News Analysis India

Tag: JDU

  • BREAKING: Lalan Singh Steps Down As Janata Dal-United President, Sends Resignation To Nitish Kumar, Say Sources |

    NEW DELHI: In a major political development, Lalan Singh, the president of Bihar’s ruling party, Janata Dal-United (JDU), has tendered his resignation from his position, sources said on Tuesday.  As per sources, Lalan Singh, a key figure in JDU’s leadership, has forwarded his resignation to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This decision comes amid speculations and political discussions about the party’s future course of action.

    Resignation Not Accepted Yet

    As of now, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not accepted Lalan Singh’s resignation. The political circles are abuzz with discussions about the possible reasons behind this unexpected move. The development is set to be officially addressed on December 29th during a crucial meeting in Delhi.

    Speculations Surrounding The Resignation

    While the exact motives behind Lalan Singh’s resignation remain unclear, political observers are actively speculating about its potential implications on the party’s internal dynamics. This unexpected move has added an element of uncertainty to the political landscape in Bihar, leaving many to ponder the possible ramifications.

    December 29th Meeting To Seal Fate

    All eyes are now on the crucial JDU meeting scheduled for December 29th in Delhi, where the fate of Lalan Singh’s resignation is expected to be determined. The party leadership is likely to provide insights into the reasons behind this development and outline the future course of action for the Janata Dal (United).

    This sudden turn of events within the JDU has not only triggered discussions within the party but also caught the attention of political analysts, making it a significant development in the current political scenario. It was earlier speculated that Nitish Kumar would soon remove Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh as the Janata Dal (United) chief.

    While there is no official confirmation in this regard as yet, sources also said that Nitish Kumar may himself take over as the party chief. Nitish is also believed to have been advised by his close confidantes that he should take over as the party president as it will help avoid any rumbling within the party, which may otherwise be triggered if a new face replaces Lalan Singh.

    According to sources, Nitish Kumar is upset with Lalan Singh over the way he has been functioning and especially his growing proximity with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav. Reports said Lalan Singh was keen on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections again from Munger and he might contest on an RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) ticket.

    Reports said Nitish was also upset with Lalan Singh for his failure to co-ordinate well with INDIA bloc partners to fulfill his national ambitions.

    If officially removed as the party chief, Lallan Singh will join the league of other party senior leaders, like George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, RCP Singh, Upendra Kushwaha and poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who were previously replaced, despite being extremely close to Nitish Kumar.

  • BJP spread rumours about attacks on Bihari migrants in Tamil Nadu: JD(U)

    By PTI

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) on Thursday charged the BJP with spreading “rumours” of attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu with an eye on “electoral gains.”

    JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan also said that though his party did not favour criticising the country on foreign soil, it felt that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was well within his rights to express his anxieties about “threats to democracy in India” during his Cambridge tour.

    “It has turned out that nothing had happened in Tamil Nadu. And just look at the people who have been booked and arrested for spreading rumours,” said the JD(U) chief, referring to cases being lodged against a number of BJP leaders by the DMK government in the southern state.

    “So, this is the character of the BJP. Rumour-mongering, and coercion of parties opposed to it, all for electoral gains. But it is making a mistake. People of the country are now conscious enough to see through their designs,” said the JD(U) president, whose party snapped ties with the saffron party less than a year ago.

    ALSO READ | Bihar officials satisfied with migrants’ safety in Tamil Nadu

    Asked about the controversy triggered by Rahul Gandhi’s remarks abroad, Lalan, whose party is now aligned with the Congress, said “we believe the problems in the country are best discussed on the home soil, which offers a very large stage. We do not think one’s own country should be criticised on foreign soil,” said the JD(U) national president, however, hastened to add “we also hold that Rahul Gandhi is well within his rights to express his anxieties about the threats to democracy in India. And the threats are, indeed, real. This is a fact borne out by the Supreme Court’s recent judgement on the appointment of Election Commissioners.”

    He also sought to make light of speculations that Chirag Paswan, a known detractor of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Upendra Kushwaha, who recently rebelled against the JD(U) supreme leader and quit the party, were likely to join the BJP-led NDA.

    “Just recall the 2015 assembly polls when these people were very much with the BJP. They performed dismally,” Lalan said referring to the high-decibel elections which saw the NDA being trounced by the ‘Mahagathbandhan'(Grand Alliance) that had come into being with Nitish Kumar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and the Congress joining hands.

    He also said that the BJP’s ‘jod tod’ (attempts to split other parties) was at work in Nagaland where the lone JD(U) MLA ended up offering support to the newly formed government of which the saffron party was a part.

