Rahul Gandhi missing from the Grand Alliance’s press conference poster, sparking discussions in political circles about showing Congress its place.
Bihar Elections: Pappu Yadav, speaking to the media, said that Rahul Gandhi’s picture should have been on the Grand Alliance’s poster. Meanwhile, only Tejashwi Yadav’s picture was visible at the Grand Alliance’s press conference. A controversy has erupted within the Grand Alliance over Lalu Prasad Yadav finally showing the Congress its place. Patna: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a jab at the Congress in Bihar just hours before the Grand Alliance’s joint press conference in Patna on Thursday. The BJP attacked the Congress citing the absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s picture from the press conference posters. Sources said the press conference was scheduled to formally announce Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as the Grand Alliance’s chief ministerial candidate for the Bihar elections. However, before this crucial announcement, the BJP highlighted the RJD’s dominance within the Grand Alliance. BJP’s Sarcasm BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia compared Tejashwi Yadav to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on this issue. Bhatia posted on X, “After Aurangzeb, now Tejaszeb! No other king was so insecure. The pictures of the national president, fodder scamster Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi are missing. The legacy of Jungle Raj and the status of the Congress are both missing from the poster.” He tweeted and tagged Tejashwi Yadav and other RJD and Congress leaders. Questions to the Congress Party BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala posted on X, “Joint Press Conference? But only one picture. ‘Stealing the honor’ of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. Has Congress and Rahul been shown their place?” It should be noted that Rahul Gandhi’s photo is missing from the poster, raising questions about what kind of alliance this is. The BJP has raised questions about the absence of a leader’s photo from the joint press conference. Meanwhile, Pappu Yadav has also taken a dig at the poster. Pappu Yadav’s Statement Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s statement on this issue added fuel to the fire when he said that votes would be cast on Gandhi’s photo. He said that voting would only be done on Rahul Gandhi’s photo, not anyone else’s. There should have been photos of all three alliance leaders. This is not right and will not send the right message. We can win Bihar only on the face of Rahul Gandhi. We have no other way to win here. Edited by: Ashutosh Kumar Pandey About the Author Ashutosh Kumar Pandey works for Navbharat Times Online. He has been active in digital, print, and electronic journalism for over 22 years. He specializes in digging into the past pages of politics and uncovering unheard stories. He presents political anecdotes in a witty manner. Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress has once again surrendered to the RJD. Why does the “Ekla Chalo” movement derail in Bihar? Understand this.
Bihar Election News: Ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress party, which had been adamant about its stand, has now suddenly backtracked. It has accepted Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership in Bihar. The question is, if the Congress is going to surrender, then why is it glaring? Patna: On October 23rd, something happened at Hotel Maurya in Patna that was not expected, at least this time. It was becoming clear that the Congress was ready to throw off the RJD’s crutches in the Bihar Assembly elections. But two days before October 23rd, the sudden entry of former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot changed the entire scenario. The changed scene on October 23rd On this day, the media received an invitation to a press conference. This invitation specifically came from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. The time was set for 11:30 am. But the posters displayed outside and inside made one thing clear: Congress has once again surrendered to the RJD. We’re not saying this, but it’s being widely discussed in political circles. The buzz is so intense that even the average person in Patna is seen discussing the same thing at a tea stall or a Kachori stall. Congress has done it again. This time, it seemed, it would show its strength and demonstrate its power by separating from the RJD. But in the end, it failed again. Congress’s Surrender to the RJD These posters made one thing clear: Tejashwi Yadav would be the Grand Alliance’s CM candidate in