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
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Priya Makes History as Kerala’s First Transgender Doctor, Symbolising Courage and Inclusion
Dr. Priya’s groundbreaking journey from discrimination to becoming Kerala’s first transgender doctor embodies hope, resilience, and social change. Dr. Priya from Kerala has become the state’s first transgender doctor, a groundbreaking achievement that highlights the intersection of medicine, gender identity, and social acceptance. With a medical degree and clinical experience, she has broken barriers despite facing early childhood discrimination and ongoing societal stigma. Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George and various rights activists have welcomed her success, calling it a symbol of hope for marginalized youth seeking dignity and opportunity. Recent updates also mention challenges linked to a brief suspension by the French Medical Council earlier this year, though she continues her medical career in Kerala with community support. Overcoming Personal and Professional Barriers Born as Jinu Sasidharan, Dr. Priya struggled with her gender identity from an early age. As a child, she realised she identified as female but faced fear and embarrassment in revealing her truth. She decided to pursue education as a coping mechanism, completing a BAMS degree and then an MD from Mangaluru. Her medical journey was accompanied by hormone treatment and gender-affirming surgery, which she underwent after joining Sitaram Hospital in Thrissur. In her own words, “Life is precious. I don’t need a mask to hide my identity.” Her transitioning process included not only surgery but ongoing treatments such as voice therapy, exemplifying her commitment to living authentically while upholding her professional role. Colleagues commend her diligence and empathetic approach, depicting her as a compassionate physician dedicated to patient care irrespective of societal labels. “She is a trailblazer who demonstrates how identity and ability coexist harmoniously,” a senior official from the Kerala Medical Council noted. Societal Context and Support Systems Kerala stands out in India for progressive transgender policies. The state offers free gender affirmation surgeries and scholarships for transgender students. Yet, discrimination in education and workplaces remains a pervasive challenge. Dr. Priya’s achievement spotlights how formal policy reforms must be complemented by societal attitude shifts. Community activists argue that despite legislative support, inclusion requires enhanced awareness and anti-discrimination measures in institutional environments. Dr. Priya’s family has been a pillar of strength, providing emotional and financial support through her struggles. Their role underscores the importance of familial acceptance in transgender journeys. Public officials, including Health Minister Veena George, touted her success as a “milestone for Kerala and India,” encouraging young transgender persons to dream beyond historical limitations. However, it is worth noting that earlier in 2025, Dr. Priya faced a one-month suspension by the French Medical Council while working there, following allegations related to her practice. While the details remain confidential, the incident reflects additional layers of challenge transgender professionals may face on international platforms, compounding pressures beyond gender identity alone. The Logical Indian’s Perspective Dr. Priya’s story epitomises resilience and the pursuit of equality through courage and professionalism. At The Logical Indian, we believe that true inclusivity transcends legal rights and requires changing hearts and minds within communities and workplaces alike. Her journey signals how society enriches itself by embracing diversity rather than fearing difference. Her success should inspire not just admiration but concrete action: implementing inclusive policies, fostering safe environments in education and healthcare, and celebrating achievements of marginalized communities without prejudice. The Logical Indian urges readers to reflect on how everyday interactions in schools, workplaces, and social spaces can become platforms for empathy, dialogue, and respect. Syed Muskan Shafiq Courtesy : The Logical Indian Note: This news is originally published on https:/thelogicalindian.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
MP News: Crimes Against Dalits, Clashes Rising In State; The Campaign Launched For Samrasta Comes To Naught
The caste conflicts are rising in the Gwalior-Chambal region in the state Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Samrasta, or equality, is the most important of all issues that the RSS is highlighting in its centenary year. The leaders of the BJP and the Congress are often seen taking snaps and making reels after having meals at the residences of the people belonging to the SC/ST community. The rising incidents of crime against Dalits in the state in one month have raised a question mark on the government. A fresh case of torturing a Dalit has been reported from Surpura village in Bhind district, where a Dalit youth who refused to drive a car on the occasion of Diwali was picked up from his in-laws’ house, beaten up, and forced to drink urine. Six days ago, some people beat up a Dalit youth and urinated on him for protesting against illegal mining in the Slimabad area in Katni district. Before this, there were many incidents of crime against Dalits. According to NCRB data, MP is the third state in the country in terms of incidents of crime against Dalits. Over 8,232 cases were registered in connection with crimes against