, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj have been severely affected due to water levels rising in rivers following torrential rains.&nbsp;

On July 19, the Chief Minister had kickstarted the process of sending cash relief of Rs 6,000 directly into the bank accounts of flood-affected families.

Over Rs 181 crore was disbursed among flood victims via direct bank transfer to over three lakh families in the flood-affected districts, he said.&nbsp;

However, several people living in flood-hit areas have claimed that they have not received any aid from the government. Villagers in Simri Block had said the Block Development Officer (BDO) took stock of the situation prevailing in the region, but no action was taken thereafter.&nbsp;

According to Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, at least 33 people have died due to flood across the state, while approximately 26 lakh people in over 12 districts have been adversely affected.

As many as 221 relief camps have been established and about one lakh people are taking shelter in these camps. More than 700 community kitchens are being run.

As the flood situation in Bihar turns grim, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to visit Sitamarhi today to take stock of the rescue and relief operations, government officials said.

As the flood situation in Bihar turns grim, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to visit Sitamarhi today to take stock of the rescue and relief operations, government officials said. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi will visit worst-hit Darbhanga and Madhubani districts to review the situation and rehabilitation work. On July 16, Kumar had said that a total of 1.25 lakh people had been rescued so far in the state. Around 12 districts including Sheohar, Dharbangha, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj have been severely affected due to water levels rising in rivers following torrential rains. On July 19, the Chief Minister had kickstarted the process of sending cash relief of Rs 6,000 directly into the bank accounts of flood-affected families. Over Rs 181 crore was disbursed among flood victims via direct bank transfer to over three lakh families in the flood-affected districts, he said. However, several people living in flood-hit areas have claimed that they have not received any aid from the government. Villagers in Simri Block had said the Block Development Officer (BDO) took stock of the situation prevailing in the region, but no action was taken thereafter. According to Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, at least 33 people have died due to flood across the state, while approximately 26 lakh people in over 12 districts have been adversely affected. As many as 221 relief camps have been established and about one lakh people are taking shelter in these camps. More than 700 community kitchens are being run.

Bihar floods: Nitish Kumar to visit Sitamarhi today to take stock of rescue, relief operations

At least 55 people have died in Assam and Bihar as the flood situation has worsened in both states.

Total 33 persons have lost their lives due to floods in Bihar and approximately 26 lakhs people remain affected across 12 districts.&nbsp;

"221 relief camps have been established and about 1 lakh people are taking shelter in these relief camps. More than 700 community kitchen are being run," said Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary, Bihar.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, along with chief secretary Deepak Kumar conducted an aerial survey of the flooded areas. "We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said on Tuesday.

In Assam, floods have claimed lives of at least 17&nbsp;and affected about 45 lakhs people&nbsp;across 33 districts of the state. The central government on Tuesday released Rs. 251.55 crore as the first instalment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the state.

Ninety per cent of the famed Kaziranga National Park is still submerged. Authorities are moving animals to the high land.

The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and Assam.

In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least 55 people have died in Assam and Bihar as the flood situation has worsened in both states. Total 33 persons have lost their lives due to floods in Bihar and approximately 26 lakhs people remain affected across 12 districts.

At least 55 people have died in Assam and Bihar as the flood situation has worsened in both states. Total 33 persons have lost their lives due to floods in Bihar and approximately 26 lakhs people remain affected across 12 districts. "221 relief camps have been established and about 1 lakh people are taking shelter in these relief camps. More than 700 community kitchen are being run," said Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary, Bihar. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, along with chief secretary Deepak Kumar conducted an aerial survey of the flooded areas. "We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said on Tuesday. In Assam, floods have claimed lives of at least 17 and affected about 45 lakhs people across 33 districts of the state. The central government on Tuesday released Rs. 251.55 crore as the first instalment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the state. Ninety per cent of the famed Kaziranga National Park is still submerged. Authorities are moving animals to the high land. The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and Assam. In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment. (With inputs from agencies)

Toll climbs to 55 as flood situation worsens in Assam and Bihar

<a href="Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chairs meeting to review flood situation">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state.

"We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said while delivering a speech in state Assembly today.

