RJD put ‘katta’ to Cong head to push Tejashwi as CM face: PM
Patna: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the INDIA bloc, alleging that the Congress accepted Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate in Bihar only after the RJD pointed a “katta” (a country-made gun) at its head. Addressing packed election rallies in Ara and Nawada, the PM accused the RJD of using strong-arm tactics to dominate the alliance. “The Congress never wanted to announce the chief ministerial candidate in favour of the RJD. The RJD secured it by placing a ‘katta’ on the head of the Congress. They have learned their lessons in the school of ‘jungle raj’. Such elements can never do good for Bihar,” he said. Modi’s remarks came amid persistent speculation that the Congress had initially been reluctant to project Tejashwi as the INDIA bloc’s CM face, agreeing only after sustained pressure from the RJD. The apparent strain between the allies continues to show with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi having shared the stage only twice so far — in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga on Oct 29. Since then, Rahul has campaigned separately in Begusarai and Khagaria, while Tejashwi has held over 15 rallies across the state. RJD functionaries, however, have maintained that the two leaders were splitting campaign duties to cover the 121 constituencies going to the polls in the first phase on Nov 6. “Even NDA stalwarts like PM Modi and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar are not campaigning together,” they said. Speaking in Ara, Modi urged voters to “wait for the second phase of polling on Nov 11 to see them fighting”. Without naming either Rahul or Tejashwi, he said, “The crown prince of ‘jungle raj’ fears that the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ of the other ‘yuvraj’ may dent his prospects. Hence, the RJD has put up its candidate against the state president of the Congress. Let the polls be over. The two allies will be breaking each other’s heads.” The remark referred to the Kutumba seat, where the RJD had initially announced a candidate against sitting MLA and state Congress president Rajesh Kumar, before withdrawing the move. Despite this, the two allies are locked in friendly contests in several constituencies. Claiming that the NDA was poised for a “record victory,” Modi said the ruling alliance would continue to provide an “upright and farsighted” govt and work towards a “developed Bihar” essential for “Viksit Bharat”. He said, “The jungle raj wallahs are set to get the worst drubbing in history.” Visibly pleased with the turnout, the PM said, “Analysts sitting in Delhi, who are racking their brains over poll arithmetic, would do well to come here and experience for themselves which way the wind is blowing.” Touting the NDA manifesto released last week, Modi described it as “honest” and visionary, in contrast to the INDIA bloc’s charter, which he dismissed as “a dossier of lies”. He envisioned a future where “the youth of Bihar will work in Bihar and make their motherland proud”, without migrating under economic duress. Listing his govt’s achievements, he said, “The condition of power connectivity was such that people used to dry clothes on electrical wires, but we changed it.” Highlighting the contribution of Bhojpur and neighbouring districts to the armed forces, Modi said national security and soldiers’ welfare were top priorities. “One rank one pension (OROP) has resulted in the disbursement of Rs 1 lakh crore, benefitting families of servicemen,” he said. He accused the RJD and Congress of serving “just two families — one most corrupt in Bihar and another most corrupt in the country”. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Modi said, “It was around the same time of the year, on Nov 1-2, when Sikhs were massacred in Delhi. Those who were guilty are being promoted by the party. The Congress has been unapologetic about the carnage.” In an apparent dig at Voter Adhikar Yatra, Modi alleged it was meant to protect “infiltrators (ghuspaithiye)” who must be driven out before they seize the resources meant for the people of Bihar. Recalling the abduction of a doctor in Tarari near Ara two decades ago and the Naxal insurgency that devastated Dalmia Nagar in Rohtas, he said the NDA had worked to restore peace and stability in these regions. Concluding his speech, Modi announced plans to develop the birthplace of Veer Kunwar Singh, the 1857 freedom hero, as part of the NDA’s commitment to combine development with cultural heritage. In Nawada, he lauded the NDA’s success in curbing Maoist insurgency and warned against “urban naxals” sympathetic to extremist ideologies, urging voters to reject those who “romanticise unrest”. (With inputs from Praveen in Ara) 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 warns of ‘vote theft’, calls for vigilance at booths
Patna: Reiterating his charge that the BJP-RSS combine was attempting to “steal votes” in the Bihar assembly elections, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday urged voters to remain vigilant at polling booths and resist any effort by rival parties to rob them of their democratic rights. He alleged that the NDA had “set its eyes on capturing Bihar” after forming govts in four states through “fraudulent means.” Addressing election rallies in Begusarai and Khagaria, Rahul cautioned the crowd against what he termed “vote chori” in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. He recounted that during the Special Intensive Revision conducted by the Election Commission, the names of a large number of voters believed to be supporters of the INDIA bloc were deleted from the voters’ list. “BJP-RSS together have stolen election after election. They did it in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, and now they have set their eyes on Bihar. So, be alert at the polling booths and check the voters’ list so that they don’t snatch away the govt again,” Rahul told the gathering. Calling upon people to oppose ‘vote chori’ firmly, he