News Analysis India

Tag: Nitish Kumar

  • Nitish defends his silence over Rahul’s conviction, says does not speak on court matters

    Express News Service

    PATNA: Breaking his silence over the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by a Surat court in the Modi surname case six days ago, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday sought to distance himself from the issue by asserting that he did not speak on court matters.

    Nitish told the media, “Listen to one thing, you all know that I do not speak anything in a court matter of any person. Even when a case is filed, I do not speak anything and do not make any comments. All people express their views. Even my colleagues speak on it but I do not speak. I do not comment on a court’sdecisions,”  he remarked.

    Nitish had formed the grand alliance government, of which Congress is an ally, for another time last August.

    On the Opposition unity, Nitish said that he was waiting for a response from Congress in this regard. He said that he had also already held discussions with the opposition parties in two rounds as several of the regional parties were also in favour of the united Opposition challenging BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabhaelection.

    “We are waiting. If Congress also agrees, more parties will be joining the opposition bandwagon,” he remarked. Earlier too, Nitish has appealed to senior Congress leaders including Salman Khurshid during his visit to the state capital to persuade their party’s top leadership to take initiative in this regard.

    “I want as many Opposition parties as possible coming on a single platform so that we can contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election more strongly. We are sitting quietly with this wish only,” he added.

    Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comment that all corrupt people were coming on the same platform, Nitish said that it was his habit to speak in such a manner. He said that he had nothing to do with it. Since he (Modi) has controlled the media, he is getting applause from it, CM added.

    Sharpening his attack on Modi, Nitish said that everybody was aware of what was happening now. He said that he always praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s tenure as he had worked in the interest of both Hindus and Muslims. “All people in BJP are busy only in praising themselves,” he remarked. 

    PATNA: Breaking his silence over the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by a Surat court in the Modi surname case six days ago, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday sought to distance himself from the issue by asserting that he did not speak on court matters.

    Nitish told the media, “Listen to one thing, you all know that I do not speak anything in a court matter of any person. Even when a case is filed, I do not speak anything and do not make any comments. All people express their views. Even my colleagues speak on it but I do not speak. I do not comment on a court’s
    decisions,”  he remarked.

    Nitish had formed the grand alliance government, of which Congress is an ally, for another time last August.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    On the Opposition unity, Nitish said that he was waiting for a response from Congress in this regard. He said that he had also already held discussions with the opposition parties in two rounds as several of the regional parties were also in favour of the united Opposition challenging BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha
    election.

    “We are waiting. If Congress also agrees, more parties will be joining the opposition bandwagon,” he remarked. Earlier too, Nitish has appealed to senior Congress leaders including Salman Khurshid during his visit to the state capital to persuade their party’s top leadership to take initiative in this regard.

    “I want as many Opposition parties as possible coming on a single platform so that we can contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election more strongly. We are sitting quietly with this wish only,” he added.

    Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comment that all corrupt people were coming on the same platform, Nitish said that it was his habit to speak in such a manner. He said that he had nothing to do with it. Since he (Modi) has controlled the media, he is getting applause from it, CM added.

    Sharpening his attack on Modi, Nitish said that everybody was aware of what was happening now. He said that he always praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s tenure as he had worked in the interest of both Hindus and Muslims. “All people in BJP are busy only in praising themselves,” he remarked.
     

  • 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.

  • Ask Tejashwi about cabinet expansion, says Bihar CM Nitish amid Congress’ demands

    Express News Service

    PATNA: Close on the heels of Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh’s fresh demand for cabinet expansion, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday threw the ball in the court of his deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

    “You should ask this question from him (Tejashwi),” said Nitish while responding to queries by media persons about much-awaited cabinet expansion.

    CM Nitish was on his ‘Samadhan Yatra’ in Jamui on Saturday. When reminded of Congress’ repeated demand for cabinet expansion, the chief minister said that they (Congress) should speak to Tejashwi Yadav on the issue. However, he also revealed that Congress leaders had talked to him about a possible expansion of the cabinet.

    Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that he had talked to the chief minister about cabinet expansion. “Nitish ji has assured that cabinet expansion will take place after ‘Samadhan Yatra’,” he added. The state Congress chief’s statement assumed significance in the wake of recent remarks of Tejashwi who had ruled out the possibility of cabinet expansion in near future.

    Akhilesh, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, said that he was hopeful of getting at least two ministerial berths during cabinet expansion. At present grand old party has two ministers—Afaque Alam and Murari Gautam after the grand alliance government was formed in the state last August.

    At a function held in Patna on Thursday, Tejashwi had said, “There will be no cabinet expansion now. I do not understand at first how the discussion on it started. No proposal for the cabinet expansion is not under consideration.”

    Tejashwi’s remark on the cabinet expansion came in the backdrop of speculation over the cabinet expansion with Congress getting two ministerial berths. Tejaswhi’s point-blank refusal of the cabinet expansion had, however, come as a rude shock for Congress legislators who were hopeful of being inducted into the council of ministers.

    Nitish had also said that the cabinet would be expanded after ‘Kharmas’ (considered an inauspicious period in the Hindu calendar) that ended on January 14. In addition to Congress, two leaders from RJD can also be inducted into the state cabinet.

    The grand alliance in Bihar is facing turmoil from within as JD (U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha has raised a banner against Nitish by accusing him of not giving him proper respect in the party even as he had merged his own political outfit, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) with JD(U). The controversy that erupted over the remarks against Ramcharitmanas has also yet to be settled.

    On the other hand, RJD has yet to take action against former agriculture minister Sudhakar Singh for making uncharitable remarks against Nitish although a show cause notice was issued to the minister. Singh, who is the son of state RJD president Jagdanand Singh has already replied to the notice but ithas to be seen how the party leadership acts on it.

    In the given situation, the cabinet expansion was already looking like a remote possibility, remarked a political analyst.

    PATNA: Close on the heels of Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh’s fresh demand for cabinet expansion, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday threw the ball in the court of his deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

    “You should ask this question from him (Tejashwi),” said Nitish while responding to queries by media persons about much-awaited cabinet expansion.

    CM Nitish was on his ‘Samadhan Yatra’ in Jamui on Saturday. When reminded of Congress’ repeated demand for cabinet expansion, the chief minister said that they (Congress) should speak to Tejashwi Yadav on the issue. However, he also revealed that Congress leaders had talked to him about a possible expansion of the cabinet.

    Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that he had talked to the chief minister about cabinet expansion. “Nitish ji has assured that cabinet expansion will take place after ‘Samadhan Yatra’,” he added. The state Congress chief’s statement assumed significance in the wake of recent remarks of Tejashwi who had ruled out the possibility of cabinet expansion in near future.

    Akhilesh, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, said that he was hopeful of getting at least two ministerial berths during cabinet expansion. At present grand old party has two ministers—Afaque Alam and Murari Gautam after the grand alliance government was formed in the state last August.

    At a function held in Patna on Thursday, Tejashwi had said, “There will be no cabinet expansion now. I do not understand at first how the discussion on it started. No proposal for the cabinet expansion is not under consideration.”

    Tejashwi’s remark on the cabinet expansion came in the backdrop of speculation over the cabinet expansion with Congress getting two ministerial berths. Tejaswhi’s point-blank refusal of the cabinet expansion had, however, come as a rude shock for Congress legislators who were hopeful of being inducted into the council of ministers.

    Nitish had also said that the cabinet would be expanded after ‘Kharmas’ (considered an inauspicious period in the Hindu calendar) that ended on January 14. In addition to Congress, two leaders from RJD can also be inducted into the state cabinet.