The chief minister also said that 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state

"Around 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state. The rescue forces have been instructed to provide every possible aid to the flood-affected people. Till now, 199 relief camps have been opened across the state and over 1 lakh people are residing in the camps," Kumar further said.

Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said.

Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state. "We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said while delivering a speech in state Assembly today. The chief minister also said that 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state "Around 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state. The rescue forces have been instructed to provide every possible aid to the flood-affected people. Till now, 199 relief camps have been opened across the state and over 1 lakh people are residing in the camps," Kumar further said. Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it. During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said. Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Death toll reaches 25 in Bihar due to floods, over 1 lakh rescued

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-two-dead-six-districts-affected-due-to-heavy-rains-235527">floods in the state</a> and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said.

The Chief Minister was apprised about the rising water level in the rivers and the progress in the construction of roads damaged due to floods in the state.

The meeting was attended by state water resources minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, development commissioner Subhash Sharma and other officials.

The Chief Minister also undertook an aerial survey in the five-affected districts in Bihar -- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Motihari and Sheohar. He has directed officials to expedite the rescue and relief operations, the statement said.

Around six districts -- Sheohar, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Jaynagar in Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj -- have severely been affected due to the rising level of rivers following torrential rains.

Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Around 16 community kitchens have been set up to provide meals to the people in the six districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it. During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said. The Chief Minister was apprised about the rising water level in the rivers and the progress in the construction of roads damaged due to floods in the state. The meeting was attended by state water resources minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, development commissioner Subhash Sharma and other officials. The Chief Minister also undertook an aerial survey in the five-affected districts in Bihar -- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Motihari and Sheohar. He has directed officials to expedite the rescue and relief operations, the statement said. Around six districts -- Sheohar, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Jaynagar in Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj -- have severely been affected due to the rising level of rivers following torrential rains. Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts. Around 16 community kitchens have been set up to provide meals to the people in the six districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chairs meeting to review flood situation

Amid protests over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-death-toll-climbs-to-136-in-bihars-muzaffarpur-district-231824">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome</a> (AES) deaths in the state, leaders from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress gave notices for adjournment motion in the Bihar Assembly on Monday.

RJD leaders also raised slogans in the Assembly and demanded the resignation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-encephalitis-deaths-harsh-vardhan-mangal-pandey-face-inquiry-over-negligence-229955">Health Minister Mangal Pandey</a> over the deaths in Muzaffarpur.&nbsp;

So far, as many as 154 children have lost their lives in the district. "According to the data we have, till June 28, 720 were admitted, 586 were cured and 154 children died. The death rate has been brought down to 21 per cent. As compared to the data from 2011-19, the death rate due to AES has come down over the past few years," said Pandey responding to the outcry in Bihar Assembly.

"What happened is extremely unfortunate, expressing grief is not enough, it is an extremely serious issue. We have held several meetings and discussed the issue at length," said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said that he will raise the issue of AES deaths in the state Assembly.

Amid protests over Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) deaths in the state, leaders from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress gave notices for adjournment motion in the Bihar Assembly on Monday.

Amid protests over Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) deaths in the state, leaders from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress gave notices for adjournment motion in the Bihar Assembly on Monday. RJD leaders also raised slogans in the Assembly and demanded the resignation of Health Minister Mangal Pandey over the deaths in Muzaffarpur. So far, as many as 154 children have lost their lives in the district. "According to the data we have, till June 28, 720 were admitted, 586 were cured and 154 children died. The death rate has been brought down to 21 per cent. As compared to the data from 2011-19, the death rate due to AES has come down over the past few years," said Pandey responding to the outcry in Bihar Assembly. "What happened is extremely unfortunate, expressing grief is not enough, it is an extremely serious issue. We have held several meetings and discussed the issue at length," said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Earlier today, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said that he will raise the issue of AES deaths in the state Assembly.

Protest over Acute Encephalitis Syndrome deaths in Bihar Assembly

After the Toppers’ Scam of 2016, the death of hundreds of people in a matter of few days due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) as well as the scorching heatwave have exposed the deplorable conditions of education and health in Bihar.

