A tutor raped a Dalit girl in 2001, converted to Islam and remained in hiding for 24 years. Find out how the police apprehended him.
Kerala police have arrested a rape accused in Chennai after 24 years. The man was accused of sexually assaulting a minor Dalit girl in 2001. Police are investigating the case further. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police have arrested a rape accused who was absconding in Chennai after 24 years. This Kerala man was accused of sexually assaulting a minor Dalit girl in 2001. The accused has been identified as 50-year-old Muthukumar, who converted to Christianity and was living in Chennai under the alias Pastor Sam. Police arrested the accused on Wednesday. The accused worked as a tutor. According to Thiruvananthapuram police, Muthukumar was arrested in 2001 for raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl. At that time, the accused was working as a tutor. Police say he took the Dalit girl to his home and sexually assaulted her. He was subsequently arrested and sent to judicial custody for three months. He escaped after being released on bail in 2001. A police officer stated that this was one of the longest-pending cases. The police officer stated that the police had intensified their search for him over the past year. He further stated that he may have converted to another religion to hide. The police officer stated that he had neither purchased a mobile connection nor opened a bank account. Mother and brother traced during police investigation After being implicated in the rape case, Muthukumar was asked to vacate his rented house. He lived in the rented house with his mother. After being released on bail, he moved to Nagercoil. He then moved to Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu. The police officer stated that during the investigation, police traced his mother and brother in Tenkasi. The police officer further stated that when they checked the family’s mobile phone call details, they discovered that calls from certain numbers had stopped after the police arrived. The officer further stated that funds had also suddenly stopped flowing into their accounts from some accounts. Police are investigating further. With the help of the cyber cell, the police discovered that the same mobile device was operating with two different SIM cards. Further investigation revealed that the mobile phone was being used by a woman in Chennai, who turned out to be the accused’s wife. Police stated that the court would be informed of the accused’s arrest. Authored by: NBT Desk About the Author NBT Desk: Whether it’s national, international, sports news, or insider news from the political corridors, NBT News Desk brings you every news.
3 RPF officials booked for murder after Dalit man dies in custody
His family members allege that he was beaten severely by the RPF personnel and was given electric shocks during interrogation. A 35-year-old Dalit man, taken in for theft, was found dead while in the custody of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Uttar Pradesh‘s Gonda district. The incident prompted the suspension of three officials, who have also been booked for murder. The victim, Sanjay Kumar Sonkar’s family, has claimed that his death was a result of custodial torture. They alleged that he was beaten severely by the RPF personnel and was given electric shocks during interrogation. The officers reportedly placed the body in the mortuary without informing them. The RPF had detained him on Tuesday, November 4, in connection with a recent oil theft case from a goods train at Barua Chak railway station. Soon after, Sonkar was rushed to the government medical college by the RPF officials, where he was declared dead. Three officers suspended Sub-inspectors Surendra Kumar and Karan Singh Yadave, along with constable Amit Kumar Yadav, have been suspended. RPF senior commandant Chadra Mohan Mishra confirmed that a departmental probe was initiated into the custodial death charges. Crime inspector of Gonda City Kotwali police station, Sabhajeet Singh, verified that a murder case has also been registered against the three officers. Singh stated that the preliminary medical report from the attending doctor confirmed that Sonkar was dead when he arrived at the hospital. Meanwhile, RPF senior commandant Mishra stated that the RPF team was led to Sonkar during the investigation of the oil theft case. The stolen oil was procured from the accused victim’s possession on the same day. Mishra also claimed that the accused’s condition deteriorated while they were conducting the recovery procedure. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he later died. The circle officer (CO) of Gonda City said that the initial autopsy report was inconclusive, stating that the “cause of death is not ascertained.” However, the viscera were preserved for forensic tests to investigate further. The CO also clarified that the body showed no clear signs of injury, other than “one or two abrasions”, which cannot be a cause for death. Posted by Khadija Irfan Rahim Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bihar Elections 2025: Voting for the BJP proved costly in Gopalganj, RJD supporters brutally beat a Dalit family, injuring three.