    The grand alliance in Bihar is facing turmoil from within as JD (U) parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha has raised a banner against Nitish by accusing him of not giving him proper respect in the party even as he had merged his own political outfit, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) with JD(U). The controversy that erupted over the remarks against Ramcharitmanas has also yet to be settled.

    On the other hand, RJD has yet to take action against former agriculture minister Sudhakar Singh for making uncharitable remarks against Nitish although a show cause notice was issued to the minister. Singh, who is the son of state RJD president Jagdanand Singh has already replied to the notice but it
    has to be seen how the party leadership acts on it.

    In the given situation, the cabinet expansion was already looking like a remote possibility, remarked a political analyst.

  • 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.

  • Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s remark on population control creates political uproar in Bihar

    Express News Service

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar created a political uproar by saying that the population in the state would not get under control as women are not educated and men are careless.

    The CM was addressing a public gathering during his ‘Samadhan Yatra’ in Vaishali district on Saturday.

    “Mahilayen padh lengi tabhi yeh prajanan dar ghatega… abhi bhi wahi hai. Aaj agar mahilayen nahin padhi huyi hai, jo mard log jis tarikey se roj-roj karte hi rehta hai, usko dhyaan mein hi nahin rehta ki bachcha paida nahin karana hai… Mahila padhi rehti hai to unko sab cheej ka gyaan ho jaata hai ki bhai kaise humko bachna hai… (Only when women are educated, the population growth rate will be static. The rate still remains the same. Women would know how to protect themselves from getting pregnant if they are educated and are aware of it . Men are not ready to responsibility and as women are not properly educated, they are unable to stop the population growth.),” Nitish remarked.

    “The indecent words used by Nitish are the height of insensitivity. By using such words, he is tarnishing the dignity of the post of CM,” BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary said. He alleged that Nitish used indecent and derogatory language against men and women in public.

    Corroborating BJP MLC Chaudhary, national general secretary of BJP OBC Morcha Nikhil Anand sought an apology from the chief minister.

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar created a political uproar by saying that the population in the state would not get under control as women are not educated and men are careless.

    The CM was addressing a public gathering during his ‘Samadhan Yatra’ in Vaishali district on Saturday.

    “Mahilayen padh lengi tabhi yeh prajanan dar ghatega… abhi bhi wahi hai. Aaj agar mahilayen nahin padhi huyi hai, jo mard log jis tarikey se roj-roj karte hi rehta hai, usko dhyaan mein hi nahin rehta ki bachcha paida nahin karana hai… Mahila padhi rehti hai to unko sab cheej ka gyaan ho jaata hai ki bhai kaise humko bachna hai… (Only when women are educated, the population growth rate will be static. The rate still remains the same. Women would know how to protect themselves from getting pregnant if they are educated and are aware of it . Men are not ready to responsibility and as women are not properly educated, they are unable to stop the population growth.),” Nitish remarked.

    “The indecent words used by Nitish are the height of insensitivity. By using such words, he is tarnishing the dignity of the post of CM,” BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary said. He alleged that Nitish used indecent and derogatory language against men and women in public.

    Corroborating BJP MLC Chaudhary, national general secretary of BJP OBC Morcha Nikhil Anand sought an apology from the chief minister.

  • Bihar hooch deaths: Now, spurious liqour kills five in Siwan, one in Begusarai

    By ANI

    SIWAN (Bihar): Days after the hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Chhapra (Saran district) claimed over 50 lives, at least 5 people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the adjoining Siwan district in the state.

    All five deceased are residents of Brahsthan and Sondhani villages of Bhagwanpur Police Station area.

    Angry family members of the deceased obstructed the Siwan-Chapra Malmalia main road and undertook a protest.

    The distance between Siwan and Chhapra is around 10 kilometres.

    The deceased have been identified as Mahesh Rai (40), Sambhu Yadav (36), Amir Manjhi (45), and Awadh Manjhi (36) of Brahmasthan Village while Ramendra Pandit hailed from Sondhani village.