Until a few years ago, however, the media was showering praise on the Nitish Kumar government for bringing about revolutionary changes in these two sectors.&nbsp;

Today the same media is questioning the Bihar chief minister. Forget the Opposition, even ally and BJP MLC, Sachchidanand Rai, is openly criticising the Nitish government and his own party ministers for letting the state down on all fronts.

But is it that hundreds of people have died only this year due to AES in Bihar, or that the Toppers’ Scam was confined only to 2016?

The truth is that hundreds of children have been dying almost every year since Nitish Kumar took over on November 24, 2005. Similarly, totally undeserving students had been topping in the Class-X and XII exams of the state board on an annual basis.&nbsp;

In the early years of the Nitish regime, the media had innumerable stories of how the chief minister got bicycles distributed to schoolchildren and how many school buildings had been constructed across the state. What they failed to expose is the way the Nitish government recruited millions of virtually ‘illiterate’ para-teachers, who were not qualified to become teachers in the first place. &nbsp;

That things were no better in Bihar before Nitish took over is well-known, yet there is no denying that the conditions have gone from being bad to worse.&nbsp;

Though the number of students enrolled in schools has gone up, it has also led to the multi-crore Double Enrollment Scam. Hundreds of crores were siphoned off as students got enrolled in two kind of schools—in private for good education and in the government schools to get cycles, uniforms and books!

While Nitish Kumar would repeatedly boast as to how the number of students clearing high school exams of the state boards with flying colours have increased, the truth is that the number of students who would crack engineering, medical and other competitive exams, especially civil services, have declined over the years.&nbsp;

As far as the situation in the health sector is concerned, it has witnessed a sharp fall. Yet, the media was more than eager to pat the state government on the back for its non-achievements. An impression was sought to be created that the new establishment has done enormous work to improve the condition of primary health centres (PHCs). In reality, the change in these PHCs have more to do with the central government’s National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and little with the state government. Even funds meant for the payment of doctors and paramedics as well as medicine and maintenance of these centres were allotted by the Union health ministry. But with a highly supportive media in tow, Nitish walked away with all the credit.&nbsp;

A decade later, the condition of these PHCs is simply hellish. That is why thousands of patients from around half-a-dozen districts are pouring into the Muzaffarpur-based Shri Krishna Medical College Hospital.

Similarly, Nitish was applauded for building rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, national highways and the East-West Corridor when the fact is that they were built by the Centre.

True, the condition of state highways and district roads had improved in the initial years, but things are back to square one now. The entire state machinery was bound to collapse as it was getting credit for work, which it had barely done. Ever since the cancellation of dinner for the BJP bigwigs in Patna on June 12, 2010, Nitish has made so many U-turns that the bureaucracy does not know what will happen next. A sort of paralysis has gripped the state.

Today, the chief minister cannot blame anyone as the government at the Centre is also of his ally, the NDA. But Bihar today would have been a much better place had the media played the role of a vigilant watchdog in the past. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-nitish-no-more-the-able-administrator-he-once-was-2764307">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

After the Toppers’ Scam of 2016, the death of hundreds of people in a matter of few days due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) as well as the scorching heatwave have exposed the deplorable conditions of education and health in Bihar.