Bihar. The same Tejashwi Yadav whose CM candidacy had been silent on the question of Rahul Gandhi during the Voter Rights Yatra. Following this, Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru also demonstrated the backbone of the Bihar Congress and refused to bow down to the RJD. But how did this sudden change of stance occur? Many stories are being fabricated about this. The first story: Lalu’s call! One story is that Congress had tried to woo the Left and VIP to make Tejashwi Yadav, or RJD, the younger brother of the alliance. But the shrewd Lalu Prasad Yadav realized that the less experienced Tejashwi Yadav had fallen into this trap. Therefore, Lalu Prasad Yadav must have spoken directly to Sonia Gandhi in Delhi and told her that if Congress had its way, he would field RJD candidates against all of her party’s candidates. This is why Ashok Gehlot was given the responsibility to resolve the matter. But in Patna, Lalu Yadav must have bluntly told Ashok Gehlot the same thing. Second Story – Congress Got Scared! Another story is that seeing RJD’s stubborn stance, Congress must have feared that if RJD’s votes were not transferred to Congress candidates out of anger, it would be a disaster. Therefore, it was best to handle the situation in a timely manner. That is why Ashok Gehlot himself had to come forward and admit in a press conference to all the parties in the Grand Alliance that the election would be fought on Tejashwi’s face. What Political Experts Say Patna’s renowned political expert and educationist, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, says, “Since 1990, Congress has never been able to muster the courage to strengthen its base. It has always proved itself dwarfed by the RJD. Naturally, its own workers become disillusioned and apathetic, and then they turn to other parties. The RJD understands this weakness of the Congress very well and always exploits it through pressure politics.” The RJD has been exploiting the Congress’s weaknesses from the very beginning. The real question: What is the matter? This was when the late Sitaram Kesri was the national president of the Congress. In the 1990s, Congress supported Lalu Prasad Yadav and helped him remain in power. After this, when Lalu Prasad Yadav split from the Janata Dal and formed the Rashtriya Janata Dal in 1997, Congress remained with him for power. It is said that in this way, Congress gradually alienated its base vote bank, which to this day has remained with it due to Lalu Yadav and has gone to the BJP. Authored by: Rishikesh Narayan Singh About the Author Rishikesh Narayan Singh is in charge of Bihar-Jharkhand for Navbharat Times Digital. His 20-year journey in journalism spanned from Janmat TV, IBN7, ETV Bihar-Jharkhand, News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, to Times Internet. After starting in the national capital, Delhi, he now works in Bihar. Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan to release joint manifesto on October 28; Tejashwi, Rahul’s joint rallies planned
NEW DELHI: The opposition Mahagathbandhan will release its joint manifesto for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections on October 28 in Patna, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. According to ANI, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will also begin their campaign for the Bihar elections on October 28, after the Chhath Puja festival. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will also address joint rallies before the first phase of polling and later for constituencies voting in the second phase. This comes after the opposition INDIA bloc earlier in the day announced RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the Bihar polls. The move is aimed at ending internal differences and presenting a united front before the elections. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who has been in Patna since Wednesday to resolve disagreements with the RJD, said the decision was approved by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. At a press conference, Gehlot said that Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni and leaders from other communities will be made deputy chief ministers if the INDIA bloc forms the government in Bihar, “keeping in mind the complex social structure of Bihar.” “We have decided, after consultations with our national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, besides all coalition partners who are here, to name Tejashwi Yadav ji as our chief ministerial candidate,” Gehlot said. 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
Bihar polls: Mukesh Sahani emerges as Mahagathbandhan’s wildcard; is Congress the weakest link?