    “Since we hold that we can have no relationship with the BJP, we held the Nagaland unit guilty of gross indiscipline and decided to dissolve it. The BJP had earlier broken away our MLAs in Arunachal, too. In Bihar, they wanted to do to us what they had succeeded in doing in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. But we got wind of their plans in time”, alleged Lalan, referring to last year’s upheaval.

    “The BJP has no scruples. Its sole concern is power. Just look at Meghalaya where they had been accusing the government of being the most corrupt. Now the same dispensation has returned to power and the BJP’s top leaders flew down to attend the oath-taking ceremony,” said the JD(U) chief.

    “The BJP has had no achievement to showcase despite having been in power at the Centre for so many years. Everywhere it keeps talking about the Ujjwala Yojana, which has been a failure as expensive gas cylinders make it impossible for beneficiaries to go in for a refill. Another scheme they rave about is the Ayushman Bharat. They should release data of how many people have benefited from the promise of Rs five lakh health insurance cover,” demanded the JD(U) president.

    The BJP is also trying to shy away from the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into allegations against the Adani group which is being accused of the biggest corporate fraud in history, the JD(U) chief said.

    “On the other hand, it keeps harassing its opponents through vindictive use of agencies like CBI, ED and Income Tax department,” he alleged.

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) on Thursday charged the BJP with spreading “rumours” of attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu with an eye on “electoral gains.”

    JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan also said that though his party did not favour criticising the country on foreign soil, it felt that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was well within his rights to express his anxieties about “threats to democracy in India” during his Cambridge tour.

    “It has turned out that nothing had happened in Tamil Nadu. And just look at the people who have been booked and arrested for spreading rumours,” said the JD(U) chief, referring to cases being lodged against a number of BJP leaders by the DMK government in the southern state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “So, this is the character of the BJP. Rumour-mongering, and coercion of parties opposed to it, all for electoral gains. But it is making a mistake. People of the country are now conscious enough to see through their designs,” said the JD(U) president, whose party snapped ties with the saffron party less than a year ago.

    ALSO READ | Bihar officials satisfied with migrants’ safety in Tamil Nadu

    Asked about the controversy triggered by Rahul Gandhi’s remarks abroad, Lalan, whose party is now aligned with the Congress, said “we believe the problems in the country are best discussed on the home soil, which offers a very large stage. We do not think one’s own country should be criticised on foreign soil,” said the JD(U) national president, however, hastened to add “we also hold that Rahul Gandhi is well within his rights to express his anxieties about the threats to democracy in India. And the threats are, indeed, real. This is a fact borne out by the Supreme Court’s recent judgement on the appointment of Election Commissioners.”

    He also sought to make light of speculations that Chirag Paswan, a known detractor of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Upendra Kushwaha, who recently rebelled against the JD(U) supreme leader and quit the party, were likely to join the BJP-led NDA.

    “Just recall the 2015 assembly polls when these people were very much with the BJP. They performed dismally,” Lalan said referring to the high-decibel elections which saw the NDA being trounced by the ‘Mahagathbandhan'(Grand Alliance) that had come into being with Nitish Kumar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and the Congress joining hands.

    He also said that the BJP’s ‘jod tod’ (attempts to split other parties) was at work in Nagaland where the lone JD(U) MLA ended up offering support to the newly formed government of which the saffron party was a part.

    “Since we hold that we can have no relationship with the BJP, we held the Nagaland unit guilty of gross indiscipline and decided to dissolve it. The BJP had earlier broken away our MLAs in Arunachal, too. In Bihar, they wanted to do to us what they had succeeded in doing in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. But we got wind of their plans in time”, alleged Lalan, referring to last year’s upheaval.

    “The BJP has no scruples. Its sole concern is power. Just look at Meghalaya where they had been accusing the government of being the most corrupt. Now the same dispensation has returned to power and the BJP’s top leaders flew down to attend the oath-taking ceremony,” said the JD(U) chief.

    “The BJP has had no achievement to showcase despite having been in power at the Centre for so many years. Everywhere it keeps talking about the Ujjwala Yojana, which has been a failure as expensive gas cylinders make it impossible for beneficiaries to go in for a refill. Another scheme they rave about is the Ayushman Bharat. They should release data of how many people have benefited from the promise of Rs five lakh health insurance cover,” demanded the JD(U) president.

    The BJP is also trying to shy away from the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into allegations against the Adani group which is being accused of the biggest corporate fraud in history, the JD(U) chief said.

    “On the other hand, it keeps harassing its opponents through vindictive use of agencies like CBI, ED and Income Tax department,” he alleged.

