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Bihar's Judgment Day: Can Nitish Hold His Throne or Will Tejashwi Topple Him?

Sunita Iyer — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:00:26 +0530

The people of Bihar are holding their breath. On Friday, the verdict of one of the most closely watched elections in recent years will unfold — deciding whether Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) supremo and the state’s longest-serving chief minister, will secure a record fifth term, or whether the youthful challenger Tejashwi Yadav will usher in a new political dawn.

The stakes could not be higher. With the state recording a historic 67.13 per cent voter turnout across two polling phases held on November 6 and 11, the message from the ground is clear — the people of Bihar have turned out in large numbers, determined to shape their state’s future.

All Eyes on the Counting Centres

The countdown begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, when the Election Commission opens the doors of 46 counting centres spread across Bihar’s 38 districts. Inside the strong rooms, EVMs and VVPATs that hold the fate of 2,616 candidates — decided by over 7.45 crore eligible voters — await scrutiny.

Every vote, every beep of the counting machine, will be watched with hawk-like precision. The EC has ensured a double-lock system for the EVMs, which are being guarded under tight surveillance. “Under the presence of central observers and agents deputed by candidates, the entire process will be videographed,” said the EC in a statement on Wednesday.

Security Blanket Over Bihar

To ensure a smooth counting process, a two-tier security arrangement has been implemented. The inner layer is manned by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), while the outer perimeter is guarded by the state police. CCTV cameras, control rooms, and senior district officers have been deployed around the clock.

Within every strong room campus, senior district officials will be stationed to maintain order and transparency. All district election and returning officers have been instructed to inspect the arrangements frequently — a reflection of the sensitivity surrounding the polls.

Exit Polls Spark Political Showdown

Even before the first EVM is opened, the political temperature has soared. Exit polls have projected a sweeping victory for the NDA, of which the JD(U) is a crucial pillar. But the opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, remains defiant.

“The people of Bihar have voted for change,” Tejashwi asserted, brushing off the exit polls. “We will form the government with a thumping majority.”

The NDA, meanwhile, appears confident. The alliance, which includes five parties, saw the JD(U) and BJP contesting the lion’s share of seats — 101 each in the 243-member assembly.

Heavyweights in the Fray

The battle has drawn some of Bihar’s most prominent faces into the ring. Among them are Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha from the NDA, while the opposition field is headlined by RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, his brother Tej Pratap, and Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar.

The outcome will not just decide who governs Bihar — it will determine the direction of its politics for the next decade.

Awaiting Bihar’s Verdict

As dawn breaks over Patna on Friday, the counting will begin — quietly at first, then with rising intensity as trends trickle in by 9 a.m. For Nitish Kumar, the day could bring an unprecedented fifth term and seal his place in Bihar’s political history. For Tejashwi Yadav, it could mark the arrival of a new generation and a new chapter.

One thing is certain — Bihar’s long tryst with politics of resilience, reform, and rebellion is set to script yet another unforgettable chapter.

Bomb Scare in Bengal: Live Explosives Found in Murshidabad Field

Divya Danu — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:50:39 +0530

A major security alert was triggered in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Monday morning after a bag filled with live crude bombs was found abandoned in an agricultural field. The discovery has raised serious concerns over law and order ahead of the upcoming elections in the politically sensitive border district.

Midnapore, West Bengal: On Socket bomb recovered in Murshidabad, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh says, "Murshidabad is a hub for bombs and guns. These items come from outside and are also sent to Bangladesh from here. There are large factories and big warehouses where guns are stored. The… pic.twitter.com/RpFBSo8GS4

— IANS (@ians_india) November 10, 2025

Bag of bombs found near a culvert

According to the police, the bag was spotted near a culvert following a late-night tip-off on Sunday. Officers immediately reached the spot, cordoned off the area, and called in a Bomb Disposal Squad to handle the explosives. The bombs were to be safely defused later in the day. “The area has been sealed off and an investigation has been started to find out who kept the bombs there and for what purpose,” India Today quoted a senior police officer. The discovery has led to heightened surveillance and patrolling across the district.

History of similar recoveries during polls

Officials noted that Murshidabad has a history of crude bomb recoveries, especially during election periods. In 2021, around 60 crude bombs were found in the district ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Similarly, in 2023, during the Panchayat polls, several bombs were recovered near a Congress candidate’s residence, sparking accusations of political intimidation and attempts to create fear among voters. Murshidabad has also witnessed frequent incidents of poll-related violence. During the 2023 Panchayat elections, over 40 people were killed across the state in violent clashes, with Murshidabad among the worst affected districts. In 2016, a CPI(M) polling agent was killed in Domkal after being attacked with crude bombs.

Police increase vigilance ahead of elections

Authorities said that strict security measures have now been implemented across Murshidabad. Additional police patrols have been deployed, and teams have been instructed to maintain close watch on suspicious movements. Police officers have also cited the district’s proximity to the India-Bangladesh border as a cause for concern, noting that this makes the area vulnerable to illegal smuggling of arms and explosives. Crude bombs, which are locally made and highly dangerous, are often used in political clashes and local rivalries in the region.

A senior official said, “We have increased surveillance and are investigating the source of the explosives. The situation is under control, but we are not taking any chances.” The recovery has once again highlighted the need for tighter security in Bengal's border regions as the state moves closer to elections.

Bihar Polls 2025: Police Constable Balances Duty and Motherhood, wins Hearts | See PICS

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:48:22 +0530

Amid the intense counting day in Bihar and the rising political noise across the state, one photograph from Hajipur stood out for its warmth and humanity. It showed Priti Kumari, a constable with the Bihar Police, holding her young child while performing election duty at ITI College, Harivanshpur, where counting for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 was underway. Her pictures are a reminder of dedication, resilience, and the unseen labour of women in public service.

She is Priti Kumari, a constable with Bihar Police. She is on an election duty at ITI College, Harivanshpur in Hajipur, where counting for Bihar assembly election 2025 is underway. She can be seen carrying out dual role — performing her duty as a dedicated and disciplined… pic.twitter.com/5Bi8RNLXlA

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) November 14, 2025

A moment that captured strength and tenderness

Stationed at the counting centre since morning, Priti was fulfilling her duty as a disciplined police officer while also caring for her little boy, Divyanshu. The dual responsibility did not appear easy, yet she carried it with calm and focus. Her image, uniform, badge, and a child in her arms, symbolised the balance many working mothers navigate every single day.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh and several other officials praised her commitment, calling her a clear example of 'duty with dignity'. The admiration came not just from authorities but also from voters, election staff, and people online who found the moment touching in the middle of a tough and competitive election.

A warm story on a tense election day

The image appeared at a time when Bihar’s political battlefield was charged with excitement and anxiety. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), powered by the BJP and JD(U), crossed the 200-seat mark in the latest trends, placing it on the brink of another milestone victory. The alliance earlier secured 206 seats in the 2014 elections, and this year’s numbers showed it poised to reach a similar mark with a strong lead of 204 seats.

As results shaped up, Priti's dedication served as a humanising pause, proof that behind every vote and every booth lies a network of silent workers ensuring democracy moves smoothly.

NDA's strong comeback sets the political tone

The 2025 Assembly Elections saw the return of a confident and well-coordinated BJP-JD(U) alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood firmly beside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar throughout the campaign, signalling unity after a turbulent decade in Bihar politics. Their combined message emphasised welfare delivery, infrastructure growth, women-centric schemes, and stable administration.

