‘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
A Shift in Dalit Politics in Uttar Pradesh
As the BSP, once seen as the primary political vehicle of Dalit assertion, is facing criticism for its growing silence, Rahul Gandhi’s recent activism, particularly his vocal stance against Dalit atrocities, has begun to trigger a political churning in the community. LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi meets the family members of late Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man allegedly lynched in Raebareli, in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. Photo: PTI Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday (October 17) sharply criticised the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government following the brutal lynching of Dalit man Hariom Valmiki, saying the incident has “shaken the nation’s conscience” and exposed the continuing vulnerability of Dalits in India. Gandhi, who met the victim’s family in Fatehpur district, alleged that the local administration attempted to intimidate them and prevent his visit – an act he described as a “failure of the system that shields the guilty instead of protecting the victim.” Dalit politics in focus The recent alleged attempt to throw an object towards Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court, and the death by suicide of senior Dalit IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar in Haryana on October 7, 2025, reignited debate over Dalit security, dignity, caste discrimination and institutional bias. After attempting to throw an object towards CJI Gavai, advocate Rakesh Kishore loudly proclaimed slogans in praise of ‘Sanatan Dharma’. He reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma)”. Gandhi’s recent activism on Dalit issues, particularly his vocal stance against atrocities, has begun to trigger a political churning among Dalits over their future political alignment. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), once seen as the primary political vehicle of Dalit assertion, is facing criticism for its growing silence. Mayawati’s silence at Lucknow rally At the BSP rally held on October 9 in Lucknow, to mark the death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram, a massive crowd had gathered to hear party supremo Mayawati. However, her speech disappointed many Dalit supporters who expected a strong condemnation of recent caste-based violence. Mayawati targeted the opposition INDIA bloc parties Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, more than the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In fact, she even praised the BJP government for maintaining Dalit heritage sites. “The Samajwadi Party is two-faced – it remembers Dalits only when out of power but forgets them once in office,” she said, adding, “The Congress, too, had weakened the Constitution during the Emergency.” Notably, she avoided mentioning any specific recent atrocity – neither the attempt to throw an object on CJI Gavai nor the Hariom Valmiki lynching – something that many BSP supporters found disheartening. “The state government has, to some extent, maintained Dalit parks and memorials using ticket revenues,” she said, drawing a contrast with what she described as the SP neglect of such sites. Political decline of the BSP Mayawati’s reluctance to work at the grassroots level and her perceived soft corner towards the BJP have deepened the crisis within Dalit politics. The BSP’s political graph has been steadily declining over the past decade and a half. In Uttar Pradesh, where the party had formed a majority government in 2007, it now has only one MLA in the state assembly and no representation in Parliament. Observers believe that Mayawati’s absence from active ground politics has weakened the BSP, leading to fragmentation of its core Dalit base. While Jatav Dalits have largely remained loyal, non-Jatav Dalits – who shifted to the BJP during the Narendra Modi wave in 2014 – began moving towards the INDIA bloc in 2024. Analysts say that Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra helped build Dalit confidence in him. Opposition parties have also fuelled concerns that the BJP might alter the constitution and end reservations – a fear that has pushed Dalits closer to the INDIA alliance. As the Congress lacks a strong organisational base in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has emerged as the principal beneficiary, drawing Dalit support alongside its traditional Muslim and backward-class voters. However, in the 2024 general election, the Congress increased its tally from one seat in 2019 to six, while the SP won 37 out of 80 seats. Dalit churning and emerging alignments The ongoing churn in Dalit politics suggests that Rahul Gandhi is eyeing a political opening in Uttar Pradesh, attempting to reclaim the community that once formed the Congress’s core support base before the rise of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati. According to Shashi Kant Pandey, a professor at the department of political science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, “Rahul Gandhi’s strong pitch for caste census and his vocal stance against Dalit atrocities is gradually making the Congress a political choice for Dalits. However, it will take time for the party to benefit from this shift due to its weak organisational structure in the state.” Pandey added that while Mayawati retains a sustainable vote bank, her failure to expand beyond Dalit support limits her electoral strength. “She secured nearly 9.3% votes in the last general election, but without support from other communities, this cannot translate into seats,” he said. Voices from the Dalit community Dalit thinker R.P. Gautam, who is also associated with the Congress, believes that the community is searching for leadership capable of challenging the BJP’s dominance. “No doubt, Mayawati and the BSP gave a voice and political identity to Dalits, but her reluctance to work on the ground has disappointed many,” Gautam said. “Indeed, Gandhi is vocal against Dalit atrocities, but his party rarely ensures their representation in power. Now the time is over for optics politics — eating with Dalits is not enough to get their support. Parties must give Dalits a real share in power if they want their loyalty,” he added. Rahul Gandhi’s message During his visit to Fatehpur, Gandhi said, “The brutal murder of Hariom Valmiki has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. In the eyes of his family, there was both pain and a question –
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
