Bihar election LIVE: Campaign ends for first phase of assembly polls

Stay tuned for LIVE updates on Bihar election 2020

1:25 AM

Why are you so ashamed of your parents' photo, Ravi Shankar Prasad asks Tejashwi Yadav

11:59 PM

Some trying to dent NDA's votes: Nadda in veiled dig at Chirag

BJP chief J P Nadda Monday said some people are trying to make a dent in the NDA's votes during the Bihar assembly polls as part of a "conspiracy", and asked people to remain cautious about them, remarks seen as a veiled attack on LJP president Chirag Paswan.

 

Addressing an election rally here, Nadda said, "Some people indulge in conspiracies during elections. They want to make a dent in the NDA. On one hand, they criticise Chief Minister Nitish Kumar but on the other they praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

 

Though he did not name him, Nadda's remarks are being seen as a repudiation of Chirag Paswan's salvos at Kumar but simultaneous praise of Modi.

 

Earlier in the day, Paswan alleged corruption in Kumar's 'Saat Nishchay' (seven resolves) of good governance and said, if voted to power, he will get it probed, and send to jail all those found guilty, including the chief minister.

10:12 PM

One thing is clear, Nitish Kumar won't ever become Bihar CM after November 10: Chirag Paswan

8:51 PM

SC stays HC order asking political parties to hold virtual bypoll campaigns

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Madhya Pradesh High Court order asking political parties to conduct their campaign for the November 3 assembly bypolls virtually instead of holding physical rallies due to COVID-19.

 

A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take an appropriate decision with regard to political rallies as per law and keeping in mind COVID-19 guidelines.

 

The top court was hearing pleas of the ECI and Madhya Pradesh Energy minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar challenging the high court's order of October 20. The top court also asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Tomar, to make a representation to the ECI for loss of time in electioneering due to HC's order. READ MORE...

8:42 PM

Someone making Chirag Paswan dance to their tunes: JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha

8:09 PM

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar faces protest at public meeting; slams RJD

A slipper was flung towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by some protestors while he was going towards his helicopter after completing speech at an election meeting in Sakra in Muzaffarpur district, but it missed the target. Police took four persons in custody on the charge of creating disturbances at the chief minister's rally, police sources said.

 

The Sakra incident is in the series of protests Kumar is facing during his rallies in different parts of the state. At many places, Kumar lost his cool and chided the protestors for "acting on behalf of political rivals" and telling them that nobody is bothered even if they don't vote for him.

 

Addressing rallies in Sakra and Mahua, Kumar hit out at the RJD for making "fake" promises during polls to "cheat" the people. Kumar has been deriding opposition chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav's promise of providing 10 lakh jobs if voted to power. Kumar addressed rallies at Sakra and Kanti in Muzaffarpur district then he moved to neighbouring Vaishali district where he spoke at public meetings in Mahua and Mahnar assembly seats.

7:44 PM

Rahul Gandhi to address two election meetings in Bihar on Wednesday

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address two public election meetings at Valmiki Nagar and Kusheshwar Asthan in Bihar on October 28. Senior state Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra on Monday said that Gandhi will hold the meeting at Valmiki Nagar at 12 noon and the one at Kusheshwar Asthan at 2.30 pm.

 

Bypoll to the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha seat will be held on November 7, while Kusheshwar Asthan Assembly constituency will go to polls on November 3.

 

In Bihar, the Congress is a part of the RJD-headed Grand Alliance which also has the CPI(ML), CPI(M) and the CPI as constituents. The Assembly elections in the state would be held in three phases - on October 28, November 3 and November 7. Counting of votes will be taken up on November 10.

7:03 PM

Some trying to make a dent in NDA: Nadda s indirect attack on Chirag

BJP chief J P Nadda Monday said some people are trying to make a dent in the NDA alliance during the ongoing polls in Bihar and "we should remain cautious against them", in remarks seen as an oblique attack on LJP president Chirag Paswan.

 

Addressing an election rally here, Nadda said, "Some people indulge in conspiracies during elections. They want to make a dent in the NDA. On one hand, they criticise Chief Minister Nitish Kumar but on the other they praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

 

Though he did not name him, Naddas remarks is seen as a repudiation of Chirag Paswans political salvos against the chief minister but praise of Modi. Earlier in the day, Paswan alleged corruption in Kumars Saat Nishchay (seven resolves) scheme of good governance and said if voted to power he would get it probed and send to jail those found guilty including the chief minister.