This mix of Modi’s national strength and Nitish Kumar’s deep grassroots network formed a powerful partnership. As counting progressed, this partnership appeared to have shaped a huge electoral shift, placing the NDA far ahead of the Opposition.

Historic turnout reflected changing social currents

Bihar recorded a remarkable 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951. Women led the participation with an impressive 71.6%, outpacing men at 62.8%. This surge reflected not only rising civic awareness but also the appeal of welfare and safety schemes targeted at women.

Across districts, from rural panchayats to urban pockets, women voters played a central role in shaping the electoral outcome, and their presence was visible at polling booths and counting centres. Priti’s photo added another layer to the story of women's growing place in Bihar's public life.

Mahagathbandhan struggles to expand its reach

On the other side, the Mahagathbandhan (MGB), led by the RJD and Congress, struggled to match the NDA’s widespread impact. Early leads showed the Opposition bloc trailing badly, revealing deep structural challenges. Organisational lapses, mixed messaging, and Congress’s focus on 'vote theft' allegations weakened the alliance.

RJD entered the election with its traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank, accounting for around 30% of Bihar’s electorate. Though historically reliable, this base was not enough in 2025. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was unable to expand support among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Dalits, and aspirational young voters, groups that have, over the last decade, tilted towards the JD(U)-BJP combine.

Old formulas fall short in a new Bihar

The MY formula, shaped by Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1990, once kept the RJD in power for 15 years. But in 2025, the electoral map reflected different social demands. The 2023 caste survey, heavily promoted by RJD as a tool for backward caste empowerment, did not translate into broader appeal.

Critics said the survey became more of a political slogan than a transformative policy idea. As a result, RJD’s narrow base proved limiting in an election shaped increasingly by development, welfare, and new aspirations.

While political equations shifted and numbers battled for dominance on election charts, Priti Kumari stood quietly against this noisy backdrop, an everyday story that captured the heart of Bihar.

Amid tallies, leads, swings and victory claims, the image of a mother in uniform doing her job offered a softer side to an otherwise intense day. Elections require the work of thousands of officers, many of whom juggle personal demands with national duty.

(With ANI inputs)

Ram Charan–Upasana Name Their Twins Shivram and Anveera — Here’s What They Mean

Richa Barua — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:07:25 +0530

Ram Charan and Wife Upasana Name Their Twins Shivram and Anveera: On January 31, 2025, the RRR star and his gorgeous wife welcomed their twin twins.

The famous couple recently organised a magnificent Naamkaran ceremony for their infants, which was attended by their loved ones. Ram Charan has finally named their newborn twins, much to his fans' delight.

Ram Charan and Upasana Name Their Twin Babies Shivram And Anveera, Drop Exciting Details In a recent Variety interview, Ram Charan revealed that he and Upasana named their newborn twins Shivram Konidela and Anveera Devi Konidela.

According to the RRR actor, their son's name, Shivram, is derived from his father, megastar Chiranjeevi's birth name, Shiv Shankar Vara Prasad. The infant boy's name also represents the family's two everlasting ideals: Lord Shiva and Lord Rama.

During the interview, the Peddi actor also disclosed the meaning of their newborn daughter's name, Anveera Devi. According to Ram Charan, the name Anveera symbolises unlimited courage and heavenly feminine strength.

The name 'Veera' represents boldness, while 'An' stretches it to something unlimited. The 'Devi' is a deliberate inclusion that emphasises how power and grace can coexist.

For the uninitiated, Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela had their first child, daughter Klin Kaara Konidela on June 20, 2023.

The celebrity couple, who have always been fiercely protective of their daughter, has opted to safeguard her privacy by not sharing her face on social media anytime soon. They are apparently preparing to do the same with their newborn twins.

Bigg Boss 19 Finale Week: Will Tanya Mittal Be Evicted Next? Here’s What We Know

Richa Barua — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:52:09 +0530

It's unclear if Tanya Mittal was ousted from Bigg Boss 19 before the finale, but Malti Chahar was. Now that voting is open, fans can vote multiple times for their preferred contender to help decide the season's champion.

Malti Chahar has allegedly been evicted from the Bigg Boss 19 house ahead of the grand finale, although Tanya Mittal's removal remains unverified. Voting is now live, allowing fans to vote numerous times to support their favourite candidate and help choose the season's champion.

According to reports, Malti Chahar has been evicted from the Bigg Boss 19 house before the big finale. With the finale just a few days away, fans are excited to see who will win this season. Another story has arisen online, alleging that Tanya Mittal has also been evicted from Bigg Boss 19 before the grand finale.

BREAKING NEWS:#TanyaMittal And #MaltiChahar has been evicted from the Bigg Boss 19 house! The twist nobody saw coming has officially shaken the game.Equations badlenge… dynamics hilenge… aur drama abhi baaki hai! ⚡#TanyaIsTheBoss : 5th Postion #MaltiIsTheBoss :

— Choudhary bobby (@jbabu987) December 4, 2025

Several X users allege that Tanya was removed following Malti's eviction from the house. However, these rumours lack strong evidence, leaving it unclear whether Tanya will be ousted in the following episodes. Meanwhile, BBTak has announced that Malti's elimination will take place during the forthcoming garden area challenge.

BREAKING NEWS:VIJAYI BHAVA TANYA MITTAL #AmaalMalik And #MaltiChahar has been evicted from the Bigg Boss 19 house! The twist nobody saw coming has officially shaken the game.Equations badlenge… dynamics hilenge… aur drama abhi baaki hai! ⚡#AmaalIsTheBoss : 5th…

— Queen Lamin (@PdiangL) December 4, 2025

You may now vote for who you want to win the season. Each registered spectator may select their favourite competitor by downloading the official Bigg Boss 19 app or going to the show's official website. Depending on the program's guidelines, supporters can also vote via partner sites or SMS (if accessible).

Prediction FINAL VOTING TREND — BB19 1️⃣ #GAURAVKHANNA2️⃣ #TANYAMITTAL3️⃣ #PRANITMORE4️⃣ #FARRHANABHATT5️⃣ #AMAALMALIKIf the trend holds…GAURAV vs TANYA will walk into the finale as the TOP 2 and be the ones to switch off the Bigg Boss 19 lights for the last time …

— Rana Y. (@YogeshRanaChd) December 3, 2025

Prepare all of your backup IDs, as each one can earn up to 99 votes every day. Give it your best and help your favourite win the grand finale!

As voting begins, fans have been rallying behind their favourite contenders. Many have made grand finale predictions regarding who will win the program. Several internet users think that Gaurav Khanna is the rightful winner of Bigg Boss 19. Aside from Gaurav, Farrhana is also receiving positive feedback from the crowd, and many feel she has the ability to be in the top three.

Watch Bigg Boss 19 every Monday through Sunday at 9 p.m. on Jio Hotstar and 10:30 p.m. on Colours TV.

Dhurandhar OTT Release: Netflix or JioHotstar? When and When to Watch Ranveer Singh's Film Online? Read Details

Richa Barua — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:16:43 +0530

OTT Dhurandhar Release Date, Platform: Dhurandhar hits cinemas today (December 5), generating the most hype. The mystery thriller has been anticipated for months, and fans' anticipation is growing as the release day approaches.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, marks Ranveer Singh's comeback to the film after a two-year absence following the success of Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Singham Again was not a starring part). With the film now out, enthusiasm is high, and spectators are ready to learn the twists and surprises Dhurandhar has in store.