    According to locals, the death toll is expected to go up and the condition of some people is stated to be serious.

    Meanwhile, in the Begusarai district, the administration swung into action after one person reportedly died allegedly after consuming liquor. Two persons identified as Deepak Kumar and Shivam Kumar – who consumed alcohol with the deceased, are being interrogated by police. A third person Sandeep, who drank with them has been referred to Patna hospital in a critical condition.

    The death toll in the Chhapra Hooch tragedy went up to 53 on Friday after 11 more people succumbed.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The deaths have created an uproar both at the state and national levels as the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government since April 2016.

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday during Assembly proceedings reiterated his “piyoge to maroge” remark which means those who will drink spurious liquor would die. Addressing the state assembly, the chief minister stated that no compensation will be given to people who died after drinking and repeated that “if you drink alcohol, you will die”.

    The Chhapra hooch tragedy was one of the issues raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of the House thrice within a short span of 40 minutes as both the Treasury benches and the opposition raised their issues together with the commencement of the Zero Hour.

    SIWAN (Bihar): Days after the hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Chhapra (Saran district) claimed over 50 lives, at least 5 people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the adjoining Siwan district in the state.

    All five deceased are residents of Brahsthan and Sondhani villages of Bhagwanpur Police Station area.

    Angry family members of the deceased obstructed the Siwan-Chapra Malmalia main road and undertook a protest.

    The distance between Siwan and Chhapra is around 10 kilometres.

    The deceased have been identified as Mahesh Rai (40), Sambhu Yadav (36), Amir Manjhi (45), and Awadh Manjhi (36) of Brahmasthan Village while Ramendra Pandit hailed from Sondhani village.

    According to locals, the death toll is expected to go up and the condition of some people is stated to be serious.

    Meanwhile, in the Begusarai district, the administration swung into action after one person reportedly died allegedly after consuming liquor. Two persons identified as Deepak Kumar and Shivam Kumar – who consumed alcohol with the deceased, are being interrogated by police. A third person Sandeep, who drank with them has been referred to Patna hospital in a critical condition.

    The death toll in the Chhapra Hooch tragedy went up to 53 on Friday after 11 more people succumbed.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The deaths have created an uproar both at the state and national levels as the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government since April 2016.

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday during Assembly proceedings reiterated his “piyoge to maroge” remark which means those who will drink spurious liquor would die. Addressing the state assembly, the chief minister stated that no compensation will be given to people who died after drinking and repeated that “if you drink alcohol, you will die”.

    The Chhapra hooch tragedy was one of the issues raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of the House thrice within a short span of 40 minutes as both the Treasury benches and the opposition raised their issues together with the commencement of the Zero Hour.

  • If someone consumes liquor, they will die, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Hooch tragedy

    By ANI

    OATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday told media persons waiting for his reaction on the 39 deaths so far in the Chhapra hooch tragedy that if “someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die” as he came under heavy pressure on his alleged failed excise policy.

    Defending the liquor ban in Bihar, he said that the state’s prohibition policy has benefitted several people and a large number of people have given up drinking alcohol due to his measures.

    “The liquor ban has benefitted several people. A large number of people have given up alcohol…This is good. Several people have happily accepted this. But there are some troublemakers. I have told officers to identify the actual troublemakers and nab them,” Kumar told the media in Patna.

    “I have told officers that they shouldn’t capture the poor. People manufacturing liquor & carrying on liquor trade should be caught,” Kumar said.

    The chief minister also said: “I am ready to give Rs 1 lakh each to people to start their own work. We’ll raise the amount if needed, but nobody should get involved in the liquor business.”

    “Last time, when people died due to spurious liquor, someone said they should be compensated. If someone consumes spurious liquor, they’ll die – an example is before us. This should be condoled, those places should be visited and people should be explained about the fallout of their action,” Nitish Kumar said.

    After the first death late Tuesday in a Chhapra hospital, the toll has reached 39 on Thursday.