  • JD(U) frowns upon Nagaland unit’s support to newly-formed government

    By PTI

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) on Wednesday described as “high indiscipline” and “arbitrary” the support extended by its Nagaland unit to the newly formed government in that state where the NDPP-BJP alliance returned to power.

    According to a statement issued by the JD(U)’s national general secretary in charge for the North East, Afaq Ahmed Khan, the party’s Nagaland state committee has been, therefore, dissolved.

    The JD(U) had bagged one seat in the recently held elections to the 60-strong assembly of Nagaland, where the NPP-BJP alliance has been voted to power for the second time in a row.

    “The central party comes to know that Nagaland state president of our party (has) given a letter of support to the Chief Minister of Nagaland without consulting the central party, (which) is high indiscipline and arbitrary. So, the party has dissolved the Nagaland state committee with immediate effect,” the statement said.

    ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar clears proposal of NCP’s Nagaland MLAs to join Neiphiu Rio’s govt

    The JD(U)’s support is understood to have caused an embarrassment to Kumar, the supreme leader, who had snapped ties with the BJP last year, vowing to defeat it by uniting the opposition in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

    The NCP, NPP, Naga People’s Front, RPI (A), LJP (Ram Vilas), JD(U) and Independent MLAs extended support to the NDPP-BJP alliance for an opposition less government.

    NDPP president Neiphiu Rio took oath as the chief minister of Nagaland for the fifth term on Tuesday.

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) on Wednesday described as “high indiscipline” and “arbitrary” the support extended by its Nagaland unit to the newly formed government in that state where the NDPP-BJP alliance returned to power.

    According to a statement issued by the JD(U)’s national general secretary in charge for the North East, Afaq Ahmed Khan, the party’s Nagaland state committee has been, therefore, dissolved.

    The JD(U) had bagged one seat in the recently held elections to the 60-strong assembly of Nagaland, where the NPP-BJP alliance has been voted to power for the second time in a row.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The central party comes to know that Nagaland state president of our party (has) given a letter of support to the Chief Minister of Nagaland without consulting the central party, (which) is high indiscipline and arbitrary. So, the party has dissolved the Nagaland state committee with immediate effect,” the statement said.

    ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar clears proposal of NCP’s Nagaland MLAs to join Neiphiu Rio’s govt

    The JD(U)’s support is understood to have caused an embarrassment to Kumar, the supreme leader, who had snapped ties with the BJP last year, vowing to defeat it by uniting the opposition in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

    The NCP, NPP, Naga People’s Front, RPI (A), LJP (Ram Vilas), JD(U) and Independent MLAs extended support to the NDPP-BJP alliance for an opposition less government.

    NDPP president Neiphiu Rio took oath as the chief minister of Nagaland for the fifth term on Tuesday.

  • Upendra Kushwaha is free to leave JD(U), says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

    Express News Service

    PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said on Monday that rebel JD(U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha is free to leave the party and go anywhere he wishes.

    Talking to media persons during his ongoing ‘Samadhan Yatra’, Nitish said that if somebody comes to the party and then decides to leave, then he is free to leave the party at his will.

    Nitish’s reaction comes ahead of Kushwaha’s two-day party workers’ meeting in Patna on February 19 and 20. On Sunday, Kushwaha had written an open letter to workers inviting them to meet to discuss the ‘existing situation’ in JD(U). He alleged in the letter that the party was getting weakened due to internal factors.

    Toeing similar lines, JD(U) national president and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh aka Lalan Singh said that Kushwaha was no longer holding the post of the party’s parliamentary board chairman. “Kushwaha is not holding any party post,” remarked Singh, dropping ample hints that there was no possibility of any rapprochement between Kushwaha and the party’s top leadership.

    ALSO READ | ‘Will leave JD(U) only after getting my share in party’: Kushwaha brings up Nitish’s claim in 1994

    Though there has not been any formal announcement about Kushwaha losing his party post, Singh’s remark shows the party’s top leadership has made up its mind for a final showdown with Kushwaha sooner than later.

    Singh also accused Kushwaha of provoking workers against the party leadership. He said that the party had given him full respect but now he was working against it.

    Earlier Nitish had said, “I promoted Kushwaha by making him an MLA but he left the party. When he re-joined the party, I made him a Rajya Sabha member but he again left the party. Now he has returned to the party for the third time but I do not know what has happened in the last two months. I have been asking to talk to him but he is not doing so for reasons best known to him.”

    Making an oblique reference to the BJP, Nitish said that Kushwaha had adopted such an aggressive approach that he was getting support from the saffron party. “If somebody is speaking against me every day, it only hints that he has struck a deal with the other party (BJP),” he claimed.