As Dhurandhar prepares for its big premiere today (5 December 2025), enthusiasm is swiftly mounting. The film, billed as one of Bollywood's most anticipated spy thrillers of the year, is the first instalment in an ambitious two-part story. Running more than three hours, the film promises big-time action, riveting tension, and a new spin on the Indian espionage genre.

Ranveer Singh stars in this high-voltage drama as a ruthless RAW officer who is feared across boundaries. His persona, known only by the haunting code name "The Wrath of God," glides across the world like a ghost: quiet, menacing, and unpredictable. Although the film is not a biography, it is inspired on true clandestine missions, giving the plot a realistic and dramatic tone.

The narrative takes place in the heart of Pakistan's Lyari belt, which is rife with gangs, terrorist groups, and political power struggles. Ranveer's character enters this world as an undercover spy, navigating criminal networks while always facing the prospect of discovery. The plot revolves around psychological warfare, espionage methods, and the perilous double life of a covert agent.

The film's magnitude is enhanced by its impressive ensemble cast. R. Madhavan plays intelligence strategist Ajay Sanyal, a figure partly based on India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Akshaye Khanna plays Rehman Dakait, a terrifying criminal leader with real-world connections.

Arjun Rampal plays ISI officer Major Iqbal, who is said to be based on the renowned insurgent Ilyas Kashmiri. Sanjay Dutt plays SP Chaudhary Aslam, a fierce Pakistani police officer, while Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi play important supporting parts.

According to a recent OTTplay article, Netflix has won post-theatrical streaming rights for Dhurandhar. After completing its theatrical run, the action-packed spy thriller is set to make its digital premiere on the site on January 30, 2026, where it will be streamed exclusively.

With Netflix's global audience, the film is sure to garner tremendous international traction. The platform's reach has the potential to make Dhurandhar one of the most talked-about OTT releases of early 2026, expanding its awareness well beyond Indian cinemas.

Bihar Election Exit Polls 2025: NDA Set for Big Win, Tejashwi-Led MGB Faces Setback

Divya Danu — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:52:35 +0530

Exit polls for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 show a strong win for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with three major survey firms forecasting between 133 and 167 seats out of 243. The rival Mahagathbandhan (MGB) is projected to get much fewer seats, while the newly formed Jan Suraaj Party appears marginalised. Voting turnout crossed 67% in phase 2.

Bihar Exit Polls | As per the Exit Polls by ET, out of 243 seats, NDA is predicted to get 135-150, the Mahagathbandhan to get 88-103, and others may get 3-7 seats pic.twitter.com/CP90xEVibv

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2025

Bihar Exit Polls | As per the Exit Polls by People's Pulse-NDTV India, out of 243 seats, NDA: 133-159, Mahagathbandhan: 75-101others: 02-08 pic.twitter.com/c6kRJMj0EF

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2025

Poll of Poll Bihar 2025: EXIT PROJECTIONS ACROSS ALL SEATS. pic.twitter.com/aDZ6Mm0iA8

— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) November 11, 2025

बिहार विधानसभा चुनाव Exit Poll- NDA सरकार फिर बनने का अनुमान - प्रशांत किशोर फर्श पर होने का अनुमान - JDU पहले से बेहतर, नंबर वन भी बन सकती है pic.twitter.com/zHaaYfDqO9

— Milind Khandekar (@milindkhandekar) November 11, 2025

Strong majority forecast for NDA

The exit-poll surveys paint a confident picture for the NDA in Bihar’s Assembly elections. For example, the survey by Dainik Bhaskar projects the NDA to win 145-160 seats, with the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) at 73-91 and others at 5-10. The poll by People's Insight puts the NDA at 133-148 seats, MGB at 87-102, the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) at 0-2, and others at 3-6.

The survey by Matrize expects a clear sweep for the NDA with 147-167 seats, while MGB may get 70-90 and others very few. Other surveys also showed similar results.

Chanakya Strategies के मुताबिक़ भी NDA की सरकार बन रही है pic.twitter.com/iYZtBLuXxH

— Milind Khandekar (@milindkhandekar) November 11, 2025

In short, all exit-polls show the NDA comfortably crossing the majority mark of 122 seats in the 243-member assembly.

What the numbers mean

A few points to understand about these projections:

With 243 seats in the assembly, the halfway mark is 122 seats. The NDA’s projected range is well above that.
The MGB, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Indian National Congress, appears to be trailing significantly in these forecasts.
The newly-launched Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), headed by strategist Prashant Kishor, is projected to win very few seats (0-5 in some polls) despite being seen as a potential “third front”.

High voter turnout and what it suggests

The second and final phase of polling concluded with a provisional turnout of 67.14%, a record for Bihar. In the first phase (November 6), turnout was also historically high at about 64.66%. High turnout can suggest a strong motivation among voters, either for change or for reaffirming the status quo. In this case, the comparatively high turnout appears to benefit the ruling alliance, at least the exit polls indicate so.

Campaign themes and stakes The election has seen major themes and messaging from both sides:

The NDA has campaigned heavily on its governance record in Bihar, on welfare schemes (such as promises of Rs 10,000 for women entrepreneurs and 125 MW free electricity in some schemes) and has invoked concerns about law & order.
The MGB has responded with its own pledges, such as one government job per family and a one-time payment of Rs 30,000 to economically disadvantaged women.
The JSP tried to position itself as an alternative to both major blocs, focusing on crowdsourced agendas. But the exit-poll results show it may struggle to convert momentum into seats.
The result will also mark a potential end of an era: Nitish Kumar has been Chief Minister of Bihar for much of the last 19 years, and this election is widely expected to be his last.

Why the headlines favour the NDA

Putting together the numbers and context:

The exit polls from multiple independent agencies consistently show the NDA with a strong lead.
The projected seat ranges give the NDA a clear majority, not just a narrow win.
The opposition’s projections are significantly lower, indicating a likely weak performance in comparison.

With high voter turnout and active campaigning, the momentum appears to lean towards the ruling alliance in the previews given by exit polls.

However, it is important to note: exit polls are not final results. They are based on samples and early flows, and have margins of error. Past elections in Bihar have shown that predictions can still be off.

Counting of votes is scheduled for 14 November 2025 for all 243 seats across Bihar. Key districts to watch include those in the Seemanchal region (Mithilanchal, Kosi belt) as they have large minority and socially backward populations, and the outcomes there will affect overall tally.

The performance of the JSP will be closely observed: whether it remains marginal or ends up influencing which major alliance gets the numbers depends on how many seats it picks up (if any). The role of electorate behaviour, such as how first-time voters and women voters cast their votes, and whether high turnout converts to expected results.

Whether the NDA manages to translate the exit-poll lead into actual seats, sometimes strong predictions do not fully play out when counting happens.

Implications beyond Bihar The result in Bihar will be more than just a state matter:

It will affect the strength of the NDA at the national level and could influence strategies for future elections, such as the 2029 general elections.
A large majority win for the NDA could reinforce the governance narrative of the ruling alliance and boost confidence in its incumbency.
On the flip side, a weak showing by the MGB or the JSP may mean more introspection among opposition parties on alliance strategy, leadership faces, and message.

The result will also shape policy expectations in Bihar, with the ruling alliance in comfortable majority position, it may feel empowered to push flagship schemes, while the opposition may need to reposition for the next fight.