After the Toppers’ Scam of 2016, the death of hundreds of people in a matter of few days due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) as well as the scorching heatwave have exposed the deplorable conditions of education and health in Bihar. Until a few years ago, however, the media was showering praise on the Nitish Kumar government for bringing about revolutionary changes in these two sectors. Today the same media is questioning the Bihar chief minister. Forget the Opposition, even ally and BJP MLC, Sachchidanand Rai, is openly criticising the Nitish government and his own party ministers for letting the state down on all fronts. But is it that hundreds of people have died only this year due to AES in Bihar, or that the Toppers’ Scam was confined only to 2016? The truth is that hundreds of children have been dying almost every year since Nitish Kumar took over on November 24, 2005. Similarly, totally undeserving students had been topping in the Class-X and XII exams of the state board on an annual basis. In the early years of the Nitish regime, the media had innumerable stories of how the chief minister got bicycles distributed to schoolchildren and how many school buildings had been constructed across the state. What they failed to expose is the way the Nitish government recruited millions of virtually ‘illiterate’ para-teachers, who were not qualified to become teachers in the first place. That things were no better in Bihar before Nitish took over is well-known, yet there is no denying that the conditions have gone from being bad to worse. Though the number of students enrolled in schools has gone up, it has also led to the multi-crore Double Enrollment Scam. Hundreds of crores were siphoned off as students got enrolled in two kind of schools—in private for good education and in the government schools to get cycles, uniforms and books! While Nitish Kumar would repeatedly boast as to how the number of students clearing high school exams of the state boards with flying colours have increased, the truth is that the number of students who would crack engineering, medical and other competitive exams, especially civil services, have declined over the years. As far as the situation in the health sector is concerned, it has witnessed a sharp fall. Yet, the media was more than eager to pat the state government on the back for its non-achievements. An impression was sought to be created that the new establishment has done enormous work to improve the condition of primary health centres (PHCs). In reality, the change in these PHCs have more to do with the central government’s National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and little with the state government. Even funds meant for the payment of doctors and paramedics as well as medicine and maintenance of these centres were allotted by the Union health ministry. But with a highly supportive media in tow, Nitish walked away with all the credit. A decade later, the condition of these PHCs is simply hellish. That is why thousands of patients from around half-a-dozen districts are pouring into the Muzaffarpur-based Shri Krishna Medical College Hospital. Similarly, Nitish was applauded for building rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, national highways and the East-West Corridor when the fact is that they were built by the Centre. True, the condition of state highways and district roads had improved in the initial years, but things are back to square one now. The entire state machinery was bound to collapse as it was getting credit for work, which it had barely done. Ever since the cancellation of dinner for the BJP bigwigs in Patna on June 12, 2010, Nitish has made so many U-turns that the bureaucracy does not know what will happen next. A sort of paralysis has gripped the state. Today, the chief minister cannot blame anyone as the government at the Centre is also of his ally, the NDA. But Bihar today would have been a much better place had the media played the role of a vigilant watchdog in the past. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Nitish Kumar, no more the able administrator he once was

Former union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha Sunday held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responsible for the children's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-harsh-vardhan-health-ministry-officials-review-status-of-encephalitis-cases-in-muzaffarpur-229718">deaths in Muzaffarpur district</a> and demanded his resignation.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is responsible for children's deaths in large number in Muzaffarpur district...Despite so many deaths of children, the state government has not taken any concrete action to prevent it.

"The entire health services have been left at God's mercy," Kushwaha said while talking to reporters here at his party office.

Nearly 140 children have lost their lives due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in the state since June 1, of which 127 died in Muzaffarpur district alone, state health department sources said.

"Mr Chief Minister, mere assurance (to improve things) will not serve the purpose. Either you act or resign from the post of CM, failing which the RLSP would hit the roads to expose him (Nitish) for his failures," Kushwaha said.

The AES outbreak, which according to the state health department has affected about 20 out of the 40 districts in the state, has afflicted more than 600 children since June 1, killing close to 140.

Kushwaha, who was accompanied by the party's national general secretary, cited the state government's data to drive home his point that the government has failed to fill up all the sanctioned posts of doctors in the state.

Against the sanctioned posts of 7,249 regular doctors in the state, only 3,146 doctors are currently working in government hospitals and 533 contractual doctors are working against 2,314 contractual posts in the state, he said.

"How will the health care system improve with 3,679 doctors working in the state against the total sanctioned posts of 9,563 doctors (including regular and contractual doctors)?" he asked.

When pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has not spoken anything on the issue of the children's deaths, Kushwaha alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, who is also the Home Minister, also did not express their sorrow or grief over the loss of so many lives.

"This shows their insensitivity," he said.&nbsp;

Former union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha Sunday held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responsible for the children's deaths in Muzaffarpur district and demanded his resignation.

