From Mithilanchal to Saran and Patna to Rohtas, each region has produced at least one contest that captures the state’s political restlessness. Six such assembly seats, in particular, stand out for their personalities, controversies, and symbolism.

Bihar polls 2025 | ‘Celebrities, rebels and cultural icons’: Six key seats to watch this election season

With elections scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, and results on November 14, Nitish’s political moves continue to shape Bihar’s electoral landscape.

Bihar polls 2025: From NDA to RJD and back, how many times has Nitish Kumar taken oath as CM?

The Patna police on Saturday said that multiple angles are being probed into the murder of&nbsp;prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said that several police teams, including from Vaishali and Patna, are investigating the matter. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K Sharma confirmed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and ongoing raids, including inside Beur Jail, to trace possible leads.&nbsp;The Bihar DGP said the police are also probing possible links of Khemka's murder to that of his son's killing in 2018.&nbsp;"Investigation is ongoing, and many dimensions are being investigated. Many teams are working on it. Vaishali police are also working on it, as in 2018, Gopal Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, was murdered there, and Vaishali police are investigating if there is any link... CCTV footage is being reviewed, which shows a perpetrator retreating after the incident," he said.&nbsp;"As soon as we received the information, the police took swift action. We received the information with some delay, and we are also investigating whether the information was received earlier and if there has been any delay on anyone's part," he added.&nbsp;Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said the police were raiding Beur jail to find out possible links to the murder.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the law and order situation in the state in a meeting with&nbsp;Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar in the wake of Khemka's killing.&nbsp;"Held a review meeting on law and order with the Director General of Police and other senior police officials at 'Sankalp'. Law and order are the government's topmost priority. No matter who the criminals are, they will not be spared at any cost," he wrote on X.&nbsp;Kumar further stated that police and administration in the state had been instructed to work with full preparedness and strictness.&nbsp;"Directed to expedite the investigation of criminal incidents and take swift action against the guilty. Instructed the police and administration to work with full preparedness and strictness to maintain law and order," the post added.&nbsp;Reacting to Khemka's murder, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that there was a jungle raj in Bihar.&nbsp;"Hundreds of businessmen are being murdered in Bihar every month, but we can't call it jungle raj? Because this is what the scriptures call media management, perception management, and image management", Tejashwi Yadav wrote on 'X' in Hindi.&nbsp;RJD leader Mrtiyunjay Tiwari slammed the Bihar government, saying Nitish Kumar wasn't fit to remain the chief minister of the state.

The Patna police on Saturday said that multiple angles are being probed into the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. 

The Patna police on Saturday said that multiple angles are being probed into the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said that several police teams, including from Vaishali and Patna, are investigating the matter. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K Sharma confirmed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and ongoing raids, including inside Beur Jail, to trace possible leads. The Bihar DGP said the police are also probing possible links of Khemka's murder to that of his son's killing in 2018. "Investigation is ongoing, and many dimensions are being investigated. Many teams are working on it. Vaishali police are also working on it, as in 2018, Gopal Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, was murdered there, and Vaishali police are investigating if there is any link... CCTV footage is being reviewed, which shows a perpetrator retreating after the incident," he said. "As soon as we received the information, the police took swift action. We received the information with some delay, and we are also investigating whether the information was received earlier and if there has been any delay on anyone's part," he added. Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said the police were raiding Beur jail to find out possible links to the murder. Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the law and order situation in the state in a meeting with Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar in the wake of Khemka's killing. "Held a review meeting on law and order with the Director General of Police and other senior police officials at 'Sankalp'. Law and order are the government's topmost priority. No matter who the criminals are, they will not be spared at any cost," he wrote on X. Kumar further stated that police and administration in the state had been instructed to work with full preparedness and strictness. "Directed to expedite the investigation of criminal incidents and take swift action against the guilty. Instructed the police and administration to work with full preparedness and strictness to maintain law and order," the post added. Reacting to Khemka's murder, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that there was a jungle raj in Bihar. "Hundreds of businessmen are being murdered in Bihar every month, but we can't call it jungle raj? Because this is what the scriptures call media management, perception management, and image management", Tejashwi Yadav wrote on 'X' in Hindi. RJD leader Mrtiyunjay Tiwari slammed the Bihar government, saying Nitish Kumar wasn't fit to remain the chief minister of the state.

Gopal Khemka murder: Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said the police were raiding Beur jail to find out possible links to the murder.

How's Bihar police investigating Gopal Khemka murder: 'Probing 2018 murder'