The exit-polls suggest a landslide win for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. With projected seat tallies ranging from 133 to 167 for the NDA and significantly fewer for its rivals, the ruling alliance appears to be headed for another term in office. The high voter turnout and vigorous campaigning seem to have worked in its favour. But the full verdict will only come on November 14, when the counting ends and the official results are declared. Until then, the political drama in Bihar remains alive and unscripted.

(With ANI inputs)

Bihar Election Results 2025 Live Updates: NDA Bags Landslide Win in Bihar, PM Modi Lauds Historic Sweep

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:37:59 +0530

Bihar Election Results 2025 Live Updates: Get real-time counting trends, seat-wise results, and party-wise performance of NDA, RJD, BJP, JDU, and Congress. Follow updates on Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and other key leaders as Bihar decides its next government. Stay tuned for live vote counts, leads, and analysis.

Tejashwi, Tej Pratap Both Trail: Early Trends Show a Sharp Split in the Yadav Family Battle

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:39:41 +0530

The Bihar Assembly election counting began at 8 am, and within hours, a dramatic picture started emerging from two key constituencies linked to the Yadav family. Tejashwi Yadav, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial face, took an early lead in Raghopur. At the same time, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, who is contesting from Mahua after his split from the RJD, slipped far behind in the early rounds.

Both Yadav brothers trail at 11:30

This election was always expected to be politically intense, but the brothers fighting from two different platforms has turned it into a personal battle inside Bihar’s most influential political family.

This election has become deeply personal for the family of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, with his two sons contesting from opposite political camps. After the second round of counting, both Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav were trailing. Tejashwi is behind in the family stronghold of Raghopur by more than 1,000 votes, while his elder brother Tej Pratap is also trailing from Mahua.

Tejashwi Yadav was leading at 10:50 in Raghopur

According to the official Election Commission of India updates at 10.50 am, Tejashwi Yadav was leading from Raghopur with a margin of 916 votes. He had secured 8,387 votes, while the BJP candidate Satish Kumar was trailing with 7,471 votes. Chanchal Kumar from Jan Suraaj had gained only 150 votes at this stage.

Raghopur has always been an important seat for the Yadav family. Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi have both represented it in the past. Tejashwi winning here is essential for the Mahagathbandhan, especially at a time when the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is showing a strong lead across the state.

Tej Pratap faces a tough battle in Mahua

In sharp contrast, the numbers from Mahua tell a very different story. As of the third round of counting, the results showed a big gap:

Sanjay Kumar Singh (LJP-RV): 10,301 votes

Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD): 1,500 votes

Mukesh Roshan (RJD): 6,781 votes

This means Tej Pratap was trailing the LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate by almost 9,000 votes. Even the RJD candidate was far ahead of him.

These early figures show a sharp decline compared to 2020, when Tej Pratap, contesting as an RJD candidate, had won the Hasanpur seat by more than 20,000 votes. His political journey today looks very different from the confident victory he enjoyed four years ago.

A tale of two brothers

The early counting trends paint a “tale of two brothers.” Tejashwi Yadav stands as the leader of the Opposition alliance, trying to return to power with the Mahagathbandhan. His campaign has focused on jobs, youth, and public welfare, which helped him connect strongly with young voters.

Tej Pratap, on the other hand, is fighting to build a separate identity through his new party, the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD). The split from the RJD has left him without the organisational strength and support that once helped him secure victories.

Their political journeys have moved in opposite directions since May this year, when their father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled Tej Pratap from the party for six years, citing “irresponsible behaviour” and violating family values.

How the split happened

The expulsion followed a controversial social media post that appeared from Tej Pratap’s Facebook account. The post reportedly mentioned a long relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. Tej Pratap later claimed that his account had been hacked and the photos edited to defame him and his family. However, the RJD leadership took strict action, leading to the public fallout.

After the split, Tej Pratap formed the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) and built an alliance with five smaller Bihar parties, hoping to create a new political space for himself. He claimed he did not believe in exit polls and was confident of winning Mahua, saying he focused more on work than celebrations.

But as counting trends began, the early numbers showed the difficulty of contesting without the RJD’s voter base.

NDA crosses halfway mark

While the Yadav brothers made headlines in their own constituencies, the broader picture across Bihar showed the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in a strong position.

As per leads from 236 seats, these were the numbers at 10.50 am:

NDA: Leading in 183 seats
BJP: 76 seats
JD(U): 82 seats
LJP (RV): 21 seats

The BJP and JD(U) were performing strongly, with conversion rates of 67% and 64%.

On the other side, the Mahagathbandhan was trailing with only 48 leads:

RJD: 37 seats
Congress: 7 seats
CPI(ML-L): 4 seats

AIMIM was ahead in two seats as well.

These figures match the trend seen in most exit polls, which had predicted a clear advantage for the NDA.

Key leaders ahead

Several big faces from the NDA were also leading:

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai)
Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (Tarapur)
BJP leader Mangal Pandey (Siwan)

The counting process involved 4,372 counting tables and more than 18,000 counting agents, showing the scale of the operation. EVM counting began at 8:30 am after postal ballots were tallied.

A high-stakes election

The 2020 election had seen the NDA win 125 seats and form the government. But political equations changed in 2022 when Nitish Kumar left the BJP and formed a government with the Mahagathbandhan. This election, therefore, became a major test for both alliances.

For the Yadav family, however, this election has become much more personal. With Tejashwi leading and Tej Pratap trailing badly, the early trends reflect a deep political and emotional divide.

The final results will decide not only who governs Bihar but also how the Yadav family’s political story moves forward.

(With ANI inputs)

Lalu Yadav Family Feud: After Rohini Acharya's Revolt, Tej Pratap Warns 'Bihar Will Not Forgive Her Insult'

Divya Danu — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:20:40 +0530

The Lalu Yadav family is facing one of its biggest crises ever, with daughter Rohini Acharya announcing she has cut all ties with her family and quit politics. Her shocking claims, ranging from humiliation and verbal abuse to threats of being hit with a slipper, have caused a major political storm in Bihar.

Rohini, who donated a kidney to her father Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2022, says she has now been accused by her own relatives of trying to 'buy' an election ticket in exchange for what was called a 'dirty kidney'.

Her posts have brought to light painful personal experiences and have once again put a spotlight on deep tensions within one of Bihar's most powerful political families.

कल एक बेटी, एक बहन , एक शादीशुदा महिला , एक माँ को जलील किया गया , गंदी गालियाँ दी गयीं , मारने के लिए चप्पल उठाया गया , मैंने अपने आत्मसम्मान से समझौता नहीं किया, सच का समर्पण नहीं किया , सिर्फ और सिर्फ इस वजह से मुझे बेइज्जती झेलनी पडी .. कल एक बेटी मजबूरी में अपने रोते हुए…

— Rohini Acharya (@RohiniAcharya2) November 16, 2025

Tej Pratap backs Rohini, says Bihar will not forgive her insult

Tej Pratap Yadav has now come out in strong support of his sister Rohini Acharya as the conflict inside Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family continues to grow. NDTV quoted him saying that while he quietly tolerated the wrongs done to him in the past, the insult faced by his sister is completely unbearable. Tej Pratap wrote that ever since he heard about someone raising a slipper at Rohini, his pain has turned into anger.