NEW DELHI: The Mahagathbandhan on Thursday announced Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahani as the deputy CM face ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. While Tejashwi’s candidature was widely expected, Sahani’s unexpected rise – from a one-time NDA ally often dismissed by rivals to a key power centre within the alliance has become the defining development, signalling a shift in the coalition’s caste arithmetic and leadership dynamics. Behind the show of unity, however, tensions simmer. As Sahani celebrates his political revival, Congress appears to be the uneasy partner in this new equation. Grassroots dissatisfaction over ticket distribution, coupled with its declining influence in seat-sharing talks, raises questions about whether the grand old party is losing ground within Bihar’s opposition bloc. Tejashwi formally declared CM face, Sahani named his deputy The Mahagathbandhan formally announced Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Alongside, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani was declared the alliance’s deputy chief ministerial candidate. The announcement, made during a joint press conference of alliance partners in Patna, ended weeks of speculation over leadership and marked a new phase of coordination within the opposition bloc. Senior Congress leader and election observer Ashok Gehlot said, “All of us sitting here have decided that in these elections, we support Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face.” He confirmed that the Mahagathbandhan would contest the upcoming polls in complete unity, adding that Sahani would serve as Tejashwi’s deputy if the alliance comes to power. Mukesh Sahani: From political exile to deputy CM face Mukesh Sahani’s recent elevation marks a remarkable political comeback. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) had originally been part of the Mahagathbandhan, but disagreements over seat-sharing—stemming from the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s reluctance to prioritise smaller allies—led Sahani to exit the coalition. He later joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and was allotted 11 seats in the 2020 Bihar elections. Although Sahani lost his own contest, his party managed to win four seats. Sahani was subsequently elected to the Bihar Legislative Council, albeit for a shorter term of one and a half years, which expired in July 2022. Once an NDA ally, Sahani faced political isolation after his fallout with the BJP. His decision to contest against the BJP in both the Bihar Legislative Council and Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections further marginalized him, with several VIP MLAs defecting to the BJP in 2022. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections, Sahani announced plans to field 160 candidates to “oust the incumbent BJP government,” and in Bihar, he fielded 55 candidates against his former ally—but none won. Following these setbacks, a BJP MLA suggested that Sahani’s political chapter in Bihar was over, hinting at his removal as minister and even a potential internal coup within the VIP. Sahani also defied NDA seat-sharing arrangements in the Bihar Legislative Council elections, fielding seven candidates against the BJP once again. In 2025, however, Sahani has staged a political revival, now named the deputy chief ministerial candidate of the opposition bloc. Speaking to reporters in Patna ahead of the announcement, he appeared confident: “Why would I have a problem with anything? Can’t you tolerate so much happiness on my face? Mahagathbandhan is moving forward very strongly.” His elevation seems a calculated strategy by the Mahagathbandhan to consolidate Nishad (fishermen) votes and appeal to smaller caste groups that have drifted away from the major alliances. The support base for the Vikassheel Insaan Party consists mainly of the Nishad, Nonia, Bind, Beldar community, which comprises 20 sub-castes of fisherman and boatmen. It also signals social inclusivity — a card the RJD-led bloc has traditionally used effectively in Bihar’s caste-driven politics. Congress on shaky ground? While the alliance celebrated unity on stage, discontent brewed within the Congress. In recent weeks, several party workers have expressed anger over the ticket distribution process, alleging bias and manipulation by senior leaders in charge of Bihar affairs. Congress worker Munna Shahi told ANI, “Those whom Rahul Gandhi had entrusted and sent here are from the five-star hotel culture, and they don’t like to be brought down to poor ashrams here… We have only one demand, ‘ticket chor, gaddi chod’… The selection process has lost its basis. Only eye wash remains now.” After the Congress CEC meeting on Bihar polls, another worker said, “It was said that those people who will be on the screening committee, those who will have their online application will be given tickets. But a few leaders like Krishna Allavaru and Rajesh Ram are making women work hard and go from door to door but cheating them at the end. The promise made by Rahul Gandhi, to honour the youth and women is being broken by Krishna Allavaru. We, the Congress workers, will not stand it. Bihar will not accept it.” Interestingly, on Thursday elevating Congress also replaced Allavaru as Youth Congress chief and brought in Manish Sharma. The internal tensions in the recent weeks by local leaders point to a widening gap between the Congress high command and its state unit. This recurring issue has hurt the party’s performance in multiple states. The weakest link? The Mahagathbandhan’s recalibrated leadership matrix leaves the Congress in an uncomfortable spot. With the RJD holding the chief ministerial claim and the VIP now rewarded with the deputy slot, Congress finds itself without a distinct bargaining chip. Its performance in the 2020 polls, where it contested 70 seats but won only 19, has weakened its ability to negotiate. The current configuration suggests a more RJD-centric alliance, with Tejashwi and Sahani symbolising the blend of legacy and new social representation, while Congress remains peripheral. The joint manifesto of the Mahagathbandhan is set to be released on October 28, after Chhath Puja, with Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expected to join the campaign. However, unless it manages to address internal dissent and project a clear message, Congress could risk further erosion in Bihar’s evolving