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav announced on Sunday that he has expelled his eldest son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the family and the party, citing his “irresponsible conduct and deviation from the family’s values and public decorum,” after the latter said in a social media post on Saturday that he was “in a relationship" with a young woman.&nbsp;On Saturday, Lalu’s eldest son, Tej Pratap, shared a post on Facebook, declaring his long-standing relationship with one Anushka Yadav, saying that they have been in love and in a relationship for the past 12 years.&nbsp;The former Bihar CM announced his decision in a social media post, saying that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice, adding that the conduct of Tej Pratap was not in line with family values or traditions.&nbsp;Lalu said in a post on X, “Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct, and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years. He is capable of seeing the good and bad and merits and demerits of his personal life. All those who will have relations with him should make their own decisions. I have always been an advocate of public shame in public life. The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this idea in public life.”&nbsp;Tej Pratap’s brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “We cannot tolerate such things, we are working and are dedicated to the people of Bihar. If it’s about my big brother, political life and personal life are different. He has the right to make his personal decisions. He is an adult and free to make decisions. Our party’s chief has made it clear, and ever since he has said so, it is his feelings. We didn’t question such things... What he is doing in his personal life, nobody asks before doing anything. I have come to know about it via the media only.” Tej Pratap has often been in the limelight due to his eccentric behaviour and controversial statements.&nbsp;Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya, who donated one of her kidneys to the RJD patriarch, also supported her father’s decision of expelling Taj Pratap, and said in a post on X, “Those who take care of the dignity of the environment, tradition, family and upbringing are never questioned. Those who abandon their wisdom and repeatedly commit the mistake of crossing the limits of decent conduct and family prestige, they make themselves the subject of criticism. For us, Papa is like God, family is our temple and pride, and the party built by Papa’s tireless efforts and struggles and the concept of social justice are our worship. We will never accept that the reputation of these three is tarnished due to anyone."&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">निजी जीवन में नैतिक मूल्यों की अवहेलना करना हमारे सामाजिक न्याय के लिए सामूहिक संघर्ष को कमज़ोर करता है। ज्येष्ठ पुत्र की गतिविधि, लोक आचरण तथा गैर जिम्मेदाराना व्यवहार हमारे पारिवारिक मूल्यों और संस्कारों के अनुरूप नहीं है। अतएव उपरोक्त परिस्थितियों के चलते उसे पार्टी और परिवार…&mdash; Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) <a href="https://twitter.com/laluprasadrjd/status/1926573894661496910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The former Bihar Chief Minister announced his decision in a social media post, saying that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice, adding that the conduct of Tej Pratap was not in line with family values or traditions.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav announced on Sunday that he has expelled his eldest son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the family and the party, citing his “irresponsible conduct and deviation from the family’s values and public decorum,” after the latter said in a social media post on Saturday that he was “in a relationship" with a young woman. On Saturday, Lalu’s eldest son, Tej Pratap, shared a post on Facebook, declaring his long-standing relationship with one Anushka Yadav, saying that they have been in love and in a relationship for the past 12 years. The former Bihar CM announced his decision in a social media post, saying that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice, adding that the conduct of Tej Pratap was not in line with family values or traditions. Lalu said in a post on X, “Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct, and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years. He is capable of seeing the good and bad and merits and demerits of his personal life. All those who will have relations with him should make their own decisions. I have always been an advocate of public shame in public life. The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this idea in public life.” Tej Pratap’s brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “We cannot tolerate such things, we are working and are dedicated to the people of Bihar. If it’s about my big brother, political life and personal life are different. He has the right to make his personal decisions. He is an adult and free to make decisions. Our party’s chief has made it clear, and ever since he has said so, it is his feelings. We didn’t question such things... What he is doing in his personal life, nobody asks before doing anything. I have come to know about it via the media only.” Tej Pratap has often been in the limelight due to his eccentric behaviour and controversial statements. Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya, who donated one of her kidneys to the RJD patriarch, also supported her father’s decision of expelling Taj Pratap, and said in a post on X, “Those who take care of the dignity of the environment, tradition, family and upbringing are never questioned. Those who abandon their wisdom and repeatedly commit the mistake of crossing the limits of decent conduct and family prestige, they make themselves the subject of criticism. For us, Papa is like God, family is our temple and pride, and the party built by Papa’s tireless efforts and struggles and the concept of social justice are our worship. We will never accept that the reputation of these three is tarnished due to anyone."

The former Bihar Chief Minister announced his decision in a social media post, saying that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the party’s collective struggle for social justice, adding that the conduct of Tej Pratap was not in line with family values or traditions.

RJD supremo Lalu Yadav expels elder son Tej Pratap from party for 6 years

Bihar Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Nitish+Kumar" rel="dofollow">Nitish Kumar</a> on Saturday (Jan 4) said that "he made a mistake twice" in the past by joining hands with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).&nbsp;
Nitish Kumar's statement comes after RJD spremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc.&nbsp;
Yadav said that Nitish should also open the gates as it would facilitate movement from both sides.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-are-you-saying-bihar-cm-nitish-reacts-to-rjd-leader-lalu-yadavs-invite-to-india-bloc-8586600" rel="dofollow">Also read: 'What are you saying,' Bihar CM Nitish reacts to RJD leader Lalu Yadav's invite to INDIA bloc</a>
However, the Bihar CM hinted at remaining with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;
This comes amid the ongoing speculations of a potential "tie-up" between JDU and the Mahagathbandhan ahead of the Bihar polls.&nbsp;
Nitish while addressing a review meeting said, "The people of Bihar gave us a chance to work from November 24, 2005. Since then, we have been continuously working for the development of the state. Before 2005, Bihar&rsquo;s condition was very bad. People were afraid to leave their houses after evening, there was no arrangement for treatment in hospitals, and the roads were dilapidated."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bjp-confirms-nitish-kumar-as-ndas-chief-minister-candidate-for-2025-polls-786278" rel="dofollow">Also read: Bihar BJP confirms Nitish Kumar as NDA's chief minister candidate for 2025 polls</a>
He added that when the people of Bihar gave us a chance to work, the condition of the state changed.&nbsp;
"We went here and there by mistake twice. But now we will always stay together and will develop the country along with Bihar," Kumar added.&nbsp;
Earlier on Thursday, Lalu Yadav said, "Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides."&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/al-qaeda-after-nitish-kumar-authorities-act-as-bihar-cmo-gets-threatening-email-attributed-to-terror-group-746967" rel="dofollow">Also read: Al-Qaeda after Nitish Kumar? Authorities act as Bihar CMO gets threatening email attributed to terror group</a>
However, when journalists asked Nitish Kumar about the RJD supremo's offer, the Bihar CM reacted with, "What are you saying?"&nbsp;
"What are you saying (Kya bol rahe hain)" was all Nitish Kumar said in response when journalists asked him about Prasad's offer, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Nitish Kumar's statement comes after Yadav on Wednesday said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday (Jan 4) said that "he made a mistake twice" in the past by joining hands with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Nitish Kumar's statement comes after RJD spremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc. Yadav said that Nitish should also open the gates as it would facilitate movement from both sides. Also read: 'What are you saying,' Bihar CM Nitish reacts to RJD leader Lalu Yadav's invite to INDIA bloc However, the Bihar CM hinted at remaining with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This comes amid the ongoing speculations of a potential "tie-up" between JDU and the Mahagathbandhan ahead of the Bihar polls. Nitish while addressing a review meeting said, "The people of Bihar gave us a chance to work from November 24, 2005. Since then, we have been continuously working for the development of the state. Before 2005, Bihar’s condition was very bad. People were afraid to leave their houses after evening, there was no arrangement for treatment in hospitals, and the roads were dilapidated." Also read: Bihar BJP confirms Nitish Kumar as NDA's chief minister candidate for 2025 polls He added that when the people of Bihar gave us a chance to work, the condition of the state changed. "We went here and there by mistake twice. But now we will always stay together and will develop the country along with Bihar," Kumar added. Earlier on Thursday, Lalu Yadav said, "Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides." Also read: Al-Qaeda after Nitish Kumar? Authorities act as Bihar CMO gets threatening email attributed to terror group However, when journalists asked Nitish Kumar about the RJD supremo's offer, the Bihar CM reacted with, "What are you saying?" "What are you saying (Kya bol rahe hain)" was all Nitish Kumar said in response when journalists asked him about Prasad's offer, Indian news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