He said the incident shook him deeply and has caused a fire inside his heart. Without naming anyone, he warned those who insulted Rohini and said that if they try to harm the family, the people of Bihar will never forgive them. He added that hearing about the slipper incident has turned his hurt into flames, and when public emotions are hurt, even the dust on one’s mind gets cleared.

According to him, a few people have misled Tejashwi Yadav as well, and he said the consequences of this injustice will be very serious because time keeps record of everything. Tej Pratap also appealed directly to his father, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. He said, “Father, give just one signal. With only your one gesture, the people of Bihar themselves will bury these betrayers.” He added that this is not a political fight but a fight for the honour of their family, the dignity of a daughter, and the self-respect of Bihar.

A family feud turns public as Rohini Acharya walks away

Rohini says she faced humiliation, abuse, and even threats. In emotional posts shared on X, Rohini Acharya described how she was spoken to, insulted, and threatened during a family confrontation. She said she was abused, humiliated, and even faced the threat of someone raising a slipper to hit her.

She wrote that she tried to protect her self-respect, refused to stay silent, and stood by the truth, but that led to her being pushed out. She said she was forced to walk away from her parental home, leaving behind crying parents and siblings.

Her Hindi post, full of emotion, spoke of a daughter who could not tolerate disrespect and was finally made to leave her own home. She also wrote that no family should ever have to see what she went through.

The 'dirty kidney' allegation

The most explosive charge from Rohini was her claim that some relatives accused her of trying to gain political mileage from her kidney donation. She said she was accused of seeking an election ticket in exchange for her kidney, and that this kidney was even referred to as a “dirty kidney” by some members of her family.

This remark has shocked the public because Rohini’s kidney donation to her father in 2022 was widely praised as a brave and loving act. The new allegations have left many people surprised and upset, especially since they involve a family known for publicly stressing unity.

The timing is important. These claims come soon after the RJD’s poor performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, where it won only 25 seats out of 243 despite contesting more than 140. After the election defeat, blame and frustration appear to have deepened the family’s internal tensions.

Rohini says Tejashwi and his aide threw her out

Hours after announcing she was quitting politics and disowning her family, Rohini told reporters that she was thrown out of the house by Tejashwi Yadav and his close aide Sanjay Yadav, as well as another person named Rameez.

She said she had questioned Sanjay Yadav about the party’s defeat in the assembly elections. According to her, instead of answering, they assaulted her, abused her, and forced her out.

Her words were strong: “I have no family. You can ask Sanjay Yadav, Rameez, and Tejashwi Yadav. They are the ones who threw me out.”

She added that the party leadership was refusing to take responsibility for the defeat, and that anyone pointing out the role of Tejashwi’s advisers was targeted and silenced.

There has been no response so far from the RJD or any member of the Yadav family regarding her claims.

Another blow for the family after Tej Pratap’s exit

Rohini’s breakaway comes only months after Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Yadav’s elder son, was expelled from both the party and the family following issues related to his personal life. Tej Pratap then formed his own party and contested separately in the state elections, but without success.

Now, with Rohini announcing her separation from the family and quitting politics, the already strained family dynamics have worsened.

Two children of Lalu and Rabri Devi have now broken away publicly, one politically, and the other both politically and emotionally.

Political observers say this double blow could weaken the Yadav family’s influence at a time when their party, RJD, is already facing a major decline.

BJP hits out with 'patriarchal' allegation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the RJD over Rohini’s charges. Amit Malviya, who heads the BJP’s IT cell, said the slipper incident shows the family has a “patriarchal, anti-woman, and male-dominated mentality.”

He also said that despite Rohini giving her father a kidney, it was Tejashwi Yadav who was always supported more inside the family.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha said that the 'anarchy' seen outside the RJD is clearly visible inside the family too. He questioned how leaders who cannot maintain peace in their own home can lead the state.

The BJP’s ally, Union Minister Chirag Paswan, chose a softer approach. He said he considers all the Yadav siblings, Tejashwi, Tej Pratap, Misa Bharti, and Rohini, as his own brothers and sisters, and he hopes the family resolves the matter soon.

What this means for the RJD and Bihar politics

The timing of this public fallout is significant. Bihar’s political scene is very active after the NDA scored a huge win with 202 seats, capturing a three-fourths majority.

In contrast, the RJD has suffered one of its worst results in years. Many people are questioning the leadership decisions taken during the campaign and whether internal conflicts played a role.

Rohini’s allegations, coming right after Bihar election results, have raised further questions about how the party is run, who makes the decisions, and whether personal issues have been allowed to affect political choices.

The crisis also raises doubts about the long-term future of the Lalu Yadav political legacy, which has played a central role in Bihar politics for more than three decades.

For now, much depends on how the family responds, whether they address the allegations and whether the party can come together again after this large setback.

(With ANI inputs)

Bihar Election Results 2025: Meme Wave Hits as NDA Takes Big Lead and MGB Falls Behind

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:36:14 +0530

The counting for the high-stakes Bihar Assembly Election 2025 brought not only numbers and political shifts but also a full wave of jokes, satire, and sharp memes across X. As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) raced ahead in early trends, social media lit up with posts capturing the mood of the state. From comments on Tejashwi Yadav’s trailing numbers to digs at Congress and Jan Suraaj, X was flooded with reactions as counting moved round by round.

NDA takes strong early lead across the state

By 2 pm, the NDA had crossed the 200-seat mark in the latest Election Commission trends. This put the alliance close to matching its 2010 performance, when it won 206 seats. In the 2025 trends, the NDA was leading in 201 seats, with the BJP ahead in 90, JD(U) in 82, LJP in 20, HAM(S) in 5, and RLM in 4. These strong numbers showed the alliance’s advantage across rural, semi-urban and urban belts of Bihar.

The Mahagathbandhan (MGB), led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, lagged far behind. The RJD was leading in 28 seats, Congress in 5, CPI(ML) in 2, and CPI(M) in 1, taking the total to 36. The BSP was ahead in one seat, while the AIMIM was leading in five seats.

This sharp difference between NDA and MGB created the perfect setting for a meme storm online.

Memes take over X as early trends become clear

As soon as the results started showing a wide gap, users on X began posting memes reflecting the political mood. Many were light-hearted, while others carried satire aimed at different parties and leaders.

One meme read: 'Nehru ji watching Congress' performance on his birthday.' Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14 November, the day counting was underway, and users used the moment to poke fun at Congress’ poor numbers. The party was leading in only four seats in the early trends.

Nehru ji watching Congress' performance on his birthday #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/lviaIhGkm5

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 14, 2025

Another viral post showed Tejashwi Yadav saying: "And when it was finally our turn to become Chief Minister, even the exit poll turned out to be correct." This meme pointed to the disappointment among MGB supporters as exit polls had predicted a decisive NDA win with Nitish Kumar likely to become Chief Minister again.