Bihar Elections 2025: Following the first phase of voting in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, shocking news has emerged from Gopalganj. A Dalit family was attacked by RJD supporters for voting for the BJP in the Baikunthpur Assembly constituency. Three people were seriously injured. Bihar Elections 2025: Following the first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections on November 6th, a shocking incident has emerged from the Baikunthpur Assembly constituency in Gopalganj. Three members of the same family were fatally attacked while returning after casting their votes. According to reports, the attackers allegedly asked them which party they had voted for. When the three mentioned the BJP, they became enraged and brutally beat them with sticks and rods. Beaten for Voting for the BJP This incident occurred with Mukesh Ram (28), his father Chhattu Ram, and his brother Chhotu Ram. All three live in the Dalit settlement of Bucheya village. Mukesh, describing the incident, said that yesterday (November 6th), late in the evening, they were returning from the Sidhavaliya polling booth in the Baikunthpur Assembly constituency. On their way to the Dalit settlement, some dominant villagers stopped them and asked whom they had voted for. According to Mukesh, as soon as they revealed that they had voted for the BJP, the men became enraged. They attacked them with deadly weapons and beat them with sticks. The attackers turned out to be RJD supporters Mukesh and his family have accused Akhilesh Yadav, Vishal Yadav, and his father, along with about half a dozen other people from the village, of the attack. Mukesh stated clearly that these people attacked them because they did not vote for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). All three men sustained serious injuries in the attack. He was immediately admitted to the Sidhavaliya Community Health Center (CHC), where he received initial treatment. Later that evening, he was referred to the emergency ward of Gopalganj Sadar Hospital for better treatment. BJP candidate also reached the hospital Upon learning of the incident, BJP candidate Mithilesh Tiwari reached Gopalganj Sadar Hospital late at night and inquired about the well-being of the victims. Mithilesh Tiwari has accused supporters of RJD candidate Premshankar Prasad of assaulting him. Police taking action Gopalganj SDPO 2 Rajesh Kumar confirmed the incident. He stated that, after voting concluded in the Baikunthpur Assembly constituency, incidents of assault were reported at three locations: Bangra in Baikunthpur, Devkuli in Mohammadpur, and Bucheya in Sidhavaliya. The SDPO also stated that written complaints from the injured individuals are being taken and legal action will be taken after investigation. These incidents have raised serious questions about the security arrangements during the elections. Sunil Kumar Tiwari Courtesy: Hindi News
Modi and Shah have ‘unleashed real jungle raj’ across India: Rahul
PATNA: Slamming NDA over its “jungle raj” jibe, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Thursday alleged that PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah have unleashed real jungle raj across India by misusing ED, CBI & Income Tax dept. Addressing a rally in Bihar’s Araria, Rahul said INDIA bloc would form an inclusive govt in the state, with focus on generating employment, providing quality education, including establishing a world-class university, and ensuring better healthcare facilities. He added Bihar’s tourist circuit would be developed in a way that directly benefits locals. Rahul accused Modi of spreading hatred to win elections. Alleging that BJP indulged in vote theft in Haryana, Maharashtra, MP and Chhattisgarh, he urged people to ensure such malpractice does not occur in Bihar. His sister, Priyanka Gandhi, addressed separate rallies in Bihar and accused NDA functionaries of vote theft in collusion with EC. “On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi showed you how BJP stole the entire govt in Haryana. They stole 25 lakh votes. The Constitution your ancestors fought for is being weakened today. Their arrogance has grown so much that they don’t even respect your vote. They cut 65 lakh votes in Bihar. I can confidently say that if this election is fair, you will oust them and install a govt that respects you,” she said. Alleging a rise in crime graph in Bihar. she said:”Modi govt has no respect for the people of Bihar or its CM. In fact, Kumar is not even invited to the stage by BJP netas.” The Congress MP promised free medical treatment up to Rs 20 lakh if INDIA bloc comes to power, along with Rs 2,500 per month assistance for every poor woman. (With inputs from CS Jha Azad & CB Pandey) Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“I’m scared…” The Brazilian model, who came into the spotlight after the vote-stealing controversy, made explosive revelations. Will action be taken against Rahul Gandhi?