    State JD(U) president Umesh Kushwaha alleged that Upendra Kushwaha had entered into a deal with another party and was talking about saving the party.

    Reacting to Kushwaha’s two-day workers’ meeting, the leader of opposition in the legislative council Samrat Chaudhary said, “The BJP had nothing to do with the Kushwaha episode. It’s an internal matter of the JD(U). But he (Kushwaha) should be given his share for which he is asking.” 

    PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said on Monday that rebel JD(U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha is free to leave the party and go anywhere he wishes.

    Talking to media persons during his ongoing ‘Samadhan Yatra’, Nitish said that if somebody comes to the party and then decides to leave, then he is free to leave the party at his will.

    Nitish’s reaction comes ahead of Kushwaha’s two-day party workers’ meeting in Patna on February 19 and 20. On Sunday, Kushwaha had written an open letter to workers inviting them to meet to discuss the ‘existing situation’ in JD(U). He alleged in the letter that the party was getting weakened due to internal factors.

    Toeing similar lines, JD(U) national president and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh aka Lalan Singh said that Kushwaha was no longer holding the post of the party’s parliamentary board chairman. “Kushwaha is not holding any party post,” remarked Singh, dropping ample hints that there was no possibility of any rapprochement between Kushwaha and the party’s top leadership.

    ALSO READ | ‘Will leave JD(U) only after getting my share in party’: Kushwaha brings up Nitish’s claim in 1994

    Though there has not been any formal announcement about Kushwaha losing his party post, Singh’s remark shows the party’s top leadership has made up its mind for a final showdown with Kushwaha sooner than later.

    Singh also accused Kushwaha of provoking workers against the party leadership. He said that the party had given him full respect but now he was working against it.

    Earlier Nitish had said, “I promoted Kushwaha by making him an MLA but he left the party. When he re-joined the party, I made him a Rajya Sabha member but he again left the party. Now he has returned to the party for the third time but I do not know what has happened in the last two months. I have been asking to talk to him but he is not doing so for reasons best known to him.”

    Making an oblique reference to the BJP, Nitish said that Kushwaha had adopted such an aggressive approach that he was getting support from the saffron party. “If somebody is speaking against me every day, it only hints that he has struck a deal with the other party (BJP),” he claimed.

    State JD(U) president Umesh Kushwaha alleged that Upendra Kushwaha had entered into a deal with another party and was talking about saving the party.

    Reacting to Kushwaha’s two-day workers’ meeting, the leader of opposition in the legislative council Samrat Chaudhary said, “The BJP had nothing to do with the Kushwaha episode. It’s an internal matter of the JD(U). But he (Kushwaha) should be given his share for which he is asking.” 

  • ‘Will leave JD(U) only after getting my share in party’: Kushwaha brings up Nitish’s claim in 1994

    Express News Service

    PATNA: JD(U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday clarified what Nitish Kumar had demanded from then Janata Dal leader and chief minister Lalu Prasad at a rally in Patna in undivided Bihar in 1994.

    Referring to a rally organised at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on February 12, 1994, Kushwaha said that Nitish had demanded his share in Janata Dal from Lalu Prasad, which led to defection in the party.

    Kushwaha then said that he was also asking for the same. Talking to reporters, Kushwaha said that he will leave JD(U) only after he was given his share in the party.

    Kushwaha’s reaction came a day after JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha demanded resignation from the former. Umesh, who has been given another term at the behest of national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, said that Upendra Kushwaha should resign if he has an iota of morality in him.

    JD(U) parliamentary board chairman said that he has great respect for Nitish but what is a matter of concern is that he is not taking decisions on his own rather he relies more on others. “If you don’t interfere in the matter immediately and set things right, there are more chances of a split in the JD(U),” he added.

    ALSO READ | Kushwaha says won’t quit even if CM asks him

    He alleged that he was never given any proper place in the organisation and even his suggestions as parliamentary board chairman were ignored by top leadership.

    “I have no power to appoint any member in the parliamentary board despite the fact that I happen to be its chairman. I was, in fact, handed over a lollypop and made MLC,” he added.

    Alleging that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were not given due representation in the party, Kushwaha said that people from the category were feeling neglected as there was none to take care of them. “I don’t say that people from OBC are not in the party but they as ministers, MLAs, MLCs or MPs were confined to their own constituencies and find little time for others,” he asserted.