'Went here and there by mistake twice,' Bihar CM Nitish hints at staying with NDA after Lalu Yadav's invite

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=lalu+prasad" rel="dofollow"> Lalu Prasad Yadav</a> on Wednesday (Dec 1) said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc.&nbsp;
Yadav said that Nitish should also open the gates as it would facilitate movement from both sides.&nbsp;
"Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides," Lalu Yadav said.
When journalists asked Nitish Kumar about the RJD supremo's offer, the Bihar CM reacted with, "What are you saying?"&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-files-chargesheet-in-lalu-prasads-land-for-job-case-11-suspects-named-747695" rel="dofollow">Also read: India: ED files chargesheet in Lalu Prasad's land-for-job case, 11 suspects named</a>
Nitish Kumar gave no affirmative response.&nbsp;
"Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying?)" was all Nitish Kumar said in response when journalists asked him about Prasad's offer, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;
Former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lallan" snapped when asked about Lalu Yadav's remark.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/does-he-not-feel-ashamed-lalu-prasad-yadav-comes-down-heavily-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-696247" rel="dofollow">Also read: &lsquo;Does he not feel ashamed?&rsquo; Lalu Prasad Yadav comes down heavily on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar&nbsp;</a>
"The NDA is strong. JD(U) and BJP are united. It is a free society, and anybody can say whatever he pleases. It is for Lalu ji to say more on his own utterances," Lalan Singh said.
Last year, Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the INDIA bloc after spearheading its formation and joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;
Nitish remained Bihar CM, but RJD leader and Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav had to step down as deputy chief minister.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-responds-to-lalu-prasad-yadavs-doors-remain-open-remark-691268" rel="dofollow">Also read: India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar responds to Lalu Prasad Yadav&rsquo;s &lsquo;doors remain open&rsquo; remark</a>
Right after his resignation, the Janata Dal (United) chief took oath as the chief minister for a record ninth time.&nbsp;
<h2>Tejashwi Yadav's reaction</h2>
Lalu's son, Tejashwi Yadav, said that he said this just to calm everyone down.&nbsp;
"You keep asking him this; what else would he say? He said this just to calm you all down," he said.&nbsp;
<h2>Maharashtra CMs' reaction</h2>
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed Lalu Yadav's offer, saying "his dreams will always remain dreams. They will never be fulfilled."
(With inputs from agencies)

India News: "Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides," Lalu Yadav said.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday (Dec 1) said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc. Yadav said that Nitish should also open the gates as it would facilitate movement from both sides. "Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides," Lalu Yadav said. When journalists asked Nitish Kumar about the RJD supremo's offer, the Bihar CM reacted with, "What are you saying?" Also read: India: ED files chargesheet in Lalu Prasad's land-for-job case, 11 suspects named Nitish Kumar gave no affirmative response. "Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying?)" was all Nitish Kumar said in response when journalists asked him about Prasad's offer, Indian news agency PTI reported. Former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lallan" snapped when asked about Lalu Yadav's remark. Also read: ‘Does he not feel ashamed?’ Lalu Prasad Yadav comes down heavily on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar "The NDA is strong. JD(U) and BJP are united. It is a free society, and anybody can say whatever he pleases. It is for Lalu ji to say more on his own utterances," Lalan Singh said. Last year, Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the INDIA bloc after spearheading its formation and joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Nitish remained Bihar CM, but RJD leader and Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav had to step down as deputy chief minister. Also read: India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar responds to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘doors remain open’ remark Right after his resignation, the Janata Dal (United) chief took oath as the chief minister for a record ninth time. Tejashwi Yadav's reaction Lalu's son, Tejashwi Yadav, said that he said this just to calm everyone down. "You keep asking him this; what else would he say? He said this just to calm you all down," he said. Maharashtra CMs' reaction Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed Lalu Yadav's offer, saying "his dreams will always remain dreams. They will never be fulfilled." (With inputs from agencies)

'What are you saying,' Bihar CM Nitish reacts to RJD leader Lalu Yadav's invite to INDIA bloc

The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together. It has been decided that 70 seats in the state will be contested by the JMM and Congress. The rest of the seats will be discussed further," Soren said.&nbsp;

"We can't go into the details of the seat-sharing right now. Our alliance partner is not here right now. When they are here, we will finalise the number of seats and other details," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The seat-sharing talks are underway with other alliance partners, including&nbsp;Rashtriya Janata Dal&nbsp;(RJD) and Left parties, for the remaining 11 segments.&nbsp;

<h2>BJP announces first list of 66 candidates&nbsp;</h2>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 66 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand polls, with party fielding its state president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar and former chief minister Champai Soren from Saraikela.

Jharkhand will be voting in two phases on November 13 and 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poll-body-eci-announces-dates-for-maharashtra-jharkhand-assembly-elections-767677">Also read:&nbsp;India: Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections</a>

In the last assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha as part of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) contested for 43 seats, Congress (31) and the RJD had seven seats in the 81-member assembly.

The JMM however, is expected to increase its share because it believes that Hemant Soren is a key face in Jharkhand and the grand alliance will get votes on his name, the party said.

Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta said that the INDIA alliance is doing its work smoothly and people will vote to continue the ruling coalition government in the state.

"Our in charge, (state) president, CLP leader together sat down with INDIA Alliance team. Everything has become very systematic. There is no 'if or but' anywhere. INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly. We say this very confidently that the people of Jharkhand will give a chance once again to the INDIA Alliance government led by Hemant Soren," Gupta&nbsp;said.