Dalits in 2023. The caste conflicts are rising in the Gwalior-Chambal region in the state. Statements were issued against the installation of a statue of BR Ambedkar on the premises of the court. Several statements were recently issued against Ambedkar. The Gwalior district administration closed the schools because of the protest. An upper-caste lawyer has opened a front, and the Bhim Army has swung into action in favour of Dalits. There are many cases for which the police reports were not lodged. The same situation cropped up in the region nearly seven years ago. In April 2018, seven people lost their lives in caste-related clashes, and over 100 people sustained injuries. Gwalior was under the curfew for nine days, and the BJP had to bear severe consequences because of the caste fight. According to sources, the RSS, also worried about the caste fight, is trying to quell the flame of anger. MPCC president Jitu Patwari said the incidents of crime against Dalits were rising in the state. A Dalit youth has been inhumanly treated in Bhind just after a week of the Katni incident, but the government is barely paying attention to such incidents, Patwari said. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Uproar over elder from SC community forced to lick ground as Opposition alleges display of casteism
60-year-old man from the Scheduled Caste community was forced to lick the ground near Sheetla Maataa Mandir in Kakori area on the outskirts of the State capital on Deepavali after accidentally urinating near the temple; Congress and AAP call for justice for victim After uproar over an elderly man from the Scheduled Caste community allegedly forced to lick the ground after accidentally urinating near a temple in Lucknow, Opposition parties on Wednesday (October 22, 2025) described the incident as a “naked display” of the anti-SC mindset of casteism and feudalism. The parties have demanded protection, support, respectable compensation, and medical facilities for the victim. “Forcing a Dalit elder to lick urine is not just a crime, but a naked display of the age-old anti-Dalit mentality of casteism and feudalism. We have come to know, the person accused in the case belongs to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), this is the pattern in Uttar Pradesh, where Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits are being humiliated in every possible way. In Uttar Pradesh, from vandalised statues of Ambedkar to casteist slurs against OBCs, Dalits, a full display of anti-constitutional Manusmriti-centric mindset is at display. This is not only a disgrace to humanity but also an attack on the very spirit of the Constitution,” said Anil Yadav, a senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader. Mr. Yadav demanded a judicial enquiry into continuous incidents of atrocities on people and identities belonging to Scheduled Caste communities across U.P. In the Lucknow incident, a 60-year-old man from the Scheduled Caste community was allegedly forced to lick the ground near Sheetla Maataa Mandir in Kakori area on the outskirts of the State capital on Deepavali. While the accused has been arrested, the senior citizen’s grandson claimed his grandfather has breathing difficulties, and he had accidentally urinated while coughing. In the complaint, the victim alleged that the accused started hurling casteist words against the elderly man. Lucknow Police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and under provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to police, the accused has claimed that the man from the Scheduled Caste community was only forced to touch the ground. “My grandfather did not tell anyone about the incident in the night. After he narrated the incident, we lodged a police complaint,” said the grandson of the victim to local reporters. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh termed the incident a blot on our society. “Humanity is above caste and creed. The inhuman treatment meted out to a Dalit elder in Lucknow, the disgusting thought of making him lick urine and asking him to “purify” the temple is a blot on our society. Today, a delegation of Aam Aadmi Party Uttar Pradesh met the victim’s family. I myself spoke to the victim, listened to his pain and assured him of all possible support in his fight for justice,” Mr. Singh posted on X. Mayank Kumar Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP insensitive towards crime against Dalits: SP
Lucknow: Reacting to an ailing Dalit elderly made to lick his urine in Lucknow temple, Samajwadi Party accused BJP govt of being insensitive towards crime against Dalits. “One must not be humiliated and handed out inhumane punishment for a mistake committed unknowingly. Change (of BJP govt) will bring the transformation,” SP president Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X, posting a video in which the victim was narrating the horror he underwent. “UP tops the list of states with maximum number of cases of crime against Dalits. What happened in Kakori (in Lucknow) is a result of the mindset that is finding resonance in the corridors of power,” said an SP functionary. He recalled how the CM’s residence and a temple in Kannauj were “purified and washed with Gangajal” because SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had visited the two places to claim that the BJP’s mindset against Dalits stems from its hate towards the Backward classes and the deprived. 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
In Uttar Pradesh, an entire family was beaten up after they spoke out against the molestation of a Dalit girl: Police said the dispute was over firecrackers, misleading news on social media!