6:34 PM

LJP will probe Nitish govt's 7 resolves scheme if voted to power: Chirag Paswan

Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan Monday alleged corruption in Nitish Kumars flagship 'Saat Nishchay' (seven resolves) scheme and said if voted to power he will get it probed and send to jail those found guilty, including the chief minister.

 

The LJP chief also raised accusing finger on Kumar in the implementation of prohibition laws in the state and accused the CM of gaining from smuggling of liquor into the state.

 

"Why not, if found guilty. Just because he is chief minister he wont go to jail? Corruption is taking place right under his nose, Chirag told PTI-Bhasha over phone from Arwal when asked if he indeed intends to send Kumar to jail on charge of corruption in the implementation of seven resolves. READ MORE...

5:50 PM

BJP President J P Nadda addressed a public rally in Bihar's Purnia

5:36 PM

Campaign ends for first phase of Bihar assembly election

Curtain came down on Monday over campaign for 71 assembly segments of Bihar which go to polls on October 28, in the first phase of elections. Leading the NDA charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew down to address as many as three rallies where he urged the voters to vote Chief Minister Nitish Kumar back to power.

 

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whose party is contesting the elections in alliance with Lalu Prasads RJD and three Left parties, also chipped in with two rallies.

 

The BJPs quest for dominance over the states political scene, evident from a seat-sharing deal as part of which it clinched nearly as many constituencies as the JD(U) its senior partner so far- resonated during the election campaign.

5:26 PM

Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad addresses a public rally in Bihar's Purnia

4:10 PM

The more Congress hates PM, the more people support Modi: Nadda

Hitting out at the Congress for its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda on Monday said the more the opposition party and its leaders "lie" and "hate" Modi, the more people will support him.

 

In a series of tweets, Nadda lambasted both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son and MP Rahul Gandhi for their reproval of the Prime Minister on a range of issues.

 

Combination of despondency and shamelessness is dangerous. Congress possesses both. Empty rhetoric of decency and democracy by the Mother is complemented' by live demonstrations of politics of hate, anger, lies and aggression by the Son. Double standards galore, Nadda said.

 

The BJP president made these remarks in response to an article written by Sonia Gandhi in an English daily alleging that democracy is being hollowed out in the Modi dispensation.

3:57 PM

Inflation biggest issue in Bihar polls, 60 scams occured under Nitish Kumar's leadership: Tejashwi Yadav

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday said that besides unemployment, inflation is the biggest issue in Bihar Assembly Elections as onion prices are skyrocketing. He also alleged that 60 scams to the tune of about Rs 30,000 crore have taken place in the state under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

 

"Inflation is the biggest issue. BJP people used to wear a garland of onions. Now it is about to touch Rs 100/kg. Those who were speaking about onion when it touched Rs 50-60/kg are now silent when it has crossed Rs 80/kg. Starvation and poverty are rising in the state," Yadav said while speaking to media.

 

"There is unemployment, small traders are destroyed. GDP is falling, we are going through an economic crisis. Farmers are being destroyed, youth is unemployed, Bihar is poor and people are migrating for education, jobs and medical help," he added.

 

3:34 PM

The more Congress leaders "lie" and "hate" PM Modi, the more people will support him: J P Nadda

3:23 PM

Rahul Gandhi to address two election rallies in Bihar on Oct 28

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be addressing two rallies in Bihar on October 28, in Valmikinagar and Kusheshwar Asthan. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7. The counting of votes will be held on November 10.

 

While BJP is fighting the elections along with Janata Dal (United), and two other parties, while the Congress is fighting the elections under the banner of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, along with the Left parties.

3:07 PM

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar addresses a public rally at Sakra Vidhan constituency in Muzzafarpur

2:55 PM

BJP President J P Nadda addressing a public rally in Bihar's Aurangabad

2:23 PM

Bihar Assembly elections 2020: Campaigning for first phase to end today

The campaigning for the first phase of the high-decibel Bihar Assembly Elections will end on Monday (today) evening.

 

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising, among others, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal(United), is up against the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan,' comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and Left parties.

 

Top leaders of both the alliances are making a last-ditch effort to woo the voters as only one day is left for campaigning for the first phase of elections. Political bigwigs Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also addressed rallies on Friday. READ MORE...

2:11 PM

BJP President J P Nadda addressing a public rally in Bihar's Aurangabad

1:51 PM

Bihar polls: Mayawati asks voters to guard against tactics of rival parties

BSP president Mayawati on Monday warned voters in Bihar to guard against "conspiracies" of rival parties as she sought support for her party's alliance in the polls. Voting for 243 assembly seats in Bihar will be held on October 28, November 3 and November 7.

