Page 7 - Bihar

Two decades of Nitish Kumar: How 'Sushasan babu' reshaped Bihar's story

As he seeks another term as chief minister, let's revisit Nitish Kumar's long tenure at the post which saw reforms in infrastructure, education, and law and order

Being Bihari matter of pride for people of state now: Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday asserted that law and order has remarkably improved in the state after his government came to power in November 2005 and claimed that "being Bihari is a matter of pride now" for its residents. In a lengthy post on X, the CM wrote, "People can't forget Bihar before 2005, when crime and corruption were at their peak in the state. When our government came to power in 2005, we prioritised the restoration of law and order above all else and established the rule of law. A policy of zero tolerance was adopted for crime and corruption. Now, there is no atmosphere of fear or terror in the state. Now, being Bihari is a matter of pride for the people of the state." Hitting out at the INDIA bloc, without taking names of the Opposition leaders, the CM said that before 2005 (when the RJD was in power), there was complete anarchy in the state. "It had become difficult for people to step out of their homes after 6 pm. Our sisters and daughters were not ..

Waqf Act to be 'thrown into dustbin' if INDIA bloc wins Bihar: Tejashwi

If the INDIA bloc is voted to power in Bihar, the Waqf (Amendment) Act would be "thrown into the dustbin", the opposition coalition's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav said on Sunday. Addressing a public rally in the Muslim-dominated Katihar district, Yadav said his father, Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, never compromised with communal forces in the country. "But Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has always supported such forces, and it is because of him that the RSS and its affiliates are spreading communal hatred in the state as well as in the country. The BJP should be called 'Bharat Jalao Party'. If the INDIA bloc comes to power in the state, we will throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin," he said. The Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in April. The ruling BJP-led NDA has described the law as a force for transparency and empowerment of backward Muslims and women from the community, but the opposition claimed that it infringes on the rights of Muslims. On Saturday, RJD MLC Mohammad Q

Congress to launch Bihar poll campaign after Chhath; Rahul to lead

The Congress's poll campaign in Bihar will kick off soon after Chhath Puja with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi canvassing for the INDIA bloc, senior party leader KC Venugopal said on Sunday. Venugopal, the Congress national general secretary (organisation), said that other party leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and national president Mallikarjun Kharge, will also campaign in the state, where the Voter Adhikar Yatra in August gave the party the much-needed momentum. "Our campaign will kick off soon after Chhath Puja. I think Rahul Gandhi will be here on October 29 and 30. Tours of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge are also on the cards," he told PTI video. Venugopal, who is a close aide of Gandhi, is among a number of senior Congress leaders who are camping in the poll-bound state to fine-tune the party's strategy, besides diffusing the crisis in its rank and file, which has come to the fore with many workers alleging that tickets were "put up for sale". Wh

Rahul Gandhi slams Centre, criticises 'overcrowded' Chhath trains to Bihar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that trains to Bihar are "packed" and tickets impossible to get with the journey becoming "inhuman" during the festive season, as he asserted that "helpless travellers" are a living proof of the "NDA's deceitful policies and intentions". The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said safe and respectable travel is a right, not a favour. "It's a month of festivals - ?Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath. In Bihar, these festivals mean more than just faith, but also a yearning to return home -? the fragrance of the soil, the affection of family, the warmth of the village," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. But this yearning has now become a struggle, Gandhi said. "Trains to Bihar are packed, tickets are impossible to get, and the journey has become inhuman. Many trains are 200% overloaded -? people are hanging onto doors and roofs," the former Congress leader said. The "failed double-engine" government's claims are hollow, he said. "Wher

RJD leader Pratima Kushwaha joins BJP ahead of Bihar Assembly elections

Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, RJD leader Pratima Kushwaha, who had earlier served as the chief of its state women's wing, joined the BJP on Saturday, claiming that "grassroots leaders are not respected" in the opposition party. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal welcomed her to the saffron party. Talking to reporters here, Jaiswal said, "The environment of nepotism and dynastic politics is so prevalent within the RJD and the Congress that their leaders are feeling disenchanted. This is the reason why several of their leaders are joining the BJP." He claimed that the NDA will form a government in Bihar with a two-thirds majority this time under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kushwaha said, "The RJD is no longer the party it used to be under the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav." She alleged that "grassroots leaders are not respected" under the party, which, along with the family heading it, "stands deeply fragmented". Kushwaha ..