    In its wake, Masrakh Station House Officer (SHO) Ritesh Mishra and Constable Vikesh Tiwari were suspended on the recommendation of Marhaura Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Yogendra Kumar.

    Bihar Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday vowed strict action against culprits responsible for deaths.

    “Process of filling an FIR is underway. I have spoken over the phone with SP,” Sunil Kumar said.

    The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

    Hours after the first few deaths were reported from Chhapra, the opposition on Wednesday attacked the Bihar Chief Minister in the state assembly leading to Nitish Kumar losing his cool and screaming back at the BJP leaders.

    The Janata Dal-United chief slammed the BJP for protesting the deaths as Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned the state’s liquor ban policy since 2016.

    Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the House and screamed at the BJP MLAs ”Sharabi ho gaye ho tum…(you are drunk)”

    Protesting against the incident, Bihar opposition lawmakers also staged a demonstration outside the state assembly later. 

    OATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday told media persons waiting for his reaction on the 39 deaths so far in the Chhapra hooch tragedy that if “someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die” as he came under heavy pressure on his alleged failed excise policy.

    Defending the liquor ban in Bihar, he said that the state’s prohibition policy has benefitted several people and a large number of people have given up drinking alcohol due to his measures.

    “The liquor ban has benefitted several people. A large number of people have given up alcohol…This is good. Several people have happily accepted this. But there are some troublemakers. I have told officers to identify the actual troublemakers and nab them,” Kumar told the media in Patna.

    “I have told officers that they shouldn’t capture the poor. People manufacturing liquor & carrying on liquor trade should be caught,” Kumar said.

    The chief minister also said: “I am ready to give Rs 1 lakh each to people to start their own work. We’ll raise the amount if needed, but nobody should get involved in the liquor business.”

    “Last time, when people died due to spurious liquor, someone said they should be compensated. If someone consumes spurious liquor, they’ll die – an example is before us. This should be condoled, those places should be visited and people should be explained about the fallout of their action,” Nitish Kumar said.

    After the first death late Tuesday in a Chhapra hospital, the toll has reached 39 on Thursday.

    In its wake, Masrakh Station House Officer (SHO) Ritesh Mishra and Constable Vikesh Tiwari were suspended on the recommendation of Marhaura Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Yogendra Kumar.

    Bihar Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday vowed strict action against culprits responsible for deaths.

    “Process of filling an FIR is underway. I have spoken over the phone with SP,” Sunil Kumar said.

    The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

    Hours after the first few deaths were reported from Chhapra, the opposition on Wednesday attacked the Bihar Chief Minister in the state assembly leading to Nitish Kumar losing his cool and screaming back at the BJP leaders.

    The Janata Dal-United chief slammed the BJP for protesting the deaths as Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned the state’s liquor ban policy since 2016.

    Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the House and screamed at the BJP MLAs ”Sharabi ho gaye ho tum…(you are drunk)”

    Protesting against the incident, Bihar opposition lawmakers also staged a demonstration outside the state assembly later. 

  • ‘Janata Malik hai’: Nitish Kumar on exit polls predicting BJP win in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh

    By PTI

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday ducked queries about exit polls predicting wins, in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly polls, for his former ally BJP which he has vowed to defeat with the help of a united opposition in the next general elections.

    Most exit polls have predicted a huge victory for the BJP in Gujarat, the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while the party has been shown to have a slight edge over the Congress in Himachal Pradesh.

    “Janata Malik hai” (the people are our master), said Kumar, trying to ward off the queries of journalists.

    When pressed further, he quipped “do I ever say anything in such matters” even as he insisted that all should wait for the final results to be announced on Thursday.

    The JD(U) leader was talking to reporters after paying tributes to Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar at a statue installed near the Patna High Court.

    He also expressed deep reverence for the Father of the Indian Constitution, especially for the thrust on the uplift of underdogs.