<h2>RJD expressed discontent over seat-sharing&nbsp;</h2>

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed discontent over the seat sharing with its INDIA bloc allies Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for the Jharkhand assembly elections.&nbsp;

“We have come before you for a special reason. You can see that our entire leadership is here at the request of our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji. We had a meeting this morning and it was decided in that meeting that the strength of votes and the mass base is in favor of RJD,” party MP Manoj Jha said as per&nbsp;news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Election Date 2024: Maharashtra To Go To Polls On Nov 20, Jharkhand To Vote On Nov 13, 20

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“For example, let me tell you that last time we fought on 7 seats because Lalu ji had a big heart, his goal was to oust the BJP, and the goal is the same even today, we were runner-up on 5 seats. The rest of our alliance partners may not have been runners-up in percentage terms on that many seats...A unilateral decision was taken,” the RJD minister&nbsp;claimed.

“Our presence in different districts is very strong, we will urge our alliance partners to take a decision accordingly. Our in-charge is here, our state president is here and since yesterday our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji himself is here...Despite everyone being there, if you did not involve us in the process of allying, then it is painfully...In the meeting that we had today, we have identified 15 to 18 such seats in different districts where we are probably capable of defeating the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)&nbsp;even alone,” Gupta added.&nbsp;

“All options open for us. All decisions cannot be taken instantly like '2 minutes' noodles,” Indian news agency PTI quoted Jha as saying.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera,&nbsp;when asked about RJD's displeasure over seat sharing, told ANI, "There is no resentment or displeasure from anyone."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly.

The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly. "INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together. It has been decided that 70 seats in the state will be contested by the JMM and Congress. The rest of the seats will be discussed further," Soren said. "We can't go into the details of the seat-sharing right now. Our alliance partner is not here right now. When they are here, we will finalise the number of seats and other details," he added. The seat-sharing talks are underway with other alliance partners, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left parties, for the remaining 11 segments. BJP announces first list of 66 candidates The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 66 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand polls, with party fielding its state president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar and former chief minister Champai Soren from Saraikela. Jharkhand will be voting in two phases on November 13 and 20. Votes will be counted on November 23. Also read: India: Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections In the last assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha as part of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) contested for 43 seats, Congress (31) and the RJD had seven seats in the 81-member assembly. The JMM however, is expected to increase its share because it believes that Hemant Soren is a key face in Jharkhand and the grand alliance will get votes on his name, the party said. Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta said that the INDIA alliance is doing its work smoothly and people will vote to continue the ruling coalition government in the state. "Our in charge, (state) president, CLP leader together sat down with INDIA Alliance team. Everything has become very systematic. There is no 'if or but' anywhere. INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly. We say this very confidently that the people of Jharkhand will give a chance once again to the INDIA Alliance government led by Hemant Soren," Gupta said. RJD expressed discontent over seat-sharing The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed discontent over the seat sharing with its INDIA bloc allies Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for the Jharkhand assembly elections. “We have come before you for a special reason. You can see that our entire leadership is here at the request of our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji. We had a meeting this morning and it was decided in that meeting that the strength of votes and the mass base is in favor of RJD,” party MP Manoj Jha said as per news agency ANI. Watch | Election Date 2024: Maharashtra To Go To Polls On Nov 20, Jharkhand To Vote On Nov 13, 20 × “For example, let me tell you that last time we fought on 7 seats because Lalu ji had a big heart, his goal was to oust the BJP, and the goal is the same even today, we were runner-up on 5 seats. The rest of our alliance partners may not have been runners-up in percentage terms on that many seats...A unilateral decision was taken,” the RJD minister claimed. “Our presence in different districts is very strong, we will urge our alliance partners to take a decision accordingly. Our in-charge is here, our state president is here and since yesterday our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji himself is here...Despite everyone being there, if you did not involve us in the process of allying, then it is painfully...In the meeting that we had today, we have identified 15 to 18 such seats in different districts where we are probably capable of defeating the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) even alone,” Gupta added. “All options open for us. All decisions cannot be taken instantly like '2 minutes' noodles,” Indian news agency PTI quoted Jha as saying. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera, when asked about RJD's displeasure over seat sharing, told ANI, "There is no resentment or displeasure from anyone." (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc to fight Jharkhand elections together, JMM-Congress to contest 70 of 81 seats: CM Hemant Soren

Bihar BJP Media in-charge Danish Iqbal on Monday (Oct 7) launched a scathing attack on former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav's 'upbringing and mentality', alleging that several items like furniture, light fixtures, and air conditioners were found missing from the bungalow after the RJD leader vacated it.

"The base of the bed is missing, the AC and lights have been removed, and the water outlets in the washroom have been taken out. Even the badminton court mat has been taken, and the fountain lights and sofas have been taken. It's clear that when Tejashwi Yadav vacated the house, he took everything with him. This speaks volumes about his mentality," Danish Iqbal said.

"I'm not just accusing him, but it is completely proven. The way Tejaswi Yadav vacated his official residence, shows his upbringing. The way he vacated the house, he has displayed how to loot government's property," he added.

Bihar Deputy CM, Samrat Chaudhary, was supposed to move into this bungalow during Navratri, but there were disputes around it beforehand.

Watch |&nbsp;Bihar Floods: Residents Wade Through Chest-High Floodwaters In Indian State

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According to Danish Iqbal, the deputy chief minister's government mansion at 5 Desh Ratna Marg has CCTV cameras installed, however, the hard drive for the cameras is also&nbsp; missing.

Meanwhile, Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Monday granted bail to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad Yadav and his sons and party leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav in the land for job money laundering case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-nitish-kumar-tejashwi-yadav-in-same-flight-to-delhi-netizens-say-they-may-land-in-10-janpath-728890">Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav sit next to each other on flight to Delhi</a>

They have been granted bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs&nbsp;1 lakh ($1190) each and surety bond in the like amount. Lalu Yadav's daughter and party MP Misa Bharti also arrived in court with them. Special judge Vishal Gogne granted bail to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and other accused persons. The next date of hearing is October 25.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bihar BJP Media in-charge Danish Iqbal on Monday (Oct 7) launched a scathing attack on former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav's 'upbringing and mentality', alleging that several items like furniture, light fixtures, and air conditioners were found missing from the bungalow after the RJD leader vacated it.