Bihar polls: Police warn against posting caste-tinged songs on social media

Police in poll-bound Bihar cautioned people against posting songs with provocative caste overtones on social media and said strict action would be taken against those trying to disrupt peace and violate the model code of conduct' in the state, DGP Vinay Kumar said. No misuse of social media platforms will be tolerated, he said. The comment comes after supporters of several political parties are posting songs and short videos to spread "caste-based messages", another officer said. Police will take strict action against those who post objectionable and double-meaning songs with provocative caste overtones, including those of Bhojpuri, on social media platforms. Such acts are considered attempts to disrupt peace and violations of the model code of conduct in the poll-bound Bihar," the DGP told PTI. The guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) are very clear in this regard, he said. Several agencies are ensuring that EC guidelines are strictly enforced in the state, the DG

PM Modi shares Chhath songs, extends greetings to devotees across India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of Chhath, a four-day festival to worship the Sun god celebrated across the country, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern UP. "With the sacred ritual of 'Nahay-Khay', the four-day grand festival of Chhath begins today. I extend my heartfelt wishes to devotees across Bihar and the entire nation. My respect and salute to all those observing the fast," the prime minister said in a post on X. He also shared a song by noted singer Sharda Sinha, whose soulful renditions add to the festival fervour. Modi said he was in Begusarai on Friday, a place with which Sinha shared a soulful connection. "This magnificent festival of our culture symbolises simplicity and restraint, whose sanctity and adherence to rules are unparalleled. The sights at the Chhath ghats on this auspicious occasion inspire wonderful familial and social harmony. The ancient tradition of Chhath has had a profound impact on our society," Modi

CM Nitish promises 10 mn job opportunities for Bihar youth in next 5 yrs

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted the challenges faced by the state during the previous government's term, further underscoring the development brought by the BJP-led NDA in Bihar

PM Modi urges sharing Chhath songs, says melodies add divine essence

Encouraging citizens to send their favourite Chhath songs, PM Modi said he would share them on his social media platforms over the next few days

PM Modi, Amit Shah to address public rallies in poll-bound Bihar today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address public rallies separately in various parts of poll-bound Bihar on Friday. The PM will address two poll rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai districts, while Shah will participate in such programmes in Siwan and Buxar. Before addressing the public rally in Samastipur, the PM will visit Karpurigram, the birthplace of socialist icon and former Bihar CM late Karpoori Thakur, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna last year by the NDA government. "Four mega public rallies, which will be addressed by the PM and Shah in different parts of the state on Friday, will energise the BJP. The party is fully prepared for the assembly polls," its Bihar unit spokesperson Niraj Kumar told PTI. The 243-member Bihar Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results set to be announced on November 14. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has been declared chief ministerial candidate of the 'Mahagathbandhan' for t

Jan Sangh toppled Karpoori govt over OBC quota in Bihar: Congress jabs PM

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the birthplace of socialist icon Karpoori Thakur, the Congress on Friday took a swipe at the PM and asked whether it is not an acknowledged fact that the Jan Sangh brought down Thakur's government in Bihar in April 1979 when the-then CM introduced reservation for OBCs. The opposition party also asked whether it is not a fact that the PM and his "trouble-engine sarkar" in the state did nothing to provide protection to Bihar's 65% reservation law for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs, and EBCs under the Constitution. The attack came ahead of PM Modi addressing two poll rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai districts. Before addressing the public rally in Samastipur, the PM will visit Karpurigram, the birthplace of socialist icon and former Bihar CM late Karpoori Thakur, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna last year by the NDA government. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed questions to the PM and

Mithilanchal's rich heritage struggles amid decay and limited employment

Mithilanchal, Bihar's most distinctive region, boasts Maithili culture, Madhubani art and Dhrupad music but suffers from industrial decline, migration and limited economic opportunities