    ALSO READ | Nitish Kumar refutes claims by Kushwaha over party getting weak

    Notably, Samata Party was formed in 1994 after the split of the Janata Dal and late George Fernandes made president. Samata Party contested assembly polls in 1995 but failed to perform on expected lines.

    Later, more break-way factions emerged in the old Janata Dal. In July 1997 Rashtriya Janata Dal was formed by Lalu Prasad.

    PATNA: JD(U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday clarified what Nitish Kumar had demanded from then Janata Dal leader and chief minister Lalu Prasad at a rally in Patna in undivided Bihar in 1994.

    Referring to a rally organised at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on February 12, 1994, Kushwaha said that Nitish had demanded his share in Janata Dal from Lalu Prasad, which led to defection in the party.

    Kushwaha then said that he was also asking for the same. Talking to reporters, Kushwaha said that he will leave JD(U) only after he was given his share in the party.

    Kushwaha’s reaction came a day after JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha demanded resignation from the former. Umesh, who has been given another term at the behest of national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, said that Upendra Kushwaha should resign if he has an iota of morality in him.

    JD(U) parliamentary board chairman said that he has great respect for Nitish but what is a matter of concern is that he is not taking decisions on his own rather he relies more on others. “If you don’t interfere in the matter immediately and set things right, there are more chances of a split in the JD(U),” he added.

    ALSO READ | Kushwaha says won’t quit even if CM asks him

    He alleged that he was never given any proper place in the organisation and even his suggestions as parliamentary board chairman were ignored by top leadership.

    “I have no power to appoint any member in the parliamentary board despite the fact that I happen to be its chairman. I was, in fact, handed over a lollypop and made MLC,” he added.

    Alleging that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were not given due representation in the party, Kushwaha said that people from the category were feeling neglected as there was none to take care of them. “I don’t say that people from OBC are not in the party but they as ministers, MLAs, MLCs or MPs were confined to their own constituencies and find little time for others,” he asserted.

    ALSO READ | Nitish Kumar refutes claims by Kushwaha over party getting weak

    Notably, Samata Party was formed in 1994 after the split of the Janata Dal and late George Fernandes made president. Samata Party contested assembly polls in 1995 but failed to perform on expected lines.

    Later, more break-way factions emerged in the old Janata Dal. In July 1997 Rashtriya Janata Dal was formed by Lalu Prasad.

  • Former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav dies at 75

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Veteran politician and former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav died on Thursday at a private hospital in Gurugram, family sources said. He was 75.

    He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.

    A statement from the Fortis Memorial Research Institute said Yadav was brought to the emergency ward in an unconscious and unresponsive state.

    “On examination, he did not have any pulse or recordable blood pressure. He underwent CPR as per ACLS protocols. Despite best efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 10. 19 pm,” the statement said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Yadav’s demise.

    “Pained by the passing away of Shri Sharad Yadav Ji. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as MP and Minister. He was greatly inspired by Dr. Lohia’s ideals. I will always cherish our interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

    Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav also expressed grief on Yadav’s demise.

    “I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah. A great socialist leader and my guardian respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am speechless,” he tweeted in Hindi.

    The RJD leader said he had a conversation with his family members.

    “In this hour of grief, the entire Samajwadi fraternity is with his family members,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: Veteran politician and former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav died on Thursday at a private hospital in Gurugram, family sources said. He was 75.

    He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.

    A statement from the Fortis Memorial Research Institute said Yadav was brought to the emergency ward in an unconscious and unresponsive state.

    “On examination, he did not have any pulse or recordable blood pressure. He underwent CPR as per ACLS protocols. Despite best efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 10. 19 pm,” the statement said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Yadav’s demise.

    “Pained by the passing away of Shri Sharad Yadav Ji. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as MP and Minister. He was greatly inspired by Dr. Lohia’s ideals. I will always cherish our interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

    Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav also expressed grief on Yadav’s demise.

    “I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah. A great socialist leader and my guardian respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am speechless,” he tweeted in Hindi.

    The RJD leader said he had a conversation with his family members.

    “In this hour of grief, the entire Samajwadi fraternity is with his family members,” he said.

  • Bihar bypoll: 53 per cent votes cast till 5 pm in Kurhani assembly seat 

    By PTI

    PATNA: A total of 53 per cent of  3.11 lakh voters exercised their franchise till 5 pm in the by-election to the Kurhani assembly seat in Bihar, officials said.

    Polling began at 7 am across 320 booths in the constituency. Tight security arrangements are in place across all the booths, which are manned by central paramilitary forces besides the local police, and the casting of votes will continue till 6 pm.

    “Polling has been peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported so far,” the official said.