Bihar BJP Media in-charge Danish Iqbal on Monday (Oct 7) launched a scathing attack on former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav's 'upbringing and mentality', alleging that several items like furniture, light fixtures, and air conditioners were found missing from the bungalow after the RJD leader vacated it. "The base of the bed is missing, the AC and lights have been removed, and the water outlets in the washroom have been taken out. Even the badminton court mat has been taken, and the fountain lights and sofas have been taken. It's clear that when Tejashwi Yadav vacated the house, he took everything with him. This speaks volumes about his mentality," Danish Iqbal said. "I'm not just accusing him, but it is completely proven. The way Tejaswi Yadav vacated his official residence, shows his upbringing. The way he vacated the house, he has displayed how to loot government's property," he added. Bihar Deputy CM, Samrat Chaudhary, was supposed to move into this bungalow during Navratri, but there were disputes around it beforehand. Watch | Bihar Floods: Residents Wade Through Chest-High Floodwaters In Indian State × According to Danish Iqbal, the deputy chief minister's government mansion at 5 Desh Ratna Marg has CCTV cameras installed, however, the hard drive for the cameras is also missing. Meanwhile, Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Monday granted bail to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad Yadav and his sons and party leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav in the land for job money laundering case. Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav sit next to each other on flight to Delhi They have been granted bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh ($1190) each and surety bond in the like amount. Lalu Yadav's daughter and party MP Misa Bharti also arrived in court with them. Special judge Vishal Gogne granted bail to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and other accused persons. The next date of hearing is October 25. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BJP accuses RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of stealing sofa sets, ACs upon vacating official bungalow

On Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the Assembly, expressing frustration towards an RJD MLA and questioning, "You are a woman, don’t you know anything?

On Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the Assembly, expressing frustration towards an RJD MLA and questioning, "You are a woman, don’t you know anything?" This comment led to a sharp reaction from senior RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, who charged Kumar with frequently making derogatory remarks about women. During the Assembly session, Kumar faced criticism from opposition MLAs, particularly from the RJD and Congress, with whom he was allied earlier this year. The opposition chanted slogans and condemned Kumar for his government's "failures" regarding reservation and special status for Bihar. Kumar mentioned that the government is challenging the Patna High Court's ruling in the Supreme Court, but this did little to calm the opposition. Also read: Govt declared him dead. So, this Indian man committed crime to prove himself alive As the protests persisted during his speech, an increasingly frustrated Kumar lost temper and said, "Arre mahila ho, kuch jaanti nahin ho? Arre bol rahi hai, kahan se aate? Yeh logo ne kabhi mahila ko aage badhaya tha? Bol rahi ho? Faltu. Isliye ham keh rahe hai, chup chaap suno. Arre kya hua? Sunoge nahin? Hum to sunayenge. Agar aap nahin suniyega, to aap logo ki galti hai." Translation: (You are a woman, don’t you know anything? Look at her talking. Have you [the opposition] ever promoted women? You’re talking nonsense. So we’re saying, listen quietly. What’s happening? If you don’t listen, it’s your fault.) Responding to the chief minister's comments, Tejashwi Yadav posted in Hindi on X, "'You are a woman, do you know anything?' It seems making derogatory, unwelcome, uncivilised, and rude remarks about women has become a habit of Honourable Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This is a very serious and concerning issue for the state." "A short while ago, the chief minister made an inappropriate comment about the appearance of a BJP woman MLA from a tribal community. Today, he commented on Rekha Paswan, a Scheduled Caste woman MLA. Honourable Shri Nitish ji appears to see himself as the supreme authority, the greatest sage, interpreter, and creator of the universe. According to him, no one else knows anything," added the RJD leader. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s ‘You are a woman, don’t you know anything?’ remark sparks outrage

The Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Left parties, on March 29 announced the seat-sharing formula for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Left parties, on March 29 announced the seat-sharing formula for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan is fielding candidates in all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar, with RJD or Rashtriya Janta Dal contesting on more than half the seats. Congress on the other hand has settle for only 9 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. CPI-ML or Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) will field candidates from three seats, and CPI and CPM will contest from one seat each. Here's a detailed seat allocation list of the INDIA bloc: Rashtriya Janta Dal RJD will field candidates in the following Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar: Gaya Nawada Jahanabad Aurangabad Buxar Pataliputra Munger Jamui Banka Valmiki Nagar Purvi Champaran Sheohar Sitamarhi Vaishali Saran Siwan Gopalganj Ujiyarpur Darbhanga Madhubani Jhanjharpur Supaul Madhepura Purnia Araria Hazipur Congress Kishanganj Katihar Bhagalpur Muzaffarpur Samastipur (SC) West Champaran Patna Sahib Sasaram (SC) Maharajganj CPI-ML Aarh Karakat Nalanda CPI Begusarai CPM Khagaria NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) which includes Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) have also announced their seat-sharing list on March 18. In Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party will fight the elections on 17 seats while the JD(U) will field candidates on 16 seats. LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM will fight elections in one constituency each. What happened in the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha elections? The BJP-led NDA won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, the INDIA bloc could only win one seat. The BJP won 17 seats, JD(U) won 16 seats, and LJP won 6 seats. Meanwhile, the INC could only secure one seat. Bihar Lok Sabha election schedule This time, Lok Sabha elections in Bihar will be held in 7 phases with the first phase on April 19, the second on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the last phase on June 1.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Mahagathbandhan announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9

A potential rift seems to be brewing between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress in Bihar over the latter’s unilateral decision to hand poll tickets to candidates for four seats in the state where polls will be held in the first phase on April 19.

India Election 2024: RJD-Congress fight over seat sharing in Bihar

Amid the seat-sharing discussion, the Congress party has allegedly demanded as many as 15 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats to contest in Bihar. However, the final consensus between the Congress and the RJD is yet to be reached on seat-sharing. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Congress, RJD discuss seat-sharing in Bihar

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017.