Brazilian model Larissa Neri is in the news after Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of vote-stealing in the Haryana elections. She denied the allegations, saying the controversy was caused by AI and that she is not a model but a hairdresser. Larissa explained that her eight-year-old photo was misused. New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently mentioned a Brazilian model while accusing her of vote-stealing in the Haryana Assembly elections. He alleged that this Brazilian model cast 22 fake votes at 10 polling booths in the Haryana elections. Since then, alleged Brazilian model Larissa Neri has been in the news. Now, regarding the allegations against her, she said, “I’m scared after being embroiled in controversy without any reason. I think this controversy was caused by AI.” Alleged Brazilian model Larissa Neri stated in an interview that she is not a model but a hairdresser. Regarding the issue of her photo appearing on the voter list, she explained, “I believe it’s a work of artificial intelligence.” She also stated that she feels scared after being at the center of the controversy. The photo is 8 years old Larissa explained in an interview with NDTV that the photo was taken about eight years ago, when she was about 20 years old. She had the photo taken with the help of a photographer friend. The photo was taken near a wall outside her house and was not a professional photo. She clarified that she has never been a model, but has been working as a hairdresser for years. She added that her photos are available for free download on online sites. Larissa Does Not Get Involved in Political Matters Larissa stated that she has never visited India nor heard of anyone named Rahul Gandhi. She clarified that she never gets involved in political matters. Regarding the political use of the photo, she said, “It’s sad to know that my photo is linked to such things.” Larissa Neri, a Brazilian resident, stated that she is consulting with her lawyer regarding further action. She added that the matter is more serious in India but has not reached Brazil. If it does, they will have to take legal action. Larissa further stated that they are waiting for things to calm down in India to understand who misused the photo. Then they can take necessary action. Curated by: Abhishek Pandey About the Author Abhishek Pandey is a consultant writer at Navbharat Times Online. He has over three years of experience covering current affairs, politics, crime, and public interest news. He has closely covered the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Courtesy: Hindi News
Bahujan Samaj Party: Mayawati’s party, BSP, will contest the Bihar elections alone; who will prevail in the battle for Dalit votes?
In the 2000 assembly elections, the BSP fielded candidates in 294 seats and won five. This was the BSP’s biggest victory in the state. In the 2005 elections, the party fielded candidates in 283 seats and won two. In the October 2005 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 212 seats and won four. Story continues below this ad Mayawati’s party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, has been steadily falling behind in Uttar Pradesh politics. In such a situation, Mayawati has once again increased her political activism. Troubled by the continued erosion of the Dalit vote bank, the BSP president has begun formulating her strategy for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The party has announced that it will field candidates in all 243 assembly seats. This raises questions about whether Mayawati is preparing to re-launch her nephew, Akash Anand, in Bihar’s political arena. At the same time, a crucial question arises: will the BSP, which won just one seat in the UP Assembly elections, be able to attract the Dalit vote bank in Bihar? The BSP has been steadily lagging behind in Uttar Pradesh politics. Mayawati is striving to establish herself as a national-level Dalit leader. In this context, the Bihar elections present a significant opportunity for her. Party’s Performance in Bihar The Bahujan Samaj Party entered the Bihar Assembly elections in 1990. At that time, Bihar and Jharkhand were a united state, and the number of Bihar Assembly seats was 324. In the 1990 Assembly elections, the BSP fielded candidates in 164 seats. However, with a vote share of 0.7 percent, the party failed to win any seats. In the 1995 Assembly elections, the BSP contested 161 seats and won two seats with a vote share of 1.34 percent. In the 2000 Assembly elections, the BSP contested 294 seats and won five seats. This was the BSP’s biggest victory in the state. In the 2005 elections, the party fielded candidates in 283 seats and won two. In the October 2005 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 212 seats and won four. In the 2010 and 2015 assembly elections, the party received 3.21 and 2.1 percent vote shares, respectively, but failed to win any seats. In the 2020 