Bid to stem rot in INDIA bloc as Congress leaders Gehlot, Allavaru meet RJD’s Lalu, Tejashwi
Patna: Amid the prevailing stalemate over seat sharing and the projection of the CM face in the opposition INDIA bloc, senior Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Krishna Allavaru, the in charge of the party in Bihar, met RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday. Although it was not known what transpired during the meeting, informed sources said they discussed resolving the tensions quickly. They are also working on a strategy to project Tejashwi as the opposition’s CM face, which has been a major issue of conflict between the RJD and Congress, they said. The Congress has, so far, refrained from naming the Yadav scion as the CM face, although Tejashwi projected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime minister face for the next Lok Sabha polls. Internal conflicts, confusions and and a lack of coordination among the INDIA bloc partners had made headlines, prompting the top leadership to intervene and resolve the tension before it spoiled the opposition’s show, sources said. Talking to a section of media, Dipankar Bhattacharya, general secretary of the CPI(ML) — an ally — said he was hopeful that “Tejashwi’s name as the opposition’s CM face could be officially announced at the INDIA bloc’s joint press conference on Thursday”. “Entire Bihar knows that Tejashwi will be the CM if the INDIA bloc gets the majority. Tejashwi becoming the CM is as right as Nitish Kumar not becoming the CM again,” he said. Emerging from the meeting with Lalu and Tejashwi, Gehlot refused to comment on the issue, claiming all confusions would be resolved at the Thursday media conference. “Our meeting with Lalu was highly positive. The INDIA bloc is fully united and contesting the elections with strength. Tomorrow, the full situation will be clarified at the presser,” Gehlot said. He rejected the friendly fight in the INDIA bloc as an issue, saying such things are normal. “Bihar wants a change, and people understand that the victory of the INDIA alliance is in the interest of the state as well as country,” he said. Gehlot, who was accompanied by Allavaru — largely blamed by a section of the party leaders in the state for messing things up — insisted that the Congress was serious about the assembly polls. Earlier in the day, Tejashwi rejected any controversy in the opposition alliance. “There is no controversy and confusion in the INDIA bloc … Will talk tomorrow (Thursday) … You will get answers to every question,” Tejashwi said. Unity in the INDIA bloc appeared to hit a roadblock when the allies were found announcing their own list of candidates without considering the interests of other partners, and secretly handing party symbols to their candidates. The opposition leaders were last seen together at the launch of the ‘Ati Pichhda EBC Sankalp Patra’ in Patna on Sept 24. The launch was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani among others. Prior to that, they were found travelling together during the fortnight-long Voter Adhikar Yatra launched by Rahul, which passed through some 25 districts. But the momentum built up after the yatra apparently broke, with chaos, confusion and tension in the opposition camp. 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
‘Voting will be done on Rahul’s picture’: Rift in Mahagathbandhan? Pappu Yadav hits out over Tejashwi-only poster
NEW DELHI: Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Thursday once again expressed his discontent over Tejashwi Yadav being considered as the potential chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan, despite having supported the alliance. He firmly said, “voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture.” His remarks come ahead of a key Mahagathbandhan press conference, in which RJD, the largest constituent, is supported by the Congress. The venue, Maurya Hotel in Patna, featured posters solely of RJD scion Tejashwi Yadav, fuelling speculation that he may be declared the alliance’s CM candidate. Pappu Yadav has repeatedly voiced his reluctance to endorse Tejashwi as the face of the opposition bloc challenging long-serving Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Speaking to ANI, he criticised the alliance’s posters for not featuring Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture only and not on anyone else’s picture… Pictures of all three leaders of the alliance should have been there. This is not right, and it will not send the right message… We can win Bihar only on the face of Rahul Gandhi. We have not other way to win here…” He also extended an olive branch to Nitish Kumar, alleging, “BJP is stabbing him from behind.” He added, “BJP is finishing him. Our leaders have always respected him. He is being stabbed from behind, but we have a lot of respect for him…” Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi avoided answering a media question on Mahagathbandhan’s possible CM face in Bihar, highlighting the tension — or as some call it, “friendly fights” — between the Mahagathbandhan’s two largest parties, RJD and Congress. The discussion over Tejashwi’s name has intensified ahead of the Mahagathbandhan’s official declaration. Bihar is scheduled for two-phase polling on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14. 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