He then questioned Kumar's decision to return to the NDA fold asking if he ever feels ashamed about the way he keeps changing sides.

While addressing the party's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna, Yadav said, "We never abused him when he broke alliance with us. We just called him Paltu-Ram at that time. But we made the same mistake again, and Tejashwi made the same mistake again. We knew something was happening in Raj Bhawan. There was nothing wrong with that government (previous Bihar govt). Does he not feel ashamed?"

He then appealed to the public to make the BJP lose in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls stating that the opinion of Bihar resonates with that of the country.

"Bihar has given lots of great personalities. In the same Gandhi Maidan, leaders of the country have held rallies and meetings. A message went to the whole country from here. Bihar's opinion has so much power that the people of the country imitate what Bihar decides. Tomorrow also, the same is going to happen," he said.

Opposition leaders such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav were also present at the RJD's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-former-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-quits-politics-says-my-clinic-awaits-my-return-696193">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’</a>

<h2>'Who will take guarantee of Nitish Kumar,' says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav</h2>

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also slammed the Bihar CM over repeatedly changing sides stating that the state government should get an insurance done because of JD-U chief Kumar's repeated U-turns.

"They (BJP) say 'Modi ki Guarantee', but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar? They accuse us of nepotism&nbsp;but they have Samrat Choudhary, brother of Ram Vilas Paswan, Manjhi ji's son has been made minister, it doesn't look like any nepotism to them," Tejashwi said.

"Due to the U-turn taken by Nitish Kumar, it seems that the state government should get its insurance done. They say Modi ki Guarantee, but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar," he said a day after PM Modi accused Congress-RJD of nepotism.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017. He then questioned Kumar's decision to return to the NDA fold asking if he ever feels ashamed about the way he keeps changing sides. While addressing the party's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna, Yadav said, "We never abused him when he broke alliance with us. We just called him Paltu-Ram at that time. But we made the same mistake again, and Tejashwi made the same mistake again. We knew something was happening in Raj Bhawan. There was nothing wrong with that government (previous Bihar govt). Does he not feel ashamed?" He then appealed to the public to make the BJP lose in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls stating that the opinion of Bihar resonates with that of the country. "Bihar has given lots of great personalities. In the same Gandhi Maidan, leaders of the country have held rallies and meetings. A message went to the whole country from here. Bihar's opinion has so much power that the people of the country imitate what Bihar decides. Tomorrow also, the same is going to happen," he said. Opposition leaders such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav were also present at the RJD's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’ 'Who will take guarantee of Nitish Kumar,' says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also slammed the Bihar CM over repeatedly changing sides stating that the state government should get an insurance done because of JD-U chief Kumar's repeated U-turns. "They (BJP) say 'Modi ki Guarantee', but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar? They accuse us of nepotism but they have Samrat Choudhary, brother of Ram Vilas Paswan, Manjhi ji's son has been made minister, it doesn't look like any nepotism to them," Tejashwi said. "Due to the U-turn taken by Nitish Kumar, it seems that the state government should get its insurance done. They say Modi ki Guarantee, but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar," he said a day after PM Modi accused Congress-RJD of nepotism. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Does he not feel ashamed?’ Lalu Prasad Yadav comes down heavily on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister&nbsp;of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar&nbsp;will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12). Ahead of the trust vote, JDU has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance.&nbsp;

JDU's chief whip Shravan Kumar said that those defying the whip "will lose their membership" even as he maintained that it was a "routine exercise that takes place ahead of every assembly session".

Apart from JDU, former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief, Jitan Ram Manjhi has also issued a whip to the four MLAs of his party, instructing them to vote in favour of the NDA.&nbsp;

While the ruling party covers its bases, legislators of the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' (Mega-alliance) started arriving at&nbsp;Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna on Saturday (Feb 10).&nbsp;

After the meeting, some of the legislators were prevented from returning home. According to experts, RJD is wary of some MLAs ditching the party and joining NDA. Keeping them locked till the voting is a way to ensure the opposition is not further weakened.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bihars-nitish-kumar-teams-up-with-bjp-jdu-exit-threatens-india-alliance-684623" target="_blank">Watch | India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bihars-nitish-kumar-teams-up-with-bjp-jdu-exit-threatens-india-alliance-684623/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Nitish's return and INDIA bloc's doom&nbsp;</h2>

Nitish returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold is not a new phenomenon and certainly not the first time the JP movement leader has taken a U-turn on his political allegiances.&nbsp;

In 2013, when Narendra Modi was announced as the BJP's PM candidate, an angry Kumar left the alliance, only to return in 2017 before breaking up again in 2022. His return this time around, however, has far-reaching consequences.&nbsp;

After Nitish switched allegiances, the fate of the INDIA bloc has been sealed. The opposition alliance was the last-ditch effort by the legacy parties to stop the BJP juggernaut.&nbsp;Bihar with&nbsp;40 Lok Sabha seats was the only state in the Hindi heartland where the INDIA bloc had its party in power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-in-numbers-nda-now-backed-by-127-mlas-as-mahagathbandhan-collapses-684576" target="_blank">Also read | Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses</a>&nbsp;

However, with Nitish gone, there is a great probability that the BJP will sweep the region and further add to its riches.&nbsp;The INDIA alliance, cobbled together after much trouble in a bid to keep the BJP-led NDA at bay, is falling flat at the first hurdle of 'seat sharing', effectively depicting&nbsp;that it was set up for failure from the beginning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12).