assembly elections, the party fielded candidates in 80 seats, but managed to win just one seat with a 1.5 percent vote share. Why the Bihar Elections Are Important Although the BSP is severely short of options, given that the Bihar assembly elections will be followed by panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, followed by assembly elections the following year. However, ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, the BSP is attempting to send a strong message to its party workers. Even if the BSP doesn’t win a single seat in the Bihar assembly elections, the party will aim to secure a 3 to 5 percent vote share. It’s worth noting that the BSP party’s influence has been evident in the border districts of Bihar before. Districts like Buxar and Gopalganj have seen the party’s MLAs elected to the Bihar Assembly several times. Consequently, the BSP appears to be making a significant bet on the Dalit vote bank. Ananya Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
In HP: Dalit Child Beaten, Tortured with ‘Bicchu Booti’ by School Teacher
An FIR has been lodged against the teacher at the Government Primary School, Bhaloon, under the relevant sections of the BNS and SC/ST (POA) Act for inflicting severe corporal punishment on a Class One student. A school teacher gave corporal punishment to an eight-year-old Dalit boy in Rohru, barely 110 km from Shimla, the state capital. The teacher tortured the minor Dalit boy using stinging nettle, commonly called bicchu booti—a Himalayan plant known for causing itching and burning sensations from its touch. Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli confirmed that the police have booked the teachers accused in both incidents, one of which involves a Dalit boy, occurring in the same area. After a horrifying video of a schoolteacher torturing a student with stinging nettle, commonly called bicchu booti—a Himalayan plant known for causing itching and burning sensations from its touch—yet another case of corporal punishment of an eight-year-old Dalit boy has come to light in Rohru, barely 110 km from Shimla, the state capital. Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli confirmed that the police have booked the teachers accused in both incidents, one of which involves a Dalit boy, occurring in the same area. “Also, an inquiry has been ordered in both cases, after the matter reached the government. It’s a serious case of indiscipline and gross violation of Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009. “The guilty will not be spared,” he declared. A third incident of came to light on November 5, wherein a Class IV boy was assaulted by his teacher. In the last two weeks, there have been three reported instances of violent thrashing of a student in Himachal Pradesh. Further, an FIR has also been lodged against the teacher at the Government Primary School, Bhaloon, under the relevant sections of the BNS and SC/ST (POA) Act for inflicting severe corporal punishment on a Class 1 student. As per the written complaint submitted by the child’s father, Durga Singh, the teacher named Nitish Thakur allegedly assaulted his minor son at school so brutally that the boy began bleeding from his ear. He also has suffered partial hearing loss. “Not only this, but the teacher crossed all limits and went to the extent of inserting stinging nettle into the child’s pants. This left the child in unbearable pain, discomfort due to a burning sensation, and humiliation,” he alleged. What is far more serious, said the aggrieved father, is that the accused teacher was not even serving the school or had not been engaged by the school authorities. He was coming to the school to drop off his wife, a part-time water carrier and had started teaching voluntarily. “The accused has also been accused of openly indulging in untouchability in the school and resorted to caste discrimination by making a separate place for the upper caste children and Dalits for the midday meal”, Ashish Kohli says, quoting contents of the complaint. The school head teacher, rather than taking action against the accused, attempted to protect him and threatened to expel the victim (the boy) if he dared to report the incident or file any complaints. The head teacher, accompanied by another staff member, visited the victim’s family and asked them not to approach the police or the sub-divisional authorities at Rohru; instead, try to suppress the matter, otherwise the child will be expelled from the school. Kohli said the departmental action has been initiated in the case of the Dalit boy, as also in the other case of a teacher torturing the boy in another school in the same area. “From time to time, we keep reiterating instructions about not using any kind of corporal punishment method against the students during teaching or otherwise. One good thing happening these days is the use of social media to highlight such incidents, which attracts our immediate attention and