Regarding the dispute in village Bharsen, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Auraiya police station, the city area officer stated that the matter stemmed from a dispute over children lighting firecrackers. An FIR has been filed against both sides, and two people from each side have been arrested and further action has been taken. Auraiya – A brutal incident involving a Dalit family has unfolded in a village in Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh, which paints an ugly picture of society. The entire family was “punished” for protesting against the molestation of a young woman. Unruly men entered their home, brutally beat them, and, boasting of their government and caste, threatened to kill them. The victim’s family alleges that the accused openly declared, “This is our government, the Chief Minister is ours.” Following the incident, the police are reluctant to register an FIR, forcing the victim’s family to appeal to higher authorities in hopes of justice. The molestation of a Dalit girl in the district’s village of Bharsen and the subsequent family dispute have escalated. The victim’s family alleges that members of the opposing party not only sexually assaulted the girl but also threatened to kill her family members by beating them with a mob. The most serious allegation is that the accused, claiming power and caste dominance, are openly threatening to shoot them. After a copy of the girl’s written complaint and photos of the victim’s families went viral on social media, the Auraiya police denied the case and attributed the dispute to the firecrackers lit by children on Diwali night, leading to a physical altercation and injuries. According to the victim, her neighbor, Kshitij alias Heeru alias Veeresh, casts lewd glances at her and makes obscene gestures. Out of fear, poverty, and caste pressure, the family did not oppose the attack. On October 20th, at around 7:00 pm, when the victim went to the fields to relieve herself, Kshitij suddenly grabbed her and molested her. She ran home crying and informed her mother of the incident. The victim’s father then complained to the accused’s family. However, the opposing side, in turn, taunted him for being of the “Chamar” caste, accusing him of making false accusations, and said, “It’s our government, the Chief Minister is ours, what is your status?” Then, at around 10:30 pm, a group of nine men arrived at the victim’s home armed with pistols and sticks. The attackers broke down the door and shouted, “Teach these Chamars a lesson today, kill them.” They beat the victim’s brothers, Deepak and Sushil, and another man, creating an atmosphere of terror. In her written complaint, the victim stated that the accused declared that if they wanted to live in the village, they should keep their heads bowed, or they would be shot in public. They threatened, “The Bahujan Samaj Party will no longer rule the state; only our Yogi will rule, and Thakurism will prevail.” Several people in the vicinity witnessed the incident. According to the victim, a complaint was lodged at the police station, but the station in-charge only conducted a medical examination and refused to register an FIR. Allegations are that the police are taking the matter lightly and are bowing to the influence of the accused. The victim has now appealed to higher authorities for justice. Journalist Gaurav Pal shared the victim’s written complaint on x, along with photographs of the injured family members, writing, “Caste and casteism have reached such a level in Uttar Pradesh that when people of the Bharsen Kshatriya caste assault Dalits in Auraiya, no FIR is filed. Why are the police shying away from taking action against people of the Chief Minister’s caste? The family alleges that their case was not registered and they were chased away from the police station.” Police said the news on social media was misleading. Regarding the dispute in the village of Bharsen, under the jurisdiction of the Auraiya police station, the Circle Officer stated that the incident stemmed from a dispute that began on Diwali day over children lighting firecrackers. Both sides exchanged abusive language and pelted stones, resulting in injuries. Medical examinations were conducted and an FIR was filed against both parties. Further action was taken by arresting two people from each side. The Circle Officer denied the news circulating on social media, calling it misleading. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Chhatarpur: Dalit woman’s demand for 10,000 rupees back proves costly; Sarpanch representative beats her publicly; video goes viral
Taken 10,000 rupees in the name of a government housing scheme, brutally assaulted in the middle of the street when she asked for her money back; no action taken against the accused even after the video went viral. Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): An incident that shames humanity has come to light in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. A Sarpanch representative brutally beat a Dalit woman when she asked for her money back. This incident occurred on Thursday. A video of the entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media, shocking viewers. The viral video clearly shows the woman lying on the ground, with a man (the accused) holding both her arms with one hand and repeatedly slapping her with the other. What is the whole matter? According to reports, this incident occurred in Manetha village, Prithvipur district, Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, the victim, Shanti Ahirwar, had given ₹10,000 to Rajkumar Sahu, the husband and representative of the village sarpanch, in exchange for a house under a government housing scheme. When the woman hadn’t received the benefits of the scheme even after a considerable period of time, she demanded her money back from Rajkumar Sahu. It is alleged that an argument broke out between the two over this issue, and the dispute escalated to the point where Sahu began beating the woman in the middle of the street. No action taken despite complaint According to a report in the Free Press Journal, the victim has filed a formal complaint with local authorities. However, shockingly, despite the complaint, no action has been taken against the accused. This horrific video has caused widespread anger and outrage among the public. People are strongly condemning the sarpanch representative’s violent and abusive behavior and demanding strict legal action against the accused. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Delhi Government Introduces Saheli Smart Card For Free Travel For Women And Transgender Residents
The Delhi government plans to introduce the Saheli Smart Card for women and transgender residents on Bhai Dooj, October 23, 2025. This digital card will replace the current paper-based pink tickets, allowing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses. Applicants must be Delhi residents aged 12 or older to obtain the card. They need valid proof of residence. Registration is online through the DTC portal, and cards are issued after full KYC verification via designated banks. Cards won’t be available at bus counters but will be delivered to applicants’ addresses post-verification. Key Features of Saheli Smart Card The Saheli Smart Card is a personalized lifetime pass featuring the holder’s photograph and name. It operates under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and Cluster buses, it can be recharged for use on other transport systems like the Delhi Metro and select merchant purchases. Cards remain valid for a lifetime with no restrictions on time or usage for travel. The registration process is entirely digital, aiming to enhance transparency and prevent misuse seen with previous paper pink tickets. Eligibility and Registration The scheme is open to all women and transgender individuals who are bona fide residents of Delhi. Applicants must submit documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, Delhi residence proof, and a passport-size photo during KYC verification. The government’s initiative aims to provide safe, convenient, and free public transport for women while addressing revenue leakages. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has accelerated preparations for the rollout on Bhai Dooj 2025, focusing on ease of travel and welfare for women commuters. Government Intent and Impact The introduction of the Saheli Smart Card marks a significant step towards modernizing public transport in Delhi. It ensures that benefits reach rightful users while promoting secure and inclusive mobility across the city’s bus and metro networks starting Bhai Dooj 2025. Courtesy : Oneindia Note: This news is originally published on https:/oneindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
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