Bihar elections: No Rahul Gandhi on banner! Row erupts over Tejashwi-only poster; Congress downplays rift talk
NEW DELHI: The absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s picture from the poster at the Mahagathbandhan’s joint press conference in Patna has stirred controversy. The banner, which has gone viral on social media, prominently features only RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. This press conference marks the first gathering of Mahagathbandhan leaders amid speculations over seat-sharing arrangements among the INDIA bloc constituents for the upcoming assembly polls. BJP mocks ‘Mahagathbandhan’ press conference The BJP has seized the opportunity to mock the Mahagathbandhan, pointing out the absence of Rahul Gandhi’s photo from the alliance’s press meet poster in Patna. During this event, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is expected to be named the chief ministerial candidate. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X to comment, “Joint PC? But only one picture. Rahul Gandhi & Congress ka ‘samman chori’. Showed Congress & Rahul his place?” “So it’s not just “Samman” Respect chori that Congress is grappling with (Tejaswi pic on joint pc poster and rahul gandhi deleted) Now Ticket chori allegations hit Congress especially key team of Rahul Gandhi,” he added. Internal rifts out in open? Speaking about Tejashwi Yadav’s photo in the poster at the venue of Mahagathbandhan PC, Independent MP Pappu Yadav says, “Voting will be done on Rahul Gandhi’s picture only and not on anyone else’s picture… Pictures of all three leaders of the alliance should have been there. This is not right, and it will not send the right message… We can win Bihar only on the face of Rahul Gandhi. We have not other way to win here…” Congress downplays rift allegations Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera dismissed claims of internal discord within the alliance, labeling the uproar over the poster as an “irrelevant issue.” He stated, “Let the opposition say whatever they want to say, but there was never a clash between us (Mahagathbandhan)… Is this a relevant issue? Does this issue make any sense to the youth of Bihar?” Khera emphasized that the alliance is focused on contesting elections based on issues rather than appearances. The upcoming Bihar election is set to witness a high-voltage battle between the NDA and INDIA bloc. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). 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
Bihar Election 2025: Prashant Kishor tells the people of Bihar to beware of PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi!
Bihar Election 2025: Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party, has said that Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with Bihar, its development, or its problems. He also made similar remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patna: Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party, has targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said that Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with Bihar, its development, or its problems. Prashant Kishor alleged that Rahul Gandhi was only active in pressuring the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to gain more seats. He also said that Rahul Gandhi would come to Bihar during the elections, hold a few rallies, and then his connection with Bihar would end. Prashant Kishor claimed that Rahul Gandhi was only trying to pressure the RJD to gain a few more seats. He said, “Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do with Bihar, its development, or its problems. If he doesn’t get seats, he will sit in Delhi. He will only come during elections, hold three or four rallies, and the story of Bihar will be over for him. Come to Bihar during elections, take votes, and then leave The Jan Suraj Party founder said that the people of Bihar should be wary of leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He alleged that these leaders come to Bihar during elections, mislead the people, take votes, and then leave. He said, “Bihar should be wary of such people, whether they are Modi or Rahul Gandhi, who come only during elections, show off, make big promises, mislead the public, take votes, and then leave. After this, Bihar and its people will suffer for five years. Your children will have to work as laborers, you will face floods, and these people will not say a word.” The main contest in the Bihar Assembly elections will be between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Grand Alliance. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal United (JDU), Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-R), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). On the other hand, the Grand Alliance of the opposition includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). Claims to be an alternative to Jan Suraj Prashant Kishore’s Jan Suraj Party has claimed to contest all 243 seats in the state. Voting for the Bihar elections will be held on November 6 and 11, respectively. The results will be declared on November 14th. Prashant Kishor’s statement has become a topic of discussion in political circles. He has attempted to establish his own identity in Bihar politics and believes that state leaders should be wary of outsiders who only engage in vote bank politics. He also stated that the Jan Suraj Party will emerge as an alternative for the people of Bihar. Authored by: Suryakant Pathak About the Author Suryakant Pathak is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has been a journalist for the past 31 years. He writes news, analysis, and blogs on India’s international relations and political and social developments in the country and the world. Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar Elections: MP Pappu Yadav claims Dalits and minorities follow Rahul Gandhi’s ideology