Aur jab humaari baari aayi CM banne ki, toh sala Exit Poll bhi sahi nikal gaya#BiharElections2025 | #BiharPolitics pic.twitter.com/yR3wd8IChp

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 14, 2025

Some other memes at jibes at RJD leaders' poll performance:

"Iss Baar Toh Humlog Clean Sweep Ho Rahe Hai"- Tejashwi YadavLegend knew the result beforehand#BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/rpryuiVS7I

— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) November 14, 2025

He campaigned like a part-time tourist and performed like a full-time meme.By the time results came, people were still wondering whether he came to win votes or just update his Instagram stories at the End G!nd M@ for Tejas #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/AShpBwqaAH

— Sarvan Pillai (@sarvanhindustan) November 14, 2025

Forget about becoming CM, He will not be MLA alsoTejashwi Yadav is now trailing by 8,600 votes from Raghopur after 16/30 rounds.#BiharElection2025 #ElectionUpdates pic.twitter.com/Lvs4BmZ20S

— Sheetal Chopra (@SheetalPronamo) November 14, 2025

Tejashwi Yadav trails in Raghopur as memes circulate

RJD leader and MGB's chief minister face Tejashwi Yadav became one of the most-searched political names on Google during the counting. Trends showed most searches coming from Himachal Pradesh, followed by Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and Odisha. The most searched term was 'Tejashwi Yadav constituency'.

In the Raghopur seat, Tejashwi was trailing by 3,230 votes at 1:50 pm after 10 out of 30 rounds. BJP candidate and former MLA Satish Kumar was leading. The seat is important because Tejashwi has held it since 2015.

This result also reminded many of 2010, when Satish Kumar, then with JD(U), defeated Tejashwi’s mother and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi by a margin of 13,006 votes. Memes also resurfaced around this political rivalry.

Tej Pratap Yadav faces a major setback

Tejashwi’s estranged brother Tej Pratap Yadav was also trending, with users posting memes about his performance in Mahua. Tej Pratap, who formed his own party Janshakti Janta Dal after his exit from RJD, was trailing by 26,041 votes after 11 of 26 rounds. He had secured only 12,061 votes, while LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate Sanjay Kumar Singh was leading.

Jan Suraaj’s disappointing debut becomes meme material

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), expected by some analysts to make the Bihar election a triangular contest, saw no early leads. The party was trailing in all seats, matching exit poll predictions which had estimated between 0 and 5 seats.

One meme showed Prashant Kishor asking: “Neechey se check kar.” (Check from the bottom.)

I'm sad for him #BiharElections2025 pic.twitter.com/tpNkpOYFZJ

— Ayesha (@KashmiriAyesha1) November 14, 2025

Another popular meme quoted Prashant Kishor himself saying: “Bahut peeche reh gaya na main?” (I’ve fallen far behind, haven’t I?) This joke was linked to Jan Suraaj’s poor performance.

Prashant Kishor in Bihar election.#BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/xdJA4RXuwW

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 14, 2025

"Prashant Kishore" will have to leave politics, this is what the trends are saying.Leave vote cutting politics.#BiharElections2025 #BiharPolitics pic.twitter.com/YYHdhOoNxe

— Nagendra pandey (@nagendr_24) November 14, 2025

Narendra Modi ji , Nitish Kumar , NDA and Whole Bihar right now #BiharElections2025 | #BiharPolitics pic.twitter.com/O4Kf0x10Ax

— Vishal (@VishalMalvi_) November 14, 2025

Several memes compared JSP’s expectations to its performance, turning the party into one of the most-talked-about topics online.

Other key candidates show mixed performances

Apart from the big names in RJD and JSP, many well-known faces were also being closely tracked.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was leading in Tarapur, and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha was ahead in Lakhisarai, showing the strong position of the NDA’s top leadership.

In Chhapra, BJP candidate Chhoti Kumari was leading by 2,592 votes after 7 of 28 rounds. Multiple rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, combined with the NDA’s strong base among women voters, helped the BJP maintain an edge in the seat. Chhapra has been a consistent BJP stronghold in the last three elections.

Debutant singer-turned-politician Maithili Thakur, contesting on a BJP ticket from Alinagar, was also performing strongly with a lead of 9,450 votes after 13 of 24 rounds, ahead of veteran Binod Mishra.

These individual performances added more fuel for memes, especially those praising NDA’s rise and highlighting the struggles of MGB candidates.

Election results 2025: Memes shaping the online mood

Bihar elections often generate humour, but the 2025 results have created a bigger meme wave than usual. The strong gap between NDA and MGB, the trailing of both Yadav brothers, and the zero showing for Jan Suraaj gave social media users plenty of material.

Memes ranged from nostalgia-driven political jokes, film references, and edited pictures to sarcastic captions about predictions, past elections, and family equations in Bihar politics. For many young users, memes became a way to follow results in a lighter, relatable format.

A dramatic day ends with NDA strengthening its position

As the day is progressing, it has become clear that the NDA was firmly on course to form the next government. With leads crossing 200 seats, the National Democratic Alliance seems set to achieve one of its strongest performances in recent years. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan is left to assess its weak numbers and the reasons behind the poor showing.

(With ANI inputs)

How Passport And Pakistan Debate Is Shaping Assam Elections Ahead Of Voting Day

Divya Danu — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:25:10 +0530

The Assam Assembly election has seen many issues in the past, from jobs and roads to welfare schemes. But this time, the debate has taken a different turn. Passports have become a major political topic. The row began when Himanta Biswa Sarma, a senior leader of the BJP, raised questions about Gaurav Gogoi, who is the Assam Congress president and a Member of Parliament.

Sarma alleged that Gogoi had surrendered his minor son's Indian passport in 2022 in favour of a British passport. This was part of a larger attack where Sarma questioned Gogoi's loyalty to India.

The issue quickly turned into a political battle just days before voting.

Congress hits back with counter allegations

The Congress party did not stay silent. Its spokesperson Pawan Khera held a press conference and made serious allegations against Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

Khera claimed that she holds three passports from different countries, including the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda. He also alleged that she owns properties in Dubai that were not mentioned in Sarma’s election affidavit.

Shocking allegations have come out related to Himanta Biswa Sarma. Holding multiple passports and failure to disclose properties is a grave and criminal offence. How much money have they sent from Assam to their bank accounts abroad ? More investigation is required. Himanta Biswa…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) April 5, 2026

LIVE: Congress party briefing by Shri @Pawankhera at AICC Office, New Delhi. https://t.co/0wyr5kJLsP

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 5, 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma should answer the below questions.1) Does the wife of Himanta Sarma hold a Golden visa for Dubai ? 2) Is the Golden visa on an Indian passport ?3) Does any family member of Himanta Biswa Sarma own properties in Dubai ?4) Does any family member of…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) April 6, 2026

These claims added fuel to the political fight, making passports the centre of the debate.

Strong denial and legal action from BJP side

Sarma and his wife strongly denied all the allegations. They called the claims false and politically motivated.

Busting another lie of #CongFakeAICampaign.The Dubai property title deeds have also turned out to be FAKE with glaring inconsistencies and no authentic record.You can also find out at: https://t.co/qvzLpoAE3eAll of their lies are THUS BUSTED.Legal action will follow. pic.twitter.com/7Pm2O5gUjL

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 6, 2026

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma said the accusations were based on fake images and 'photoshopped' documents. She also said that India does not allow dual citizenship, making the claim of multiple passports unrealistic.

I’ll save you the suspense and answer these laughable questions myself, @GauravGogoiAsm.Here it is: Neither I, nor my children, nor my husband have any business interests or assets in Dubai or anywhere outside India.Now your turn. Can you disclose whether your wife has or has… https://t.co/1R364UxzOX

— Riniki Bhuyan Sharma (@rinikibsharma) April 6, 2026

She has filed an FIR against Khera and asked authorities to investigate the matter properly. She also demanded strict action, saying such allegations should not be taken lightly.

Sarma also announced that he and his wife would file both criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours.