Former union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha Sunday held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responsible for the children's deaths in Muzaffarpur district and demanded his resignation. "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is responsible for children's deaths in large number in Muzaffarpur district...Despite so many deaths of children, the state government has not taken any concrete action to prevent it. "The entire health services have been left at God's mercy," Kushwaha said while talking to reporters here at his party office. Nearly 140 children have lost their lives due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in the state since June 1, of which 127 died in Muzaffarpur district alone, state health department sources said. "Mr Chief Minister, mere assurance (to improve things) will not serve the purpose. Either you act or resign from the post of CM, failing which the RLSP would hit the roads to expose him (Nitish) for his failures," Kushwaha said. The AES outbreak, which according to the state health department has affected about 20 out of the 40 districts in the state, has afflicted more than 600 children since June 1, killing close to 140. Kushwaha, who was accompanied by the party's national general secretary, cited the state government's data to drive home his point that the government has failed to fill up all the sanctioned posts of doctors in the state. Against the sanctioned posts of 7,249 regular doctors in the state, only 3,146 doctors are currently working in government hospitals and 533 contractual doctors are working against 2,314 contractual posts in the state, he said. "How will the health care system improve with 3,679 doctors working in the state against the total sanctioned posts of 9,563 doctors (including regular and contractual doctors)?" he asked. When pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has not spoken anything on the issue of the children's deaths, Kushwaha alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, who is also the Home Minister, also did not express their sorrow or grief over the loss of so many lives. "This shows their insensitivity," he said.

Act or resign from post of CM: Upendra Kushwaha to Nitish Kumar over children's deaths

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nitish Kumar, caught between a strong Modi and weak Lalu

Amidst controversy over JDU not joining the BJP led NDA government at the Centre, the party on Sunday made it clear that it would remain a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"We want to make it clear once again that we are and will remain a part of the NDA. We are going to contest the 2020 Assembly polls under the banner of NDA and the leadership of Nitish Kumar," senior JDU leader KC Tyagi said while addressing a press conference here after the national executive meeting.

However, he also clarified that JDU won't be a part of the NDA government at the Centre.

Rejecting media reports that JDU had forwarded the names of some leaders to be inducted into the Union Council of Ministers, Tyagi said, "JDU did not forward any names for the Cabinet."

"In the first meeting between Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar, Shahji said that we have the majority but we will still give symbolic representation to all our allies. Nitish ji politely said that this is not possible."

The senior JDU leader asserted that offer to join the Union Cabinet came on a number of occasions, but these were turned down by his party.

"Just like the last time, when we did not join the government for two years but continued to support it, similarly, this time too, we will continue to support the government from outside," he said.

"We reject all such rumours and misinformation and slandering campaigns," he said while reminding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed 171 meetings for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking about the party's plans discussed at the meeting of the national executive, Tyagi said,&nbsp;"We want to make our party a national party. We are a recognised party in Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. The party has decided to contest the upcoming Assembly election in four states. We will try that we become a national party by 2020."

He also made it clear that JDU won't support the scrapping of Article 370.

"Jayaprakash Narayan was the only leader to support Article 370 when it was attacked by the Congress and attempts were made to dilute it. We are his descendants. It is our responsibility to raise questions put up by our ancestors. So there won`t be any compromise on that," he said.

Commenting on the Ram temple issue, the JDU leader said,&nbsp;"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat have said it that nothing will happen on the Ram Mandir front until the Supreme Court order is out."

"May this government last longer. May the country prosper under the leadership of Narendra Modi but we will not accept anything other than proportional representation," he said.

Clarifying about the controversy over JDU leader Prashant Kishor working for TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, Tyagi said,&nbsp;"IPAC has nothing to do with the JDU. Now, he is a doctor (pointing towards a leader sitting beside him). Should he stop giving prescriptions to Congress workers?"