Bihar Election 2025: Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha said that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) announced candidates at the last minute because it is afraid of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Patna: Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases next month. Earlier, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav claimed that people from backward castes, Dalits, and minorities follow the ideology of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said that these communities are fed up with migration and unemployment. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha targeted the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), saying that they are announcing candidates at the last minute because they are afraid of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kushwaha also said that the people of Bihar are intelligent and will teach the Grand Alliance a lesson. Voting in Bihar will take place on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said that people from backward castes, Dalits, and minorities in Bihar are embracing the ideology of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He stated that these people are deeply troubled by migration and unemployment in the country. Pappu Yadav made this statement just weeks before the Bihar Assembly elections. Confident of NDA forming government in Bihar On the other hand, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha took a dig at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He said that the RJD is releasing its candidate list at the last minute. According to Kushwaha, the RJD is doing so because it is afraid of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He also said that the people of Bihar know everything and will definitely give a befitting reply to the Grand Alliance. Kushwaha expressed confidence that the NDA will form the government in Bihar. RJD and Congress face off on some seats The RJD released a list of 143 candidates on the last day of filing nominations for the second phase of the Bihar elections. Both RJD and Congress have fielded candidates in some seats. For example, in Narkatiaganj, Deepak Yadav (RJD) will face Shaswat Kedar Pandey (Congress). Similarly, in Kahalgaon, Rajneesh Bharti (RJD) will contest against Praveen Singh Kushwaha (Congress). In Sikandra (SC) seat, Uday Narayan Chaudhary (RJD) will face Vinod Chaudhary (Congress). In Lalganj (Vaishali), Shivani Shukla is likely to face Aditya Raja (Congress). However, it is also expected that the alliance partners will reach a compromise and one party will withdraw its candidacy. The assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases. The first phase will be held on November 6 and the second phase on November 11. The election results will be declared on November 14. Curated by: Suryakant Pathak About the Author Suryakant Pathak is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has been a journalist for the past 31 years. He writes news, analysis, and blogs on India’s international relations and political and social developments in India and the world. Courtesy: Hindi News
Cong netas sought cash for ticket: MLA
Patna: Internal disputes in the Congress have come to the fore in Purnia with sitting MLA Md Afaque Alam on Sunday accusing Purnia MP Pappu Yadav and the party’s state incharge, Krishna Allavaru, of engaging in corrupt practices and brokering the assembly ticket for crores of rupees. Alam’s allegations followed the announcement of Md Irfan Alam as the Congress candidate for the Kasba constituency. He also appealed to party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to intervene and investigate the matter. A purported audio clip of Alam discussing the ticket with state Congress president Rajesh Ram has circulated widely on social media, although its authenticity has not been verified. The Congress candidate, Md Irfan, is considered close to Pappu Yadav. Alam alleged that Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad assisted in finalising a deal worth crores in exchange for the ticket. “We have been continuously becoming MLAs from Congress. I appeal to Kharge and Rahul ji to conduct an investigation. The party’s image is being tarnished. They have made such people candidates who have worked to defame the grand alliance,” he said. In the three-minute sixteen-second audio, Alam can be heard discussing the ticket, while Rajesh Ram is purportedly heard saying that the process has been finalised but is pending further action. The audio, however, remains unverified. Congress has denied ticket renewal to four-time sitting MLA Alam from Kasba and awarded it to Md Irfan, who is considered a close associate of Pappu Yadav. Md Irfan’s own distress over the ticket issue was captured in a video on Oct 17, in which he was seen crying profusely. The video went viral on social media, showing him overcome with emotion. On the same night, Pappu Yadav confirmed on social media that Irfan had been given the ticket by Congress. 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