Is Bihar’s caste census becoming an election issue?:Upper castes raise concerns, Dalits and OBCs insist on counting
The caste census is stirring debate across Bihar, with opinions sharply divided along community lines. Sita Sharan, 42, from the Bhumihar community, runs a fast food shop in Patna. “Caste census should happen. We should know how many people belong to each group. It won’t harm anyone,” he says. Likewise, 42-year-old Tinku Jha, a Brahmin from Vaishali, sees no threat in the exercise. In contrast, Prince, from the Rajput community, is firmly opposed to the census and also rejects caste-based reservations. Among supporters is Bhola Prasad, a 60-year-old Yadav farmer from Sonpur in Saran. “Caste census must happen. Work and opportunities should be distributed according to population. Those opposing it are already ahead in everything, including jobs,” he argues. Yet, a section of upper-caste voters remains apprehensive. Is the caste census shaping the Bihar Assembly elections? How do different communities view it, and which parties are likely to benefit or lose? To explore this, we spoke with residents in Saran, Vaishali, and Patna, and consulted experts on the potential electoral impact. Background: Caste survey and census in Bihar Bihar conducted a caste survey in 2023 under the Mahagathbandhan government, with CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in power. The caste-based census report was released on October 2, 2023. This was the first state-level caste survey in the country since independence. First, a look at Bihar’s population by caste according to the report… Following Bihar’s survey, the central government announced on April 30, 2025, that a nationwide caste census would be conducted. The exercise will take place in two phases alongside the general population census in 2026–27. The decision came after sustained pressure from both political parties and the public, as the last caste-based census in India was carried out in 1931. What communities regarded as upper caste think about the caste census Rajputs: Economic focus over caste 29-year-old Prince Ranjan Singh, a Rajput from Saran working in a medical lab, opposes the caste census. “In my view, the census should focus on the poor. Give resources to those who need them. Who is stopping anyone? With 500–600 crore, you could build 100,000 houses for the poor,” he says. Prince advocates for reservations based on economic criteria rather than caste, arguing that caste-based quotas have failed to address social backwardness. “Reservation should not be based on caste, but on poverty. Every caste has rich and poor. The current system is limping,” he adds. Bhumihars: Strong support for census 42-year-old Sita Sharan, a Bhumihar from Saran who runs a fast food shop and works as a Flipkart delivery partner, considers the caste census essential. “Caste enumeration is completely necessary, but a half-hearted survey is useless,” he says. Sita Sharan explains the practical benefits: “The caste census should happen, and it causes neither harm nor advantage. It will simply reflect the population of each community, giving them proportional strength. This will not create animosity in society. What use is reservation if people do not get access to education?” Brahmins: Census not harmful 42-year-old Tinku Jha, a Brahmin from Vaishali who supports his household through labor work, also backs the census. “Caste enumeration does not harm anyone. Each community will receive its share based on population. Those opposing it have their own views. Some may lose, some may benefit,” he says. For Tinku, bigger election issues are the poor state of government schools, unemployment, inflation, and migration. “If Bihar had better employment opportunities, people would not have to go to Chennai, Visakhapatnam, or Punjab for work,” he notes. What did communities regarded as Dalits-Mahadalits say about caste census? Reservation has become a joke, employment is key Ritik, a Dalit student at Patna University, says the reservation system has lost its effectiveness. “Reservations have become a joke because government jobs are declining. When institutions shut down, there are no jobs. Without jobs, where will reservation be implemented? The caste census is being conducted, but what is its operative purpose?” He questions the practical impact of the census: “The survey revealed that 33% of families earn less than ₹6,000 per month. What has been done after discovering this? They simply counted. Counting alone does not solve anything.” Caste census essential for children’s future Dilip Kumar Das, 45, from the Mahadalit Ravidas community in Khadka Tola, Saran, sees the census as crucial for planning his children’s future. A father of three, he wants them to become doctors and engineers. “The caste census is 100% necessary. It will help design schemes for every community, which will automatically support Bihar’s development,” he says. Addressing those who oppose the census, Dilip adds, “Reservation should be allocated according to population. Some people misuse the system—leaders like Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi already have advantages; they should now step aside.” He stresses that beyond education, health, and unemployment, the caste census remains a significant issue for Mahadalits. Views from OBCs and EBCs Upper-caste dominance and political opposition Bhola Prasad Yadav alleges that upper-caste groups opposing the caste census control jobs across sectors. He believes unemployment, migration, and inflation are bigger election issues than the caste census. “Still, caste enumeration will remain an issue for people, but during elections it becomes more of a political debate than a public concern,” he says. ‘PM Modi’s caste, yet no benefit’ Gautam Kumar, a Teli student at Patna University (Telis fall under Bihar’s EBC category), supports the caste census and insists reservations should reflect population share. “Even though PM Modi belongs to our caste, the community has seen no benefits,” he says. On its electoral significance, he adds, “We should benefit according to population, but nothing has happened so far.” Caste census as a tool for reservation reform Suraj Kumar, an OBC student at Patna University, describes the census as a means to reform reservations while highlighting economic inequalities. “The caste survey was correct because reservation must match caste population percentages,” he says. However, 20-year-old Shiv Kumar, also OBC, warns that political parties may exploit the census to increase casteism. “The census