"We want BJP to win in West Bengal and the TMC to lose. Is Prashant Kishor going to seek votes? Why would the party have any objection against his works until or unless he doesn`t make a statement or does something against the JDU and NDA," he added.&nbsp;

Amidst controversy over JDU not joining the BJP led NDA government at the Centre, the party on Sunday made it clear that it would remain a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Amidst controversy over JDU not joining the BJP led NDA government at the Centre, the party on Sunday made it clear that it would remain a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "We want to make it clear once again that we are and will remain a part of the NDA. We are going to contest the 2020 Assembly polls under the banner of NDA and the leadership of Nitish Kumar," senior JDU leader KC Tyagi said while addressing a press conference here after the national executive meeting. However, he also clarified that JDU won't be a part of the NDA government at the Centre. Rejecting media reports that JDU had forwarded the names of some leaders to be inducted into the Union Council of Ministers, Tyagi said, "JDU did not forward any names for the Cabinet." "In the first meeting between Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar, Shahji said that we have the majority but we will still give symbolic representation to all our allies. Nitish ji politely said that this is not possible." The senior JDU leader asserted that offer to join the Union Cabinet came on a number of occasions, but these were turned down by his party. "Just like the last time, when we did not join the government for two years but continued to support it, similarly, this time too, we will continue to support the government from outside," he said. "We reject all such rumours and misinformation and slandering campaigns," he said while reminding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed 171 meetings for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking about the party's plans discussed at the meeting of the national executive, Tyagi said, "We want to make our party a national party. We are a recognised party in Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. The party has decided to contest the upcoming Assembly election in four states. We will try that we become a national party by 2020." He also made it clear that JDU won't support the scrapping of Article 370. "Jayaprakash Narayan was the only leader to support Article 370 when it was attacked by the Congress and attempts were made to dilute it. We are his descendants. It is our responsibility to raise questions put up by our ancestors. So there won`t be any compromise on that," he said. Commenting on the Ram temple issue, the JDU leader said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat have said it that nothing will happen on the Ram Mandir front until the Supreme Court order is out." "May this government last longer. May the country prosper under the leadership of Narendra Modi but we will not accept anything other than proportional representation," he said. Clarifying about the controversy over JDU leader Prashant Kishor working for TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, Tyagi said, "IPAC has nothing to do with the JDU. Now, he is a doctor (pointing towards a leader sitting beside him). Should he stop giving prescriptions to Congress workers?" "We want BJP to win in West Bengal and the TMC to lose. Is Prashant Kishor going to seek votes? Why would the party have any objection against his works until or unless he doesn`t make a statement or does something against the JDU and NDA," he added.

JDU will remain a part of NDA, will fight 2020 Assembly polls under leadership of Nitish: KC Tyagi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/proportional-representation-in-cabinet-needed-nitish-kumar-223194">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> Saturday distanced his party from Prashant Kishor's decision to offer services as a poll strategist to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying the JD(U) has nothing to do with it.

"Kishor's activities in West Bengal are not in his capacity as a JD(U) leader," the JD(U) chief said, adding Kishore has been in touch with various parties as head of an organisation that advises them on their poll strategies.

His remarks came after the decision vy Kishor, a JD(U) vice president, to work with Banerjee's Trinamool Congress for the 2021 assembly polls raised eyebrows. The TMC is locked in a fierce electoral battle with the BJP, an ally of Nitish Kumar's JD(U).

Though Kumar evaded a direct reply on whether the JD(U) will seek an explanation, he expressed hope that Kishor will be able to answers all the questions on Sunday when the party's national executive meet.

"Kishor joined our party in September last year and we assigned him an important role. But he also heads an organisation that specialises in devising poll strategies for political parties. In that capacity, he has been in touch with various political parties. The JD(U) has nothing to do with it," Kumar told reporters here.

He was responding to queries at the JD(U) state headquarters after launching a nationwide membership drive aimed at expanding the party base.

"We have nothing to do with his activities in West Bengal. We do not even know what type of services his company will be providing in the neighbouring state.&nbsp;

"But we understand this episode has given rise to many misgivings in the media unlike in the past when he similarly offered professional help to the YSR Congress headed by Jaganmohan Reddy which swept to power in Andhra Pradesh," the CM said.