    By-poll to the assembly segment in Muzaffarpur district has been necessitated due to the disqualification of RJD MLA Anil Kumar Sahani.

    Altogether 13 candidates, including five Independents, are in the fray.

    The main contenders are former MLAs Kedar Gupta and Manoj Singh Kushwaha, fielded by the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), respectively.

    Gupta had lost to Sahani in the 2020 assembly polls by a slender margin of about 700 votes.

    The RJD is backing the JD(U) in this by-election. The counting of votes will take place on Thursday.

    PATNA: A total of 53 per cent of  3.11 lakh voters exercised their franchise till 5 pm in the by-election to the Kurhani assembly seat in Bihar, officials said.

    Polling began at 7 am across 320 booths in the constituency. Tight security arrangements are in place across all the booths, which are manned by central paramilitary forces besides the local police, and the casting of votes will continue till 6 pm.

    “Polling has been peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported so far,” the official said.

    By-poll to the assembly segment in Muzaffarpur district has been necessitated due to the disqualification of RJD MLA Anil Kumar Sahani.

    Altogether 13 candidates, including five Independents, are in the fray.

    The main contenders are former MLAs Kedar Gupta and Manoj Singh Kushwaha, fielded by the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), respectively.

    Gupta had lost to Sahani in the 2020 assembly polls by a slender margin of about 700 votes.

    The RJD is backing the JD(U) in this by-election. The counting of votes will take place on Thursday.

  • Nitish kumar wary of helping RJD win bypolls

    Express News Service

    PATNA:  By-elections to two seats in Bihar where polling is due on November 3, was billed as a test of strength of the ruling grand alliance in the state led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. But Nitish doesn’t appear interested, as RJD candidates are in the fray from both the seats and he fears the power of 81. 

    For, whenever RJD’s strength in the Assembly reaches 81, it will not need Nitish’s crutches to stay in power. It will reach the halfway mark of 122 with support from all the other parties in the  ruling coalition. Look at the math: 81 (RJD) + 19 (Congress) + 16 (Left parties) + 4 (HAM) + 1 (AIMIM) + 1 (Independent) = 122. In other words, in just a few months, RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav could hypothetically claim chief ministership, cutting Nitish off like an unwanted appendage. That is reason enough to make Nitish upset, political analysts reckon.

    If RJD manages to win both the seats where bypolls are due, Mokama and Gopalganj, its tally would touch 80. One seat held by the RJD has just fallen vacant after its member was disqualified following conviction in a fraud case. If the RJD manages to hold that seat in the subsequent bypoll, it would reach 81. 

    BJP has 77 and JD(U) 45 MLAs. Nitish cited an injury to stay off campaigning in Mokama and Gopalganj. But he actually may be wanting to avoid a bigger political injury to his career. The JD(U), too, is not showing great enthusiasm in campaigning for the RJD, though JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh a.k.a Lalan Singh has hit the campaign trail.

    In Mokama, muscleman Anant Singh’s wife and RJD candidate Neelam Devi is pitted against BJP’s Sonam Devi, wife of another muscleman Lalan Singh.  In Gopalganj, RJD’s Mohan Gupta is in the fray against BJP’s Kusum Devi. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and Kusum’s husband Subhash Singh.

    PATNA:  By-elections to two seats in Bihar where polling is due on November 3, was billed as a test of strength of the ruling grand alliance in the state led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. But Nitish doesn’t appear interested, as RJD candidates are in the fray from both the seats and he fears the power of 81. 

    For, whenever RJD’s strength in the Assembly reaches 81, it will not need Nitish’s crutches to stay in power. It will reach the halfway mark of 122 with support from all the other parties in the  ruling coalition. Look at the math: 81 (RJD) + 19 (Congress) + 16 (Left parties) + 4 (HAM) + 1 (AIMIM) + 1 (Independent) = 122. In other words, in just a few months, RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav could hypothetically claim chief ministership, cutting Nitish off like an unwanted appendage. That is reason enough to make Nitish upset, political analysts reckon.

    If RJD manages to win both the seats where bypolls are due, Mokama and Gopalganj, its tally would touch 80. One seat held by the RJD has just fallen vacant after its member was disqualified following conviction in a fraud case. If the RJD manages to hold that seat in the subsequent bypoll, it would reach 81. 

    BJP has 77 and JD(U) 45 MLAs. Nitish cited an injury to stay off campaigning in Mokama and Gopalganj. But he actually may be wanting to avoid a bigger political injury to his career. The JD(U), too, is not showing great enthusiasm in campaigning for the RJD, though JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh a.k.a Lalan Singh has hit the campaign trail.