Police action and rising tension

The controversy has already led to police action. Assam Police reportedly reached Khera’s residence in Delhi after the FIR was filed.

This has increased the political tension ahead of voting. The state is set to vote on April 9, and the results will be declared on May 4.

With only days left, both parties are trying to shape public opinion.

Why passports matter in Assam politics

The passport issue is not just about documents. It is linked to identity, which has been a sensitive topic in Assam for many years.

In 2019, Assam carried out the NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise to identify genuine Indian citizens. This made questions about citizenship and identity even more important in the state.

By raising passport issues, both BJP and Congress are trying to question each other’s loyalty and connection to India.

Pakistan angle adds to the controversy

Sarma has also tried to link Gogoi to Pakistan. He claimed that Pakistani media was showing interest in Assam elections and supporting Gogoi. He used this to suggest a “Pakistan connection”. He also mentioned Gogoi’s past visit to Pakistan and his wife’s work there.

We have clear evidence that a Pakistan backed Social media group has contributed to #CONGFakeAICampaign. Last year we had done an expose as to how Pakistani Facebook accounts were being deployed in Assam Elections. pic.twitter.com/SOSl2bFkf7

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 6, 2026

Guwahati, Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "Another significant aspect of the whole scenario is the Pakistani angle. We will show you on the website that all these false documents and false data were drawn from a Pakistani social media group. This means that talk… pic.twitter.com/JhjKcDUe5C

— IANS (@ians_india) April 6, 2026

Congress has denied these claims and accused Sarma of spreading false information.

Congress questions BJP’s stand

Congress leaders have also questioned Sarma’s political stance. They pointed out that he often speaks strongly against Muslims but his wife is accused of holding passports from Muslim-majority countries.

Through this, Congress is trying to highlight what it calls a contradiction in BJP’s politics.

Role of voter groups and caste equations

Political experts say this controversy is also linked to voter groups in Assam. Sarma belongs to the Assamese Brahmin community and has strong support in Upper Assam. This region has a large number of Ahom voters. Gaurav Gogoi is also from the Ahom community. Congress is trying to bring together Ahom votes through alliances with leaders like Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi.

By questioning Gogoi’s identity, BJP may be trying to weaken his support among these voters.

Upper Assam vs Lower Assam politics

Assam’s politics is often divided between Upper Assam and Lower Assam.

Upper Assam has been a strong area for BJP in recent years. Lower Assam, which has a larger Muslim population, has traditionally supported Congress and AIUDF.

The passport and identity debate fits into this larger political picture, where both sides are trying to gain advantage in different regions.

Shift from development to identity politics

Experts say that the election debate has shifted away from development issues. Instead of talking about jobs, roads, or welfare schemes, the focus is now on identity, nationality, and foreign links.

This shift shows how powerful identity politics can be in elections, especially in a state like Assam.

As voting day approaches, it is not clear how much this controversy will influence voters. Some may see it as an important issue related to national identity. Others may view it as political distraction from real problems.

The final result will show whether this strategy works for any party.

The passport controversy in Assam is not just about documents. It reflects deeper political strategies and long-standing concerns about identity. Both BJP and Congress are using the issue to question each other and win voter support.

As the April 9 election nears, the debate shows how personal allegations and identity questions can shape political narratives in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kerala Local Body Elections: NDA Victories in Thiruvananthapuram and Munambam Lift BJP

Divya Danu — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:05:52 +0530

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured key wins in Kerala’s local body elections, including Munambam ward and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call the result a 'watershed moment' in the state's politics. The Munambam victory comes amid a long-running waqf land dispute involving Christian families, while the Thiruvananthapuram result signals growing support for the BJP-led alliance in a state where it has traditionally struggled.

PM Modi expressed gratitude towards party workers after NDA's victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. He wrote on X:

My gratitude to all hardworking BJP Karyakartas who have worked among the people, which has ensured a spectacular result in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Today is a day to recall the work and struggles of generations of Karyakartas in Kerala, who worked at the grassroots,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2025

My full address on the BJP/NDA’s historic performance in Kerala’s local body elections.#Vikasitakeralam #PoliticsOfPerfomance pic.twitter.com/jPpOUCdAkv

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) December 13, 2025

NDA scores decisive win in Munambam

The NDA secured a strong victory in Munambam, located in Ernakulam district. The ward had earlier been held by the Congress, making this win significant for the BJP-led alliance.

Kerala BJP general secretary Anoop Antony Joseph called the result “historic”. In a post on social media, he said the Modi government and the BJP stood with the people of Munambam in their fight against the Waqf Board. He added that voters had now returned that support through the ballot.

Why Munambam matters

Munambam has been at the centre of protests and legal battles since 2019. That year, the Kerala Waqf Board declared more than 404 acres of land in the area as waqf property.

Around 500 families live on this land. Most of them are Christians. Many families say they have legal documents and have paid land tax for years. They fear eviction if the Waqf Board’s claim is upheld.

To protect their homes, residents formed the Munambam Land Protection Council and began protests that have continued for over 400 days.

Historic victory for NDA in the Munambam ward in local body elections, where 500 Christian families face the threat of eviction due to illegal claims by Waqf. Modi ji's govt and BJP stood with the Munambam people in fighting the Waqf, and they have now chosen BJP as their… pic.twitter.com/6h4n9ux1hO

— Anoop Antony Joseph (@AnoopKaippalli) December 13, 2025

The families have demanded that their revenue rights be restored. At one point, the government stopped accepting land tax from those living on the disputed land. This deepened fears that their ownership rights were being taken away.

The protest site became a symbol of resistance, drawing support from political leaders and civil society groups from across the country.

Court rulings shape election mood

The dispute took a major turn when the Kerala High Court ruled that the land in Munambam was not waqf property. This decision was seen as a big relief for the families and encouraged them to take part in the local elections.

Earlier, the residents had planned to boycott the polls as a sign of protest. After the High Court ruling, they changed their decision and voted.

However, the legal battle is not over. On Friday, the Supreme Court paused the High Court’s ruling and ordered status quo. This means the final ownership of the land is still undecided.

National attention and Waqf Amendment Act

The Munambam protests gained national attention earlier this year after the Centre passed the Waqf Amendment Bill. The new law increases the government’s role in regulating waqf properties.

Protesters said the issue showed how land claims by waqf boards can affect ordinary families. The NDA’s stance on the issue appears to have helped it gain support in Munambam.

Political impact in Kerala

The Munambam win is seen as a morale boost for the BJP in Kerala, a state where the party has struggled to make electoral gains. The result could help the NDA build momentum ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

The BJP is also leading in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a seat represented in Parliament by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Counting of votes is still underway in districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram and Kottayam. Final results are expected later in the day.

The NDA's victory in Munambam reflects how a local land dispute has shaped political choices. While the court battle over the land continues, the election result sends a clear message of support from families who say they are fighting to protect their homes and rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

'Polls Fought to Fund Gandhi Family's Lifestyle': BJP Alleges Rs 7 Crore 'Cash-For-Ticket' Scam

Divya Danu — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:51:48 +0530

A fresh political controversy has erupted after BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress of being involved in an alleged 'cash-for-ticket' deal in Haryana. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi and posting on social media, Bhandari claimed that serious allegations have been made by Gaurav Kumar, the husband of a Haryana Mahila Congress General Secretary. According to Bhandari, Kumar has accused senior Congress leaders of taking large sums of money in exchange for promising an election ticket for the Bawal Assembly seat.