"However, these are matters on which Kishor himself can shed some light. He will be here on Sunday when the party's national executive will meet. We hope that he will come up with an explanation that answers all the questions," Kumar said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Saturday distanced his party from Prashant Kishor's decision to offer services as a poll strategist to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying the JD(U) has nothing to do with it.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Saturday distanced his party from Prashant Kishor's decision to offer services as a poll strategist to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying the JD(U) has nothing to do with it. "Kishor's activities in West Bengal are not in his capacity as a JD(U) leader," the JD(U) chief said, adding Kishore has been in touch with various parties as head of an organisation that advises them on their poll strategies. His remarks came after the decision vy Kishor, a JD(U) vice president, to work with Banerjee's Trinamool Congress for the 2021 assembly polls raised eyebrows. The TMC is locked in a fierce electoral battle with the BJP, an ally of Nitish Kumar's JD(U). Though Kumar evaded a direct reply on whether the JD(U) will seek an explanation, he expressed hope that Kishor will be able to answers all the questions on Sunday when the party's national executive meet. "Kishor joined our party in September last year and we assigned him an important role. But he also heads an organisation that specialises in devising poll strategies for political parties. In that capacity, he has been in touch with various political parties. The JD(U) has nothing to do with it," Kumar told reporters here. He was responding to queries at the JD(U) state headquarters after launching a nationwide membership drive aimed at expanding the party base. "We have nothing to do with his activities in West Bengal. We do not even know what type of services his company will be providing in the neighbouring state. "But we understand this episode has given rise to many misgivings in the media unlike in the past when he similarly offered professional help to the YSR Congress headed by Jaganmohan Reddy which swept to power in Andhra Pradesh," the CM said. "However, these are matters on which Kishor himself can shed some light. He will be here on Sunday when the party's national executive will meet. We hope that he will come up with an explanation that answers all the questions," Kumar said.

JD(U) has nothing to do with Prashant Kishor's activities in West Bengal: Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted on Saturday that his JD(U) stayed out of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre since it felt there was no need for a "symbolic representation" in the Union cabinet and that the decision must not be construed as a result of any disaffection with its ally BJP.

"We are fully with the Modi government. I had made it clear after returning from New Delhi (after the swearing-in). Their party (BJP) has full majority. It has received the mandate to form government on its own and is not dependent on allies. Yet they expressed the view that there should be a symbolic representation of all alliance partners. We thought it was not needed," Kumar told reporters here.

Kumar was replying to queries on the sidelines of a function where he launched a nationwide membership drive carried out by the JD(U), of which he is the national president.

"It is wrong to think that we have any disaffection with the BJP which has led to the decision. We have a different style of working and having a minister or two in the Centre does not matter much to us. We had returned to the NDA in the interests of Bihar and to that end our alliance remains firm," Kumar said.

Kumar had snapped 17-year-old ties with the BJP in 2013 in protest against Narendra Modi's appointment as the party's chief for Lok Sabha election campaign which was seen as a precursor to his elevation as the Prime Ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

Kumar had till then maintained a distance from his Gujarat counterpart in view of the latter's alleged role in the post-Godhra communal riots.

He fought the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the CPI, losing badly and resigned as Chief Minister taking moral responsibility for the drubbing. Thereafter he formed a coalition with arch rival Lalu Prasad, who heads the RJD, and their alliance with the Congress handsomely won the 2015 assembly polls and the RJD supremo's sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav were inducted into the new cabinet headed by Kumar.

However, in 2017 a major controversy broke out following lodging of money laundering cases, by central agencies like CBI and ED against Tejashwi who was also the Deputy CM.

This led to Kumar walking out of the Grand Alliance and returning to the NDA as the BJP, now joined by Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP, came with offer of support.

In the recent general elections, the NDA swept Bihar winning 39 out of 40 seats. The JD(U), which had fought 17 seats, won all but one.

Kumar expressed delight over his party earning the status of a "recognized state party" in Arunachal Pradesh.

About reports that his party's unit in the neighbouring Jharkhand wanted to fight the assembly polls early next year on its own which would pit the JD(U) against the BJP, Kumar said, "Our national executive will meet tomorrow. Our Jharkhand unit members will also be present. We will take a decision based on their inputs."

Despite being an NDA constituent, the JD(U) has maintained that its ties with the BJP were limited to Bihar only and it has contested assembly polls in a number of states ruled by its alliance partner, including Gujarat.