    In Mokama, muscleman Anant Singh’s wife and RJD candidate Neelam Devi is pitted against BJP’s Sonam Devi, wife of another muscleman Lalan Singh.  In Gopalganj, RJD’s Mohan Gupta is in the fray against BJP’s Kusum Devi. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and Kusum’s husband Subhash Singh.

  • Allies of JD(U)-RJD government in Bihar seek bigger piece of power pie; to meet Nitish soon

    By PTI

    PATNA: Smaller constituents of the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Bihar are seeking top positions in commissions, boards and other entities under the state government to ensure ‘effective functioning’ of the Nitish Kumar-led dispensation.

    A team of representatives of all the allies will soon meet the chief minister to discuss the issue, CPI-ML (L) Legislature party leader Mehboob Alam told PTI.

    “I recently met Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and demanded that elected representatives or leaders of the alliance partners must be given space in various commissions, boards and corporations for the effective functioning of the government,” he said.

    There are several bodies under the Bihar government, such as commissions for human rights, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, women and public service, in which leaders of allies of the grand alliance can be offered responsible posts, said the CPIML(L) leader, whose party is part of the ruling coalition but supports the government from outside.

    “The proposal, if implemented, will ensure effective functioning of a government at all levels. We are not seeking these posts for benefits attached to members or chairpersons of such bodies. A delegation of leaders of all partners of the Mahagathbandhan will soon meet the CM in this regard,” Alam, the party’s central committee member, said.

    With 12 legislators, the CPI-ML (L) is the fourth largest constituent of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, formed after stripping the BJP of power in the state in August.

    Atul Kumar Anjan, a senior leader of the CPI, a minor ally of the grand alliance with just two MLAs, said that there must be a ‘participative feeling among all partners of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Bihar’.

    “There are several important corporations and commissions. Some of these have quasi-judicial power. Leaders of alliance partners should be given a decisive role,” the Left leader told PTI.

    He also stated that since leaders of Left parties are “associated with several organisations and fighting for the cause of workers, tribals, farmers and landless people”, their accommodation in government bodies as members or chairpersons will “certainly improve the functioning of the administration”.

    “This is the need of the hour and politics with commitment is very much required,” he said.

    Another grand alliance ally Congress said that all stakeholders of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ government must be involved in all levels of its functioning.

    Commenting on the issue, All India Congress Committee’s Bihar in-charge Bhakta Charan Das told PTI, “The proposal to bring in leaders of ruling allies in state bodies or agencies will be implemented soon. It has been delayed because of certain reasons. For a healthy political dialogue and to make the Mahagathbandhan government stronger, participation of alliance partners at all levels should be ensured.”

    After the RJD and Nitish Kumar’s JD (U), the Congress with 19 MLAs is the third largest ally of the seven-member ruling alliance.

    Lalu Prasad’s RJD with 78 MLAs is the largest constituent of it, while the JD(U) has 45 legislators.

    Two other partners of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ are former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM with four MLAs and the CPI(M), which just has two members in the 243-strong Bihar assembly.

    PATNA: Smaller constituents of the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Bihar are seeking top positions in commissions, boards and other entities under the state government to ensure ‘effective functioning’ of the Nitish Kumar-led dispensation.

    A team of representatives of all the allies will soon meet the chief minister to discuss the issue, CPI-ML (L) Legislature party leader Mehboob Alam told PTI.

    “I recently met Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and demanded that elected representatives or leaders of the alliance partners must be given space in various commissions, boards and corporations for the effective functioning of the government,” he said.

    There are several bodies under the Bihar government, such as commissions for human rights, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, women and public service, in which leaders of allies of the grand alliance can be offered responsible posts, said the CPIML(L) leader, whose party is part of the ruling coalition but supports the government from outside.

    “The proposal, if implemented, will ensure effective functioning of a government at all levels. We are not seeking these posts for benefits attached to members or chairpersons of such bodies. A delegation of leaders of all partners of the Mahagathbandhan will soon meet the CM in this regard,” Alam, the party’s central committee member, said.

    With 12 legislators, the CPI-ML (L) is the fourth largest constituent of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, formed after stripping the BJP of power in the state in August.

    Atul Kumar Anjan, a senior leader of the CPI, a minor ally of the grand alliance with just two MLAs, said that there must be a ‘participative feeling among all partners of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Bihar’.

    “There are several important corporations and commissions. Some of these have quasi-judicial power. Leaders of alliance partners should be given a decisive role,” the Left leader told PTI.