 

In a tweet, the former UP chief minister said, "Preparations for the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections begins today with the end of the election campaign. Therefore, there is an appeal to everyone that they should take care against all kind of conspiracies and tactics of opponents and cast their votes and make the BSP and RLSP coalition successful.

 

The BSP, which is contesting on 80 seats in Bihar, has entered into an alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Samaj Party. Mayawati had earlier stated that the objective of the alliance would be to provide equal rights and political representation to Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, upper castes and marginalised sections of society.

1:23 PM

BJP people used to wear a garland of onions, now it's selling for Rs 100/kg: Tejashwi Yadav

1:23 PM

Bihar election 2020: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address two rallies in Bihar on 28th October

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address two rallies in Bihar on 28th October - in Valmikinagar and Kusheshwar Asthan. 

1:14 PM

Providing free coronavirus vaccine is state matter: Manoj Tiwari slams Uddhav Thackeray

Calling it a 'state matter' Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Tiwari on Monday slammed Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who criticised the BJP for including the promise of free Covid-19 vaccines for people of Bihar in the manifesto ahead of the state polls.

 

"Instead of slamming BJP, why doesn't Uddhav ji ensures free vaccine for COVID-19 in Maharashtra. This is purely a state matter, elections are going on in Bihar and NDA (National Democratic Allaince) will provide free vaccine if voted to power. In fact, we think that Uddhav ji should bear the overall expenses of the vaccine if he wants to," Bhojpuri-actor and singer-turned politician Tiwari said.

1:03 PM

Bihar elections: Mayawati asks voters to guard against tactics of rival parties

BSP president Mayawati on Monday warned voters in Bihar to guard against "conspiracies" of rival parties as she sought support for her party's alliance in the polls.

 

Voting for 243 assembly seats in Bihar will be held on October 28, November 3 and November 7.

10:27 AM

'Corrupt' Nitish Kumar involved in 'Saat Nischay' scam, will be sent to jail if found guilty: Chirag Paswan

A day after claiming that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would be put behind bars if his party is voted to power, Chirag Paswan, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief on Monday called Kumar a "corrupt" leader and accused him of being involved in the corruption in 'Saat Nischay' (Seven Resolves).

 

"I said that if they are guilty, they will be sent to jail after probe. How can it be possible that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar doesn't know about large-scale scams and corruption? He is involved too. If not, it will be clear in a probe. But people and I believe that he is involved, he is corrupt," Paswan told ANI on being asked about his allegations against Nitish Kumar over 'Saat Nischay'.

 

On Sunday, addressing a rally in Dumraon, Buxar in the run-up to polling in Bihar, Paswan said, " I am making a promise to you today - the corruption in '7 Nischay' (scheme) will be probed when LJP comes to power and those at fault, whether it is CM or any official, will be sent to jail."

10:25 AM

Bihar election 2020 LIVE: Mayawati seeks votes for BSP, alliance partners

As campaigning for the first phase of the high-decibel Bihar Assembly elections ends today evening, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati has appealed to people of Bihar to vote for BSP and its alliance partners.

 

"Preparations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began today with the end of the election campaign. Therefore, there is an appeal to everyone that they should make the BSP and RLSP, etc. coalition successful by giving their vote, while staying away from all kinds of tactics and conspiracies of the opponents," Mayawati tweeted.

10:14 AM

Bihar Assembly elections 2020: Campaigning for first phase to end today

The campaigning for the first phase of the high-decibel Bihar Assembly Elections will end on Monday (today) evening.

 

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising, among others, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal(United), is up against the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan,' comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and Left parties. Read on...

9:43 AM

Bihar election 2020 LIVE: People and I believe Nitish Kumar is corrupt, says Chirag Paswan

I said that if they're guilty, they'll be sent to jail after probe. How can it be possible that CM doesn't know about large scale scams & corruption? He's involved too. If not, it'll be clear in a probe. But people & I believe that he's involved, he is corrupt: Chirag Paswan, LJP

9:42 AM

Why is liquor ban not being reviewed? Is liquor smuggling not going on? Everyone is getting it: Chirag Paswan

Why is liquor ban not being reviewed? Is liquor smuggling not going on? Everyone is getting it. Govt & admn are colluding. There is not one minister in Bihar govt who doesn't know about it. If you don't want to review it, it means you yourself are involved: Chirag Paswan, LJP