Bihar Assembly polls: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is Opposition's CM face

PM Modi invokes Bihar's 'jungle raj' hours after the INDIA bloc names Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate; Congress hopes move will end alliance rifts

Datanomics: Half of Bihar's MLAs face serious charges ahead of polls

As Bihar heads to the polls, new data from ADR exposes deep-rooted criminalisation across parties - with nearly half of its former MLAs facing serious criminal charges

Bihar's 'jungle raj' will be remembered for 100 years, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the "jungle raj" in Bihar will be discussed for another 100 years and no matter how hard the opposition tries to hide its misdeeds, people will not forgive it. Training his guns at the RJD-Congress tie-up on a day Tejashwi Yadav was declared the Grand Alliance's chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar polls, Modi said the opposition alliance is not a "gathbandhan" but a "lathbandhan" (a coalition of criminals) as all its leaders from Delhi and Bihar are out on bail. Modi asked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to ensure that elderly people educate youngsters about the atrocities during the "jungle raj", an apparent reference to the time when Bihar was under the rule of RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Addressing the "Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot: Yuva Samvaad" event through audio-conferencing, the prime minister said people will not forget the "jungle raj" in Bihar for another 100 years and no matter how hard the opposition tries to hide

Bihar elections fight between 'Vikaas' and 'Vinaash', says JP Nadda

BJP chief J P Nadda on Thursday said that the assembly elections in Bihar will be a fight between 'Vikaas' (development) of the NDA and 'Vinaash' (destruction) of the INDIA bloc. Addressing a rally in Aurangabad district, Nadda lashed out at the Congress, accusing it of being a "parasitic party that finishes off its junior alliance partners". The senior BJP leader attacked the RJD, saying the Lalu Prasad-led party stands for 'Rangdari' (extortion), 'Jungleraj' (anarchy) and 'Dadagiri' (intimidation). Making light of Tejashwi Yadav's promise to provide employment to youngsters and check out-migration, he said such promises of the RJD reminded him of the party's alleged involvement in the land-for-jobs scam. He also lambasted the RJD for giving a ticket to gangster-turned-politician, the late Md Shahabuddin's son Osama in the upcoming polls, stating it showed how concerned the party is for Bihar.

Elaborate arrangements at Bihar stations to handle Chhath rush: Railways

Elaborate arrangements have been made in all stations in the Hajipur-headquartered East Central Railway (ECR) zone in view of the heavy rush of passengers during Chhath Puja, a senior official said. ECR General Manager Chhatrasal Singh on Wednesday said the priority of the railways is to facilitate the smooth arrival and departure of travellers, and ensure their safety by preventing any untoward incidents. "The number of Chhath special trains has been increased from 7,500 to 12,000 this year. A large number of people are expected to visit Bihar in the coming days to celebrate Chhath. The preparations for their arrival are already complete. However, the real challenge will arise when they return to their workplaces after the festival," he said. "The window for the return is narrow, but for that too, preparations are in the last stage," he added. Singh said the construction of holding areas at all major terminals will be completed by Thursday night, following which the ECR will condu

Bihar election | RJD's Tejashwi Yadav promises permanent job & ₹30,000 per month for 'Jeevika Didis'

In a significant pre-election announcement, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has unveiled a sweeping plan to provide permanent government jobs

ITC Hotels opens 98-key Welcomhotel in Bodh Gaya, boosting tourism

ITC Hotels on Wednesday announced that it has opened a Welcomhotel in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, featuring convention facilities along with 98 rooms & suites. The 18-acre property is poised to redefine Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in the state, ITC Hotels said. "Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya stands as a reflection of our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that celebrate local heritage while upholding the highest standards of service excellence. Bodh Gaya, with its timeless appeal, stands as an enriching destination that resonates deeply with travellers to this historical region," Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said. Located nearly 12 km from Gaya International Airport, Welcomhotel Bodh Gaya provides easy access for both domestic and international travellers, the company said. Visitors can explore Bodh Gaya's spiritual and cultural richness - from the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple and serene monasteries to the ancient ruins of ..