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12). Ahead of the trust vote, JDU has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance. JDU's chief whip Shravan Kumar said that those defying the whip "will lose their membership" even as he maintained that it was a "routine exercise that takes place ahead of every assembly session". Apart from JDU, former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief, Jitan Ram Manjhi has also issued a whip to the four MLAs of his party, instructing them to vote in favour of the NDA. While the ruling party covers its bases, legislators of the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' (Mega-alliance) started arriving at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna on Saturday (Feb 10). After the meeting, some of the legislators were prevented from returning home. According to experts, RJD is wary of some MLAs ditching the party and joining NDA. Keeping them locked till the voting is a way to ensure the opposition is not further weakened. Watch | India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance Nitish's return and INDIA bloc's doom Nitish returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold is not a new phenomenon and certainly not the first time the JP movement leader has taken a U-turn on his political allegiances. In 2013, when Narendra Modi was announced as the BJP's PM candidate, an angry Kumar left the alliance, only to return in 2017 before breaking up again in 2022. His return this time around, however, has far-reaching consequences. After Nitish switched allegiances, the fate of the INDIA bloc has been sealed. The opposition alliance was the last-ditch effort by the legacy parties to stop the BJP juggernaut. Bihar with 40 Lok Sabha seats was the only state in the Hindi heartland where the INDIA bloc had its party in power. Also read | Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses However, with Nitish gone, there is a great probability that the BJP will sweep the region and further add to its riches. The INDIA alliance, cobbled together after much trouble in a bid to keep the BJP-led NDA at bay, is falling flat at the first hurdle of 'seat sharing', effectively depicting that it was set up for failure from the beginning. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ahead of Bihar floor test, JD (U) issues whip to MLAs, RJD locks up its legislators

India's law enforcement agency, ED, grilled Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, for nearly 10 hours in connection with a money laundering case.

India's Law Enforcement Agency grills Lalu Prasad Yadav, questioned for nearly 10 hours

Lalu Yadav questioned for nearly 10 hours by law enforcement agency in land-for-jobs case

Former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged land-for-jobs scam, a day after his father and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav appeared before the agency.

India: ED questions ex-Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in 'land-for-jobs' scam

India: ED interrogates ex-Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav a day after grilling his father

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. 
 
As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister.

<h2 lang="en-US">RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin'</h2>

Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." 
 
As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a>

As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. 
 
"The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. 
 
In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly.

<h2 lang="en-US">Congress tries to avert crisis</h2>

Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. 
 
"I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. 
 
"Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns

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The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.”

<h2 lang="en-US">JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood'</h2>

Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. 
 
"The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. 
 
"The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". 
 
"Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin' Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....” Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. "The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly. Congress tries to avert crisis Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. "I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. "Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said. Watch: The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.” JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood' Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. "The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". "Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar keeps Bihar politics on tenterhooks; RJD, Congress react to crisis

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday received sanction to prosecute former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in the land-for -job scam.&nbsp;Last year, the CBI had filed an FIR in the land-for-railway-job&nbsp;case and named Lalu Yadav, his wife and daughters as accused in the case along with several others. The alleged scam took place when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway Minister between 2004 to 2009.&nbsp;

The CBI had in July 2022 arrested Bhola Yadav, who used to be the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Lalu Prasad Yadav when he was railway minister, in the alleged land-for-job case.&nbsp;

The FIR reads that during the period 2004 to 2009. various persons were appointed as substitutes on group D post in different zones of the Railway in exchange for land, by the unknown public servants of the Indian Railway and later they were regularized.&nbsp;

It was further alleged that unknown public servants of the Indian Railway did not follow the instructions/guidelines issued by the department prevalent during the relevant period for appointment of substitutes in group D post in railways.&nbsp;

It further reads that enquiry has revealed that some individuals who were&nbsp;residents of Patna, Bihar were appointed as substitutes on group D&nbsp;posts during the period 2004-2009 in different zones of railways at Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, Hajipur and in lieu thereof the individuals themselves or their family members transferred their land in the name of family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, then Minister of Railway, and a Company AK Infosystems Private Limited.&nbsp;

"Out of seven instances of land transfer, it is revealed that three sale deeds were executed in favour of Rabri Devi, wife of Lalu Yadav, one sale deed was executed in the name of Misha Bharti, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav, one sale deed was executed in favour of M/s AK Infosystems Private Limited, in which later Rabri Devi became major shareholder, in the year 2014 and currently she is one of the directors of the company. Two gift deeds were executed in favour of Hema Yadav, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav," it reads.&nbsp;

The enquiry has prima facie revealed that a total of 12 persons were appointed as substitutes in six different Zones of Railway during the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Minister of Railway i.e. from 2004 to 2009 in exchange for above mentioned seven instances of land transfer.&nbsp;

Interestingly, in most of the cases of land transfer, payment to the sellers was shown to be done in cash. The current value of the above said seven parcels of land including the land acquired through gift deeds as per the existing circle rate is about Rs 4.39 crore.&nbsp;

The enquiry has prima facie indicated that Lalu Prasad Yadav as Minister of Railway, as a public servant abused his official position for obtaining&nbsp;a pecuniary advantage in the name of his family members in the form of land in the matter of appointment of substitutes in group D post in different Zones of Railway.&nbsp;

CBI conducted searches at 17 locations belonging to Lalu Yadav and his family members in Delhi and Bihar in May 2022.&nbsp;

Back in August 2022, the CBI conducted raids at 25 different places reportedly in connection with the land-for-job&nbsp;scam.&nbsp;

In Bihar, the raids were conducted at the properties linked to RJD MLC Sunil Singh and three MPs Ashfaque Karim, Faiyaz Ahmed and Subodh Roy.&nbsp;