    Replying to another query, Kumar expressed happiness that his rival turned alliance partner Lalu Prasad, the RJD president, was doing fine after a successful kidney transplant operation on Monday in Singapore.

    “I spoke to people there over the phone. I am very happy that Lalu ji is in good shape”, said Kumar.

    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday ducked queries about exit polls predicting wins, in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly polls, for his former ally BJP which he has vowed to defeat with the help of a united opposition in the next general elections.

    Most exit polls have predicted a huge victory for the BJP in Gujarat, the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while the party has been shown to have a slight edge over the Congress in Himachal Pradesh.

    “Janata Malik hai” (the people are our master), said Kumar, trying to ward off the queries of journalists.

    When pressed further, he quipped “do I ever say anything in such matters” even as he insisted that all should wait for the final results to be announced on Thursday.

    The JD(U) leader was talking to reporters after paying tributes to Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar at a statue installed near the Patna High Court.

    He also expressed deep reverence for the Father of the Indian Constitution, especially for the thrust on the uplift of underdogs.

    Replying to another query, Kumar expressed happiness that his rival turned alliance partner Lalu Prasad, the RJD president, was doing fine after a successful kidney transplant operation on Monday in Singapore.

    “I spoke to people there over the phone. I am very happy that Lalu ji is in good shape”, said Kumar.

  • BJP OBC Morcha slams Nitish-led Bihar government over Bhagalpur murder

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Going ballistic against the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, BJP OBC Morcha’s national general secretary Dr Nikhil Anand asked the Bihar Chief Minister not to protect, but to hang the culprit of the gruesome Bhagalpur woman killing.

    “Nitish Kumar should hang the culprit instead of giving protection. Bihar government must take moral responsibility for this communal incident and give one crore compensation to the victim’s family”, said Dr Nikhil Anand, speaking to The New Indian Express on Monday.

    In Pirpainti of Bhagalpur, a woman belonging to the OBC Yadav community was assailed by a Muslim man and her hands, feet and breasts were chopped off.

    He questioned whether such medieval, barbaric, shameful and heart-wrenching incidents be considered a normal crime or a communal frenzy.

    “Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav must answer to the people of Bihar,” he said, demanding immediate arrest of the culprit of this dastardly incident in Bhagalpur as well as speedy trial ensuring a death sentence. 

    Putting the Bihar government in the dock for politics of appeasement on this heinous incident in Bhagalpur, he alleged that the PFI has spread its wings across Bihar under the nose of Nitish Kumar.

    “This is an incident similar to the Shraddha murder case in Delhi, but the police administration is giving it a different colour by covering it up. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is giving protection to involved criminals,” he alleged further.

    NEW DELHI: Going ballistic against the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, BJP OBC Morcha’s national general secretary Dr Nikhil Anand asked the Bihar Chief Minister not to protect, but to hang the culprit of the gruesome Bhagalpur woman killing.

    “Nitish Kumar should hang the culprit instead of giving protection. Bihar government must take moral responsibility for this communal incident and give one crore compensation to the victim’s family”, said Dr Nikhil Anand, speaking to The New Indian Express on Monday.

    In Pirpainti of Bhagalpur, a woman belonging to the OBC Yadav community was assailed by a Muslim man and her hands, feet and breasts were chopped off.

    He questioned whether such medieval, barbaric, shameful and heart-wrenching incidents be considered a normal crime or a communal frenzy.

    “Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav must answer to the people of Bihar,” he said, demanding immediate arrest of the culprit of this dastardly incident in Bhagalpur as well as speedy trial ensuring a death sentence. 

    Putting the Bihar government in the dock for politics of appeasement on this heinous incident in Bhagalpur, he alleged that the PFI has spread its wings across Bihar under the nose of Nitish Kumar.

    “This is an incident similar to the Shraddha murder case in Delhi, but the police administration is giving it a different colour by covering it up. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is giving protection to involved criminals,” he alleged further.