described it as an attempt to “reject the Constitution and murder the ideology of B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.” “Stay vigilant at polling and oppose any attempt for vote chori,” he said. He also accused chief minister Nitish Kumar of being powerless in his own administration, alleging that a group of “three or four bureaucrats” were running the state govt under “instructions from Delhi.” Rahul further charged that the NDA regime had turned Bihar into a “market of labourers” over the past two decades, forcing the state’s youth to migrate in large numbers in search of petty jobs. “But if the INDIA bloc comes to power, we will set up the world’s best university in Bihar, where students from across the world will come to study,” he promised, adding that his opposition alliance’s first priority would be to strengthen the education sector. The Congress leader also attacked the Modi govt’s major economic decisions, claiming that “policies like GST and demonetisation were aimed at destroying small businesses and benefiting big ones.” Renewing his jibe about Prime Minister Modi’s “56-inch chest,” Rahul claimed that “Operation Sindoor” was suspended under pressure from the United States. “PM Modi has a 56-inch chest, but the truth is that we don’t get to know a person’s courage from the size of his chest. (Mahatma) Gandhi ji fought against the British, he didn’t have a big chest but he was not afraid. There are many such people who don’t have a big chest but are not cowards, and there are others with a 56-inch chest who are cowards,” Rahul said. Continuing his attack on Union home minister Amit Shah, he said, “Shah claims there is no land in Bihar to set up industries, but strangely he gave away lands to his industrialist friend at throwaway prices in Bhagalpur.” 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
NDA has turned Bihar into ‘market of labourers’: Rahul Gandhi
PATNA: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi intensified Sunday his attack on BJP and RSS, warning they were attempting to “steal votes” in the Bihar elections. Urging voters to stay alert at polling booths, he claimed NDA had “set its eyes on capturing Bihar” after forming govts in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh “through fraudulent means”. Addressing rallies in Begusarai and Khagaria, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said: “BJP and RSS together have stolen election after election. They did it in four states, and now they want to do the same in Bihar. So be vigilant at polling booths and check the voters’ list carefully so that they don’t snatch your govt again.” Rahul alleged during EC’s SIR of electoral rolls, the names of thousands of people believed to be INDIA bloc supporters were deleted from voters’ lists. Calling on people to resist “vote chori” firmly, he said: “This is not just theft of votes but an attempt to reject the Constitution and murder the ideology of BRAmbedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. Stay vigilant and oppose it at every polling station.” Rahul also accused CM Nitish Kumar of losing control over his administration. “Nitish Kumar is CM only in name. Bihar is being run by three or four bureaucrats taking instructions from Delhi,” he said. He added that NDA had turned Bihar into a “market of labourers” over the past two decades, pushing young people to migrate in search of small jobs. Promising a reversal if INDIA bloc is elected to office, Rahul said his alliance would establish “the world’s best university in Bihar”, attracting students from across the world. “Education will be our first priority,” he said, asserting that a strong education system would stop mass migration. Renewing his jibe about Modi’s “56-inch chest”, Rahul alleged Operation Sindoor was halted under US pressure. “Courage isn’t measured by the size of a chest. Gandhi didn’t have a big chest, yet he wasn’t afraid. Many without big chests are brave. Others with 56-inch chests are cowards.” Taking on Union home minister Amit Shah, Rahul also said, he added: “(Home minister Amit) Shah says there’s no land in Bihar for industries, but he gave land to his industrialist friend in Bhagalpur at throwaway prices. This is BJP’s model of development.” Rahul also slammed economic decisions by PM Narendra the Modi’s govt, saying that policies like GST revisions and 2016 demonetisation were “crafted to destroy small traders and benefit big industrialists”. IMPROMPTU SPLASH: Rahul dived into a village pond to join fishermen in Begusarai on Sunday. He was accompanied by colleague Kanhaiya Kumar and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani. Rahul displayed his swimming skills as he helped the locals pull in their fishing nets 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 2025: Tejashwi Yadav CONFIRMS deputy CM from Muslim, Dalit community, says, ‘everyone will get fair chance…’
Ahead of Bihar elections, Mahagathbandhan CM face and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has confirmed that if they come to power after winning elections, there will be multiple deputy CM including one from Muslim community. Ahead of Bihar elections, Mahagathbandhan CM face and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has confirmed that if they come to power after winning elections, there will be multiple deputy CM including one from Muslim community. In an interview with India Today, Tejashwi Yadav responded, “Yes, definitely,’ when asked will there be a Deputy CM from Muslim community. Muslim community constitutes nearly 17% of the electorate and could play a decisive role in the formation of next government in Bihar. During the announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as CM face for Mahagathbandhan Alliance, Mukesh Sahani was named as the deputy CM face. Mukesh Sahani ‘Son of Mallah’ belongs to the Extremely Backward Class. EBCs comprise 30% of Bihar’s voters.Following this, demand of Muslim deputy CM were raised. What did Tejashwi Yadav Said? RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav confirmed that there will multiple deputy CM. He said, ‘The day this announcement was made, Ashok Gehlot ji had said that if Mukesh Sahani would be made Deputy Chief Minister, there would also be others. The concerns raised by various sections will be addressed.’ He also said, ‘Yes’, when asked if there will be deputy CM from two of the major communities from Bihar, Muslims and Dalits. ‘We will take everyone along, and everyone will get a fair chance of representation, ‘ he added. Bihar elections 2025 Both Mahagathbandhan and NDA have released their Manifesto for the upcoming polls. NDA in Bihar released their manifesto ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Patna on Friday. Few days earlier, the Mahagathbandhan has released its manifesto, Tejashwi ka Prann. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls will take place on November 6, and the second phase will happen on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. This upcoming electoral contest will be between the NDA, led by the BJP, and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), and the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is also contesting on all 243 seats in this high-stake battle. Vanshika Tyagi Courtesy : DNA India Note: This news is originally published on https:/dnaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MRPS condemns attack on CJI, takes out ‘Dalit self-respect rally’
Hyderabad: Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) founder Manda Krishna Madiga questioned why the Delhi police did not register a case against the lawyer who tried to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai. He said that all systems in the country have remained silent, displaying the persistence of untouchability. Condemning the attack on Justice Gavai, the MRPS, along with thousands of participants, took out a ‘Dalit self-respect rally’ from Indira Park to Babu Jagjivan Ram’s statue. Along with Krishna Madiga, MRPS national president Munnangi Nagaraju Madiga, MRPS Telangana state president Govindu Naresh Madiga, AP state president Rudrapogu Suresh Madiga, Karnataka president Narasappa Madiga, Tamil Nadu MRPS president Lokesh Madiga, Maharashtra president Ajit, Chhattisgarh state leader Johnson Madiga, Uttarakhand state president Ashish Kumar, and others participated. Speaking at the rally, Krishna Madiga said that the attack happened because Justice Gavai is a Dalit. “If a judge from a higher caste were in his place, would this attack have occurred?” he asked, adding that they view the incident as an attack on Dalits because of Gavai’s identity. He questioned why the Delhi police had not yet filed a case and why the Supreme Court had not taken suo motu cognisance of the matter. He also questioned the NHRC’s silence on the incident. Stating that the Dalit self-respect struggle in Hyderabad marks only the beginning, he said the movement would soon be intensified at the national level. Announcing ‘Chalo Delhi’ on Nov 17, he said a massive Dalit self-respect will be organised across the country. He criticised political parties for their double standards on Justice Gavai’s case, questioning why they haven’t demanded legal action or punishment against the lawyer involved. He condemned the failure to punish those who commit violence in the name of beliefs and traditions, calling such acts unlawful. 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: 32% of First-Phase Candidates Face Criminal Cases, Says ADR Report
A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch has revealed that 32 percent of candidates contesting in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of these, 27 percent face serious charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and crimes against women. The analysis covered 1,303 out of 1,314 candidates who are contesting in the first phase of the elections scheduled for November 6 and November 11. The votes will be counted on November 14. According to the report, 423 candidates admitted to having criminal cases, while 354 are accused in serious offences. “Serious criminal cases are those that involve non-bailable offences, electoral crimes, or crimes such as murder, kidnapping, rape, or those punishable with at least five years in prison,” ADR said. Among the major political parties, 76 percent of Rashtriya Janata Dal candidates have criminal cases, followed by 65 percent from the BJP, 39 percent from JD(U), and 65 percent from Congress. In smaller parties, 93 percent of CPI(ML) Liberation candidates, 54 percent from LJP (Ram Vilas), and all candidates from CPI and CPI(M) have declared criminal records. The report also found that 33 candidates are accused in murder cases, 86 in attempted murder cases, and 42 in crimes against women, including two who face rape charges. ADR also highlighted the increasing influence of money in elections. About 40 percent of all candidates have declared assets worth over ₹1 crore. Among the major parties, 97 percent of RJD candidates are crorepatis, followed by 92 percent in BJP, 91 percent in JD(U), and 78 percent in Congress. Educational qualifications also vary widely. Around half of the candidates are graduates or have higher degrees, while 40 percent studied between Class 5 and Class 12. Only 9 percent of the total candidates are women. The watchdogs urged immediate action to curb the growing criminalisation of politics. “The Supreme Court of India, being the ultimate guardian of justice, should reprimand political parties for their complete lack of will and failure to act,” ADR said in a statement. The report recommended that candidates convicted of heinous crimes like murder, rape, smuggling, or kidnapping should be permanently disqualified. It also suggested disqualifying candidates charged with serious offences punishable by at least five years in jail if the case was filed six months before the election. ADR and National Election Watch further called for cancellation of tax benefits to political parties that field such candidates and demanded that all parties be brought under the Right to Information Act. “Any political party that knowingly gives a ticket to a tainted candidate should be deregistered and derecognised,” the report concluded. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Farmer, Wife Assaulted and Abused with Caste Slurs in Aligarh’s Vijaygarh Area