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday received sanction to prosecute former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in the land-for -job scam.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday received sanction to prosecute former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in the land-for -job scam. Last year, the CBI had filed an FIR in the land-for-railway-job case and named Lalu Yadav, his wife and daughters as accused in the case along with several others. The alleged scam took place when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway Minister between 2004 to 2009. The CBI had in July 2022 arrested Bhola Yadav, who used to be the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Lalu Prasad Yadav when he was railway minister, in the alleged land-for-job case. The FIR reads that during the period 2004 to 2009. various persons were appointed as substitutes on group D post in different zones of the Railway in exchange for land, by the unknown public servants of the Indian Railway and later they were regularized. It was further alleged that unknown public servants of the Indian Railway did not follow the instructions/guidelines issued by the department prevalent during the relevant period for appointment of substitutes in group D post in railways. It further reads that enquiry has revealed that some individuals who were residents of Patna, Bihar were appointed as substitutes on group D posts during the period 2004-2009 in different zones of railways at Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, Hajipur and in lieu thereof the individuals themselves or their family members transferred their land in the name of family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, then Minister of Railway, and a Company AK Infosystems Private Limited. "Out of seven instances of land transfer, it is revealed that three sale deeds were executed in favour of Rabri Devi, wife of Lalu Yadav, one sale deed was executed in the name of Misha Bharti, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav, one sale deed was executed in favour of M/s AK Infosystems Private Limited, in which later Rabri Devi became major shareholder, in the year 2014 and currently she is one of the directors of the company. Two gift deeds were executed in favour of Hema Yadav, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav," it reads. The enquiry has prima facie revealed that a total of 12 persons were appointed as substitutes in six different Zones of Railway during the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Minister of Railway i.e. from 2004 to 2009 in exchange for above mentioned seven instances of land transfer. Interestingly, in most of the cases of land transfer, payment to the sellers was shown to be done in cash. The current value of the above said seven parcels of land including the land acquired through gift deeds as per the existing circle rate is about Rs 4.39 crore. The enquiry has prima facie indicated that Lalu Prasad Yadav as Minister of Railway, as a public servant abused his official position for obtaining a pecuniary advantage in the name of his family members in the form of land in the matter of appointment of substitutes in group D post in different Zones of Railway. CBI conducted searches at 17 locations belonging to Lalu Yadav and his family members in Delhi and Bihar in May 2022. Back in August 2022, the CBI conducted raids at 25 different places reportedly in connection with the land-for-job scam. In Bihar, the raids were conducted at the properties linked to RJD MLC Sunil Singh and three MPs Ashfaque Karim, Faiyaz Ahmed and Subodh Roy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: CBI gets nod to prosecute RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in land-for-job scam

The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-20-navigation-channels-opened-after-decades-sewage-pipes-laid-for-houseboat-waste-disposal-540160">Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal</a>

Lalu Prasad Yadav is seen being brought to the ICU while Tejashwi checks on his father in a video footage Tejashwai shared on his social media handle. He gave his older sister his gratitude for providing the crucial organ to their father. Tejashwi Yadav said that the transplant procedure was successful and that his father was moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad's wife and the previous chief minister of Bihar, is also visible in the background in the video footage. “After Papa's kidney transplant operation was successful, he was shifted from operation theater to ICU,” as per the english translatin of Tejashwi's tweet on his Twitter handle. Rohini Acharya tweeted a picture of herself in her hospital bed just before having a kidney transplant, writing, "Ready to rock and roll, wish me luck."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-exit-polls-timings-results-date-all-you-need-to-know-540083">Himachal Pradesh Exit polls timings, results date, all you need to know</a>

“Both the donor (and) elder sister Rohini Acharya and (RJD) national president are healthy. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” he said in another post wherein he also shared a seven-second clip. According to multiple reports, the RJD chief Lalu Yadav has long experienced a number of health problems. Most recently, the medical professionals caring for him suggested a kidney transplant.&nbsp;

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पापा का किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक होने के बाद उन्हें ऑपरेशन थियेटर से आईसीयू में शिफ्ट किया गया। 
 
डोनर बड़ी बहन रोहिणी आचार्य और राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष जी दोनों स्वस्थ है। आपकी प्रार्थनाओं और दुआओं के लिए साधुवाद। 🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/JR4f3XRCn2">pic.twitter.com/JR4f3XRCn2</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1599675635634667520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter gave her sick father a kidney. Tejashwi said last month that while several members of his family were eager to help their sick father, his older sister Rohini Archarya had the finest match. Following the announcement of her choice to give a kidney to her sick father, Acharya, who is in her forties, has been posting emotional messages on Twitter. "It is just a small chunk of flesh that I wish to give away to my father. I can do anything for him. Please pray that things turn out well and Papa is fit again to give voice to you all," she said in a post.&nbsp;

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The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle.

The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle. ALSO READ | Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal Lalu Prasad Yadav is seen being brought to the ICU while Tejashwi checks on his father in a video footage Tejashwai shared on his social media handle. He gave his older sister his gratitude for providing the crucial organ to their father. Tejashwi Yadav said that the transplant procedure was successful and that his father was moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad's wife and the previous chief minister of Bihar, is also visible in the background in the video footage. “After Papa's kidney transplant operation was successful, he was shifted from operation theater to ICU,” as per the english translatin of Tejashwi's tweet on his Twitter handle. Rohini Acharya tweeted a picture of herself in her hospital bed just before having a kidney transplant, writing, "Ready to rock and roll, wish me luck." ALSO READ | Himachal Pradesh Exit polls timings, results date, all you need to know “Both the donor (and) elder sister Rohini Acharya and (RJD) national president are healthy. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” he said in another post wherein he also shared a seven-second clip. According to multiple reports, the RJD chief Lalu Yadav has long experienced a number of health problems. Most recently, the medical professionals caring for him suggested a kidney transplant. पापा का किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक होने के बाद उन्हें ऑपरेशन थियेटर से आईसीयू में शिफ्ट किया गया। डोनर बड़ी बहन रोहिणी आचार्य और राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष जी दोनों स्वस्थ है। आपकी प्रार्थनाओं और दुआओं के लिए साधुवाद। 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/JR4f3XRCn2 — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) December 5, 2022 × WATCH | Did Ramaphosa sell Buffaloes worth $4 mn? South African President to challenge sec 89 of the report Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter gave her sick father a kidney. Tejashwi said last month that while several members of his family were eager to help their sick father, his older sister Rohini Archarya had the finest match. Following the announcement of her choice to give a kidney to her sick father, Acharya, who is in her forties, has been posting emotional messages on Twitter. "It is just a small chunk of flesh that I wish to give away to my father. I can do anything for him. Please pray that things turn out well and Papa is fit again to give voice to you all," she said in a post. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A new lease of life for Lalu Yadav as daughter donates father her kidney, Tejashwi shares VIDEO update

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

Gravitas: Decoding the 'political divorce' in Bihar

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

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

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

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

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

Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time

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