Bihar polls: Congress releases second list of candidates; announces 5 nominees
NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Saturday announced its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, fielding nominees for Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town constituencies. Shaswat Kedar Pandey will contest from Narkatiaganj, while Qamrul Hoda has been fielded from Kishanganj. Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav, and Mohan Shrivasta will represent the party in Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town, respectively. Earlier on Friday, Congress released its first list of 48 candidates. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD and Congress, has struggled to finalise a seat-sharing arrangement for the first phase of polls, whose nomination process ended on Friday. In some constituencies, the alliance is witnessing a “friendly fight” between its partners. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Mahagathbandhan is facing internal conflicts. He said, “Aapsi ladai ke patake Mahagathbandhan main phoot rahe hain.” He added, as quoted by ANI, “Mahagathbandhan in Bihar has till not officially announced its seat sharing. There are reports that RJD wants to have a candidate against the Congress Bihar President. Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is fighting a massive Internal tug of war: Rahul Gandhi has asked his party men to not focus on RJD seats. RJD workers are fighting against Congress workers on ground.” Bhandari further claimed, “Tejasvi Yadav and Mukesh Sahni have no face to show their workers; after been humiliated by Congress and Rahul Gandhi.” Meanwhile, earlier during the day, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced it will contest six Bihar seats independently, rather than as part of the Mahagathbandhan. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor also weighed in on the electoral battle, saying, “INDIA alliance is going to finish third this time. The fight is between the NDA and Jan Suraaj.” Polling for the Bihar elections will take place on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14. With the election season underway, campaign activities have intensified, especially in constituencies going to the polls in the first phase. 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
Rahul’s OBC focus denies ticket to upper caste neta
Gaya: The Congress has replaced its upper-caste candidate in Tekari with an OBC leader, Santosh Kushwaha. Sumant Kumar, who contested the seat in 2020 and lost by a slender margin of about 2,000 votes, has been “disowned” by the party. The change is being attributed to Rahul Gandhi’s renewed focus on OBCs as part of a social engineering strategy aimed at wooing OBC and EBC voters. Upset over being denied the ticket, Sumant said, “Rahul’s social justice plank is a hoax. More than social justice, the state needs economic justice. The OBCs and EBCs already have established leaders in Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. Rahul is dashing his head against the wrong wall. The party has not learned any lesson from its past.” Asked whether he would contest as an independent like other rejected candidates, Sumant said, “Magadh politics is bipolar and unattached candidates do not have a viable option. Undaunted by ticket denial, I will continue to serve the people of Tekari as an ordinary social worker.” Expressing his displeasure at Sumant’s exclusion, Vijay Kumar Mithu, senior leader and former member of the All India Congress Committee, said, “Going by its style of functioning and changed social priorities, Congress cannot revive itself in the state. The party will have to pay a heavy price for ignoring sincere and dedicated workers.” In a related development, Omair Khan, another Congress leader aspiring for the Tekari ticket, has been sent to Biharsharif as the party’s official candidate. Party insiders said Congress faced a problem of plenty in Tekari, where besides Sumant and Omair, Tabish Patel, Santosh Kushwaha, Azmi Bari and two nepo candidates — the sons of former state chiefs — were serious contenders. Commenting on his selection, Khan, nephew of former minister and RJD leader late Shakil Ahmad Khan, said, “I will abide by the party’s decision and will do everything to prove true to the trust reposed by the party leadership in an ordinary worker like me. I have already filed nomination for the Biharsharif seat.” 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
Burnt voter records found near ex-BJP MLA’s house in Aland
Kalaburagi: A special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged vote theft in the Aland assembly constituency has reportedly recovered burnt voter records near the residence of former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar. Officials said the burnt documents were found dumped and partially destroyed near Guttedar’s house Saturday, a day after the SIT conducted raids on multiple properties linked to him, his sons, and a chartered accountant. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged manipulation of voter rolls during the 2023 assembly elections in the state. Reacting to the discovery, Guttedar dismissed any wrongdoing and said the burnt papers were discarded by his housekeeping staff. “As part of the cleanliness drive ahead of the Deepavali festival, our staff threw them outside and burnt them. If we had some malicious intention, then we would have preferred burning them away from our house. Why would anyone do it in front of the house? There were no ulterior motives behind it,” he said. The SIT was constituted after Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi alleged a large-scale “vote theft” during the 2023 assembly polls in Karnataka, citing “irregularities” in the Aland constituency. Congress functionaries claimed fake calls were made in the names of genuine voters to delete “Congress votes” from the rolls. They maintained that the timely detection of the fraud helped their candidate BR Patil defeat Guttedar. Guttedar, however, alleged a political conspiracy. “The SIT raids on my residence were politically motivated and carried out at the behest of Rahul Gandhi and MLA BR Patil. We have done nothing wrong and were not involved in any vote-rigging,” he added. He also claimed a threat to his life and accused CM Siddaramaiah of withdrawing his security cover. “My gunman was withdrawn. The ADGP told me it was done on the CM’s instructions. Doesn’t my life have value?” Guttedar 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