Replying to a query about the ghastly killing of a girl child in Aligarh, whose mutilated body was spotted by passersby when it was being dragged by stray dogs, Kumar said, "It is abominable. The guilty must be punished severely."&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted on Saturday that his JD(U) stayed out of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre since it felt there was no need for a "symbolic representation" in the Union cabinet and that the decision must not be construed as a result of any disaffection with its ally BJP.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted on Saturday that his JD(U) stayed out of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre since it felt there was no need for a "symbolic representation" in the Union cabinet and that the decision must not be construed as a result of any disaffection with its ally BJP. "We are fully with the Modi government. I had made it clear after returning from New Delhi (after the swearing-in). Their party (BJP) has full majority. It has received the mandate to form government on its own and is not dependent on allies. Yet they expressed the view that there should be a symbolic representation of all alliance partners. We thought it was not needed," Kumar told reporters here. Kumar was replying to queries on the sidelines of a function where he launched a nationwide membership drive carried out by the JD(U), of which he is the national president. "It is wrong to think that we have any disaffection with the BJP which has led to the decision. We have a different style of working and having a minister or two in the Centre does not matter much to us. We had returned to the NDA in the interests of Bihar and to that end our alliance remains firm," Kumar said. Kumar had snapped 17-year-old ties with the BJP in 2013 in protest against Narendra Modi's appointment as the party's chief for Lok Sabha election campaign which was seen as a precursor to his elevation as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Kumar had till then maintained a distance from his Gujarat counterpart in view of the latter's alleged role in the post-Godhra communal riots. He fought the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the CPI, losing badly and resigned as Chief Minister taking moral responsibility for the drubbing. Thereafter he formed a coalition with arch rival Lalu Prasad, who heads the RJD, and their alliance with the Congress handsomely won the 2015 assembly polls and the RJD supremo's sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav were inducted into the new cabinet headed by Kumar. However, in 2017 a major controversy broke out following lodging of money laundering cases, by central agencies like CBI and ED against Tejashwi who was also the Deputy CM. This led to Kumar walking out of the Grand Alliance and returning to the NDA as the BJP, now joined by Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP, came with offer of support. In the recent general elections, the NDA swept Bihar winning 39 out of 40 seats. The JD(U), which had fought 17 seats, won all but one. Kumar expressed delight over his party earning the status of a "recognized state party" in Arunachal Pradesh. About reports that his party's unit in the neighbouring Jharkhand wanted to fight the assembly polls early next year on its own which would pit the JD(U) against the BJP, Kumar said, "Our national executive will meet tomorrow. Our Jharkhand unit members will also be present. We will take a decision based on their inputs." Despite being an NDA constituent, the JD(U) has maintained that its ties with the BJP were limited to Bihar only and it has contested assembly polls in a number of states ruled by its alliance partner, including Gujarat. Replying to a query about the ghastly killing of a girl child in Aligarh, whose mutilated body was spotted by passersby when it was being dragged by stray dogs, Kumar said, "It is abominable. The guilty must be punished severely."

JD(U) stayed out of Modi government as we felt there was no need for symbolic representation: Nitish

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers. Watch this video to know more.

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

arendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the second successive time on Tuesday in a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was joined by 24 cabinet-ranked ministers, 24 Ministers of State and another nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge). Watch this video to k now more.

PM Modi, 57 ministers take oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan

BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

BJP chief Amit Shah joins Modi's cabinet 2.0

Putting all speculations to rest, BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. However, the biggest surprise that PM Modi threw up was the inclusion of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar Prasad in cabinet. Watch this video to know more.

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

Narendra Modi took oath of office and secrecy as Prime Minister for the second consecutive term, administered by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony

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

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

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

Proportional representation in cabinet needed: Nitish Kumar

"Never asked for two seats, as reported in media. The government gave us a symbolic representation. We informed them that it is ok we don't need it. It is not a big issue, we are fully in NDA and not upset at all. We are working together,no confusion," says JDU chief Nitish Kumar. Watch this video to know more.

Nitish Kumar denies grudge against BJP over cabinet berths

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