also action. There is zero tolerance in such cases,” said the Director of Elementary Education. Meanwhile, Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch—an organisation working for the rights of the Dalits—has demanded the arrest of the accused and asked the state’s education department to take action against the water carrier, who has allegedly been sending her husband to teach at the school. The Block Primary Education Officer (BPEO), Yashwant Khimta, has also visited the school since then and initiated a departmental probe. He confirmed that owing to a shortage of teaching staff, the School Management Committee (SMC), with mutual consent, had permitted Nitish to assist at the school voluntarily, without any remuneration. His wife is employed at the same school as a water carrier. Khimta stated that a detailed report of the inquiry has been submitted to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDM), Rohru, for further action. The Deputy SP of Rohru, Pranav Chauhan, said the matter is under investigation. Statements of the child’s parents are being recorded, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Rohru has been informed about the action. Education Minister Rohit Thakur has expressed deep concern over the recent incidents of corporal punishment and other complaints emerging from government schools in remote areas. “We will ensure that strict action is taken so that such incidents do not recur in the future. I have also noted with concern reports of caste-based discrimination. This has no place in our schools or society. The government is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every child,” he said. Ashwani Sharma Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit group condemns violation of women sanitation workers’ dignity at MDU, Rohtak
The Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM) has strongly condemned what it described as a “dehumanising and horrific” incident at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, Haryana, involving the harassment and humiliation of women sanitation workers on October 26, 2025. According to the group, the women, employed on a contractual basis and largely from Dalit communities, were allegedly coerced and subjected to gross indignities by university officials while cleaning the sports complex ahead of a scheduled visit by the Haryana Governor. The workers reportedly informed their supervisors that they were unwell and in pain due to menstruation but were allegedly pressured to continue working and threatened with dismissal when they resisted. In a shocking development, they were allegedly ordered to provide photographic “proof” of menstruation, violating their dignity, bodily autonomy, and privacy. Two of the women reportedly complied under duress. DASAM termed the incident a grave case of sexual harassment, caste-based violence, and abuse of authority, exposing the systemic oppression that continues to affect Dalit women in India’s informal and contractual labour sectors. The organisation noted that such acts reflect entrenched caste and gender hierarchies that perpetuate exploitation and indignity.Bank loan insights An FIR has reportedly been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment, assault, and intimidation. DASAM, while welcoming this step, insisted that mere suspension of the officials was insufficient and demanded a transparent, independent, and time-bound inquiry. It also called for strong institutional reforms to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence. The group emphasised that the incident represents institutional complicity, not just individual misconduct, and mirrors a broader culture where Dalit women sanitation workers across universities, municipalities, and public institutions face daily indignities, wage theft, and casteist treatment without adequate protection or grievance redressal. DASAM underlined that the acts committed at MDU constitute criminal offences and violate several constitutional rights, including equality before the law, protection against discrimination, abolition of untouchability, and the right to live with dignity and privacy. It noted that the incident also breaches multiple statutory provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH Act), and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act. Calling the episode a manifestation of the “triple oppression of caste, gender, and labour exploitation,” DASAM urged the Haryana government, the National Commission for Women, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and the University Grants Commission to intervene and ensure justice for the victims. The organisation demanded the immediate dismissal and prosecution of all responsible officials, a court-monitored investigation, and protection for the survivors from retaliation or job loss. It also called for trauma counselling, psychological support, and adequate compensation. DASAM further sought the