    He also stated that since leaders of Left parties are “associated with several organisations and fighting for the cause of workers, tribals, farmers and landless people”, their accommodation in government bodies as members or chairpersons will “certainly improve the functioning of the administration”.

    “This is the need of the hour and politics with commitment is very much required,” he said.

    Another grand alliance ally Congress said that all stakeholders of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ government must be involved in all levels of its functioning.

    Commenting on the issue, All India Congress Committee’s Bihar in-charge Bhakta Charan Das told PTI, “The proposal to bring in leaders of ruling allies in state bodies or agencies will be implemented soon. It has been delayed because of certain reasons. For a healthy political dialogue and to make the Mahagathbandhan government stronger, participation of alliance partners at all levels should be ensured.”

    After the RJD and Nitish Kumar’s JD (U), the Congress with 19 MLAs is the third largest ally of the seven-member ruling alliance.

    Lalu Prasad’s RJD with 78 MLAs is the largest constituent of it, while the JD(U) has 45 legislators.

    Two other partners of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ are former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM with four MLAs and the CPI(M), which just has two members in the 243-strong Bihar assembly.

  • Boost for Bihar BJP ahead of two bypolls in Bihar

    Express News Service

    PATNA: The opposition BJP is elated over the joining of two influential leaders of the ruling grand alliance ahead of the by-election to be held in two assembly seats Gopalganj and Mokama in Bihar on November 3. A senior JD(U) functionary Sadanand Singh, who was associated with chief minister Nitish Kumar since the formation of the Samata Party, resigned from the primary membership of JD(U) and joined BJP in the presence of state chief Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal and other senior leaders here. 

    Singh, who had earlier served as JD(U) district chief of Gopalganj, exuded confidence that BJP would retain the Gopalganj seat in a by-election scheduled to be held on November 3. The saffron party has fielded Kusum Devi, wife of Subhash Singh, from Gopalganj.

    The Gopalganj seat fell vacant after the death of Subhash Singh. BJP leaders are elated over joining of Sadanand Singh ahead of the by-poll in Gopalganj. “Singh’s joining has given a jolt to RJD, which has fielded Mohan Gupta from the seat,” said an RJD source.

    RJD has been trying to win this seat for a long time but even during the slide victory for the grand alliance in 2015 assembly polls, the seat had gone to BJP’s Subhash Singh. A major chunk of voters is likely to shift from JD(U) to BJP following Sadanand Singh’s resignation.

    On Sunday, former RJD MLA Amarnath Gami joined BJP in the presence of BJPfunctionaries in Patna. Gami, a two-term MLA from Hayaghat in Darbhanga, had left JD(U) and joined RJD after being denied ticket from JD(U) in 2020 assembly election.

    Jolt to RJD, JD(U)Sadanand Singh, who was associated with chief minister Nitish Kumar since the formation of Samata Party, resigned and joined BJP.  Former RJD MLA Amarnath Gami joined the BJP on Sunday

    PATNA: The opposition BJP is elated over the joining of two influential leaders of the ruling grand alliance ahead of the by-election to be held in two assembly seats Gopalganj and Mokama in Bihar on November 3. A senior JD(U) functionary Sadanand Singh, who was associated with chief minister Nitish Kumar since the formation of the Samata Party, resigned from the primary membership of JD(U) and joined BJP in the presence of state chief Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal and other senior leaders here. 

    Singh, who had earlier served as JD(U) district chief of Gopalganj, exuded confidence that BJP would retain the Gopalganj seat in a by-election scheduled to be held on November 3. The saffron party 
    has fielded Kusum Devi, wife of Subhash Singh, from Gopalganj.

    The Gopalganj seat fell vacant after the death of Subhash Singh. BJP leaders are elated over joining of Sadanand Singh ahead of the by-poll in Gopalganj. “Singh’s joining has given a jolt to RJD, which has fielded Mohan Gupta from the seat,” said an RJD source.

    RJD has been trying to win this seat for a long time but even during the slide victory for the grand alliance in 2015 assembly polls, the seat had gone to BJP’s Subhash Singh. A major chunk of voters is likely to shift from JD(U) to BJP following Sadanand Singh’s resignation.

    On Sunday, former RJD MLA Amarnath Gami joined BJP in the presence of BJPfunctionaries in Patna. Gami, a two-term MLA from Hayaghat in Darbhanga, had left JD(U) and joined RJD after being denied ticket from JD(U) in 2020 assembly election.

    Jolt to RJD, JD(U)
    Sadanand Singh, who was associated with chief minister Nitish Kumar since the formation of Samata Party, resigned and joined BJP.  Former RJD MLA Amarnath Gami joined the BJP on Sunday