In Aligarh’s Vijaygarh area, a Dalit farmer and his wife were allegedly attacked and abused with casteist slurs by a group of men riding a tractor. The incident took place on Thursday night when the couple was returning home from their field around 8:30 pm. According to the complaint, the tractor riders stopped the couple and ordered them to move aside, hurling caste-based insults. When the farmer protested, the men allegedly assaulted him and his wife. Hearing their cries for help, the farmer’s father, Chetram, and a neighbour, Lalit, rushed to the spot, but they too were beaten and verbally abused. Chetram, son of Babulal and a resident of Bhankari Ahibasi village, lodged a complaint naming Yogendra Sharma alias Munna, Rohit, Deepak, and Ankur, all from the same village, as the accused. Police have registered a case under relevant sections and the SC/ST Act. The injured were sent for medical examination, and officials said an investigation is underway to verify the sequence of events and arrest those responsible. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Swami Prasad Maurya Accuses BJP of Fueling Violence Against Dalits and Muslims in Uttar Pradesh
Former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of allowing rising violence against Dalits and Muslims under its rule. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Maurya said, “Dalit and Muslim communities are being targeted. Homes of the poor are being bulldozed, while criminals linked to the BJP enjoy full protection. Law and order has completely collapsed in the state.” Maurya alleged that religious slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Bajrangbali” were being misused to justify violence. “These chants have become tools to vandalize Muslim homes and mosques. Today, people of one religion have resorted to terrorist activities,” he said. He further claimed that the BJP was deliberately trying to disturb communal harmony. “The tomb in Fatehpur was attacked using the same slogan. In Aligarh, a conspiracy was hatched to incite Hindu-Muslim riots by writing ‘I love Mohammad’ on a temple wall,” he added. Citing the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Maurya said, “Uttar Pradesh ranks number one in crime, rape, murder, and caste-related violence. The same situation exists in BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where Dalits and backward classes continue to face oppression.” He accused the BJP government of shielding criminals. “Under BJP rule, the number of lawless elements has increased sharply. The Chief Minister neither takes cognizance of incidents nor takes action. This is why gangsters and the mafia are openly flouting the law,” Maurya said. Condemning recent attacks on the judiciary, Maurya said, “Two Presidents were stopped from entering a temple, and now a shoe has been thrown at a judge. This is an attack on the justice system and the Constitution. Even the judiciary is not safe under BJP rule.” Announcing statewide protests, Maurya said that if the person who threw the shoe at a Supreme Court judge is not arrested, demonstrations will be held outside every district magistrate’s office on November 3. During the protest, memorandums addressed to the President will be submitted, highlighting the breakdown of law and order, atrocities against Dalits, and government inaction. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Muzaffarnagar News: Dalit youth stabbed to death, blood-soaked body found in sugarcane field
Muzaffarnagar News: A Dalit youth was brutally stabbed to death on Saturday in the Kakrauli police station area of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The youth’s body was recovered from a sugarcane field, bearing deep stab wounds. The incident has caused a stir in the area. The deceased has been identified as 29-year-old Sonu. Sonu’s body was found in a sugarcane field in Garhi Firozabad village, under the Kakrauli police station area, on Saturday. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal told reporters that the body bore multiple stab wounds. Sonu had left home after receiving a phone call Police recovered a blood-stained knife and the deceased’s motorcycle from the scene. According to ASP Bansal, Sonu had left home after receiving a phone call but never returned. The motive behind the murder and the identity of the attackers have not yet been established. Police have registered a case against unknown assailants and sent the body for post-mortem examination. ASP Bansal stated that an investigation has been launched and efforts are underway to identify the culprits. By Raghvendra Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
Kharge calling for RSS ban under Gandhi family’s pressure: Shobha
Bengaluru: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje Saturday accused AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge of demanding a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) under pressure from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. “I respect Mallikarjun Kharge; he is a senior politician with vast experience. However, he is unable to think independently because of the influence of one family in his party. In his 50 years of political life, Kharge never made any statement against RSS,” she said, adding: “After listening to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Kharge has now started demanding a ban on the organisation… During the UPA govt, you (Kharege) were a Union minister, yet you never spoke against RSS. Why now? It’s appeasement politics to please a community.” Her remarks came amid the controversy over minister Priyank Kharge’s letter to the CM seeking a ban on RSS activities and action against officials linked to the organisation. 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