establishment of a fully functional Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at MDU with representation from women sanitation workers, Dalit rights advocates, and independent observers. It urged all universities and government institutions in Haryana to introduce menstrual leave policies that safeguard women’s privacy and prohibit intrusive verification, alongside mandatory caste and gender sensitisation training for staff. Beyond this incident, the group demanded the regularisation of sanitation workers with permanent status, fair wages, and safe working conditions, in line with existing labour laws. It also proposed a state-wide audit of workplace conditions, an independent oversight mechanism to monitor implementation of the SC/ST and POSH Acts, and stronger whistleblower protections. DASAM asserted that justice must go beyond filing FIRs or punitive actions and must address structural and institutional failures that enable such degradation. It praised the women of MDU for their courage in speaking out and said their ordeal should lead to transformative reforms, not token gestures. “The right to equality and dignity is not negotiable; it is the cornerstone of democracy,” the statement declared, urging the state, judiciary, and society to uphold their constitutional and moral duty to ensure justice and systemic change. By A Representative Courtesy : Counterview Note: This news is originally published on https:/counterview.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Decapitated body of Dalit married woman recovered in Bachhrawan: Missing since October 26, family accuses police of negligence
The discovery of the decapitated and decomposed body of a Dalit married woman from a field in Samodha village, Bachhrawan, has caused a sensation. The deceased, identified as Soni, had been missing since October 26. The family has accused the police of failing to register a case despite a missing person complaint, causing anger among the villagers. Villagers reported that the body was severely decomposed and her head was separated from the body. The discovery, which occurred in the Bachhrawan area, has caused a stir in the area. Soni, a resident of Samodha village, was married to Guru Prasad of Ichauli village about eight years ago. Even after marriage, she lived with her mother, Kusuma Devi, at her parents’ home. Her eight-year-old daughter, Aarti, and approximately six-year-old son, Krishna, also lived with their mother. Soni went missing from her home on the afternoon of October 26. Her mother, Kusum Devi, and other family members searched for her extensively, but were unable to find her. According to Kusum Devi, she submitted a complaint regarding her daughter’s disappearance to the Bachhrawan police on October 30th. The family alleges that the police assured them of registering a case and searching for her, but did not even register a missing person report. When contacted on the police station’s CUG number, a sub-inspector stated that no application related to the matter was recorded in the register or the GD. He denied receiving the application or registering a case. This alleged police negligence has caused considerable anger among the villagers. The villagers believe that if the police had been vigilant in time, the accused could have been apprehended before the murder. The family has expressed suspicion that Soni was murdered and her body was dumped. However, Circle Officer Pradeep Kumar stated that the case will be resolved soon. Ashish Kumar Srivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
Ministers, Actor, Singer And Transgender Up For Election In Bihar Phase 1
The list, among others, includes Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, his estranged brother Tej Pratap Yadav who has formed his Janshakti Janata Dal, the state’s two Deputy Chief Ministers — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha – and the party’s cultural face Maithili Thakur. New Delhi: The first phase of the assembly election in Bihar has begun with polling being held on 121 constituencies across 18 districts. The rest of the 243 constituencies will go to polls on November 11. The first phase will see many of the state’s heavyweights contesting. The list, among others, includes Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, his estranged brother Tej Pratap Yadav who has formed his Janshakti Janata Dal, the state’s two Deputy Chief Ministers — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha – and the party’s cultural face Maithili Thakur. Some of the prominent candidates in this phase of election: Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): Raghopur Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, the Chief Ministerial face of the Grand Alliance, is up for another contest from family turf Raghopur. His opponent is the BJP’s Satish Kumar. The contest in this Yadav-dominated constituency is seen by many as just a formality. The seta has been voting for the RJD since 1995, when Lalu Yadav came to power – the exception was the one time between 2010-2015, when the JD(U) held the seat. Tejashwi Yadav has been the sitting MLA here since 2025. Even so, the Jan Suraaj party of election strategist-turned politician Prahsant Kishor has pitched a candidate — Chanchal Kumar. Tejashwi Yadav’s promise of a government job for one member of every household is being seen by his party as a game-changer in this election. Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD): Mahua Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Yadav’s son, had formed his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal, after the very public estrangement with his family when his 12-year relationship with a woman came to light. Tej Pratap Yadav said the Facebook post that laid it bare was the result of hacking. But his family took exception to the situation and disciplinary action was taken against him. The elder brother of Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap was a minister in Nitish Kumar’s government when the Janata Dal United was part of the Grand Alliance. This time, he is up against RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan, the sitting MLA in Vaishali district’s Mahua constituency. Sanjay Singh, leader of Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party, is also in fray. JJD comprises five regional parties – Vikas Vanchit Insaan Party (VVIP), Bhojpuria Jan Morcha (BJM), Pragatisheel Janata Party (PJP), Wazib Adhikar Party (WAP), and the Sanyukt Kisan Vikas Party. Maithili Thakur (BJP): Alinagar Latest and Breaking News on NDTV The BJP’s cultural pick in Bihar, folk singer Maithili Thakur, will contest her maiden election from Alinagar in Darbhanga district, the area from where her family hails. For long, Alinagar has been the territory of Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal. In 2020, the seat was won by Mishri Lal Yadav, who held the ticket from Vikassheel Insaan Party and then defected to the BJP. The singer expects to win the seat – which was formed in 2008 after delimitation. Darbhanga is one of the two districts that comprise Mithilanchal and the BJP now hopes that the 25-year-old Thakur will help rope in the young voters. Maithili Thakur joined the BJP in October, saying she wants to “carry forward the culture of the region”. She is facing RJD’s Binod Mishra and Jan Suraaj Party’s Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary. Samrat Choudhary (BJP): Tarapur Latest and Breaking News on NDTV The BJP’s Samrat Choudhary, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s deputy who handles the finance ministry, will contest his first election in 15 years from Tarapur in Munger district. His challenger is RJD’s Arun Shah, who has a tough battle on his hands in this constituency dominated by backward castes. Shah had lost the 2021 by-poll by a slender margin of less than 4000 votes to JD(U)’s Rajiv Kumar Singh. The JD(U) has been holding the seat since 2010, when the sitting MLA and three-time winner, RJD’s Shakuni Chowdhary, died. Samrat Choudhary, who joined the BJP after engineering a split in the RJD and walking out with his supporters, belongs to the Kushwaha community, seen as the state’s largest caste group after the Yadavs. Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP): Lakhisarai Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s other deputy, Vijay Kumar Sinha, a five-time MLA, will be contesting for a sixth term from Lakhisarai in Munger district. His opponent will be Jan Suraaj Party’s Suraj Kumar. The constituency, dominated by Bhumihars, has been a BJP stronghold for the last 15 years. Sinha has been the sitting MLA there since 2010. He also won in the first assembly election in 2005 from Lakhisarai. But in the second one held later that year because of the fractured verdict, he was replaced by Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Fulena Sinha. Sinha, a Bhumihar leader and former RSS worker, had become the BJP’s first-ever Speaker in Bihar after the party came to power in alliance with the JD(U) in 2020. But he stepped down in 2022 after the Grand Alliance – following Nitish Kumar’s switch — moved a no-confidence motion against him. Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD): Chhapra Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav, one of the best-known singers and actors in the most popular dialect of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, is RJD’s answer to Maithali Thakur. He is facing Chhoti Kumari from the BJP. The contest has become triangular with the entry of Independent candidate Rakhi Gupta. The actor, who appeared in more than 70 films, and had given his voice to over 5,000 songs, had drawn attention by taking on the BJP over temples during his campaign. One can build temples, but “will they decide our children’s future,” he had questioned. “If temples decide our children’s future, I want you to build 200