THE CORRUPT SYNDICATE OF GANDHI VADRA FAMILY IS EXPOSED : Gaurav Kumar, husband of the Haryana Mahila Congress General Secretary, has made explosive allegations regarding a cash-for-ticket deal for the Bawal Assembly seat in Haryana.• He claims ₹7 crore was taken from him… pic.twitter.com/fohl3ichTH

— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी) (@pradip103) March 3, 2026

Also Read: Viral Video Of Pakistan President Zardari Seeking Talks With India Triggers Meme Frenzy

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari says, "One of the Congress leaders of Haryana herself has exposed and brought facts to the public domain. WhatsApp chats reveal how Priyanka Vadra, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi used KC Venugopal as a front. The same KC… pic.twitter.com/PCuox299xO

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026

The Congress has not yet issued an official response to these specific claims.

Allegations of Rs 7 crore payment

Bhandari said that, as per Kumar’s allegations, a total of Rs 7 crore was taken in exchange for assuring him a Congress ticket from Bawal in Haryana. According to the claims:

Rs 1.6 crore was allegedly paid to Kodikunnil Suresh, a Member of Parliament.
Money was allegedly transferred to Anas, said to be the personal assistant of K. C. Venugopal, the Congress Organisational General Secretary.
The payments were allegedly made into parliamentary salary accounts.
Bhandari further alleged that even after one-and-a-half years, the money has not been returned.
He also claimed that Rs 35 lakh was allegedly taken by Sadaap Khan, said to be the personal assistant of Priyanka Gandhi. According to him, when a refund was requested, the concerned Congress leader allegedly behaved rudely.
These claims have not been independently verified.

Alleged payments at 10 Janpath

Bhandari alleged that money was handed over at 10 Janpath, the residence associated with senior Congress leadership. He claimed that payments were made to the personal assistants of Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.

He said the total amount reached Rs 7 crore, including multiple instalments and additional expenses.

The BJP spokesperson further claimed that Kumar alleged similar large collections from contractors in southern India. He mentioned figures such as Rs 100 crore, Rs 200 crore and Rs 50 crore, which Kumar allegedly said were collected through comparable arrangements.

No documentary proof has been publicly presented by the BJP at this stage to support these wider claims.

Also Read: Smooth-Coated Otters Spotted For First Time In Uttarakhand, Sign Of Clean Rivers

WhatsApp chats and political attack

At the press conference, Bhandari claimed that WhatsApp chats had revealed how senior Congress leaders allegedly used K.C. Venugopal as a 'front' in the matter.

He accused the Gandhi-Vadra family of silence over the issue. In his remarks, he said the matter showed how elections were allegedly being used to fund personal lifestyles through corruption and cut money in ticket distribution.

The BJP has framed the issue as proof of what it calls systemic corruption within the Congress party.

As of now, Congress leaders named in the allegations, including K.C. Venugopal and Kodikunnil Suresh, have not publicly responded to the charges mentioned by Bhandari.

Bihar's Youngest MLA: BJP's Maithili Thakur Creates History, Wins Alinagar

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:36:52 +0530

Maithili Thakur, a well-known folk singer who entered politics only a few months ago, has created history in Bihar. The 25-year-old BJP candidate has won the Alinagar assembly seat in Darbhanga, becoming the state’s youngest MLA. She defeated RJD candidate Binod Mishra by 11,730 votes, making this the first time the BJP has ever won this constituency.

Singer and BJP candidate Maithili Thakur wins from Alinagar with a margin of 11730 votes#BiharElections pic.twitter.com/ytBqPsSk8T

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

Her victory has brought attention not only because of her age, but also because Alinagar has a sizeable Muslim population and has never been considered a BJP stronghold in the past. The result marks a major achievement for the party in an otherwise challenging region.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maithili R Thakur (@maithilithakur)

An emotional celebration

After the results, Maithili Thakur posted a video on Instagram showing her surrounded by happy BJP workers celebrating her win. In the video, she is seen smiling warmly while also comforting her emotional mother by wiping away her tears. The clip has been widely shared, with supporters describing it as a moment that shows both joy and humility.

The celebration reflects how her political journey has been deeply personal. For many of her followers, the moment symbolises a daughter’s promise fulfilled and a family’s long struggle finally rewarded.

Her reaction: 'This feels like a dream'

Throughout the counting process, Maithili remained among the leading candidates. At one stage, she was ahead by 4,638 votes. After nine rounds, she had gathered 30,653 votes while Binod Mishra of the RJD had 26,015.

Speaking to ANI during the trends, she said, “This is like a dream. People have a lot of expectations of me. This will be my first term as an MLA, and I will do my best for my constituency. I will serve my people as their daughter. Right now, I can only see Alinagar in front of me and how I can work for them.”

Her words show a tone of responsibility and simplicity that has connected strongly with young voters as well as women.

A rising face in the NDA’s massive wave

Her win comes at a time when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is heading towards a landslide in Bihar. With the renewed JD(U)-BJP partnership and the strong national appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the alliance is moving towards crossing the 200-seat mark in the 243-member Assembly.

The impressive performance of the NDA indicates that voters have once again placed trust in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s governance model and the combined strength of the BJP-JD(U) alliance.

In this larger wave, Maithili Thakur’s victory stands out as one of the more symbolic and talked-about results, showcasing both political renewal and generational shift.

A journey shaped by music and hardship

Born on 25 July 2000 in Madhubani, Maithili Thakur grew up in Delhi’s Najafgarh. Her family had moved there after facing financial difficulties. Her father, a classical singer who had lost his job, turned fully to music to support the family and trained Maithili and her two brothers, Rishav and Ayachi.

Together, the three of them became a popular musical group performing classical and Maithili folk music. Over the years, Maithili’s videos gained millions of views online, turning her into one of the most recognised young folk singers in the country.

Her huge online following played an important role in drawing attention to her political campaign, especially among young voters who already admired her musical journey.

A seat with a new history

Alinagar has long been seen as a tough seat for the BJP. The area’s demographics and political history meant the party had never managed to win here until now. Maithili’s victory has changed that.

Before her win, the youngest MLA in Bihar had been Tauseef Alam, who became MLA at 26 in 2005. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also entered the Assembly at 26 in 2015. Maithili has now broken that record, bringing a new generational chapter into Bihar politics.

Her election marks an important moment where youth leadership, cultural influence, and political trust have come together. For many people who have seen her grow from a young singer to a public figure, her win feels like a story of dedication and hard work.

(With ANI inputs)

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai': Nitish Kumar Posters Emerge As NDA Dominates Bihar Election 2025

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:45:38 +0530

A dramatic 'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' poster featuring Nitish Kumar went viral as NDA opened massive leads. The imagery energised JD(U) cadres, symbolising Kumar's political resilience while early trends showed BJP-led alliance heading for a victory.

A striking poster of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar standing beside a crouching tiger, emblazoned with the bold slogan 'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai', emerged outside his official residence just as counting began. Cinematic and deliberately authoritative, the visual instantly caught the attention of journalists, supporters and passers-by. It offered a symbolic answer to long-running questions about Kumar’s political longevity, turning a single image into a statement of survival and dominance.

Vehicles slowed down to take photographs, and locals stepped out simply to witness what rapidly became a trending motif on social media. For JD(U) workers, the poster served as a rallying emblem, a declaration that their veteran leader remained firmly in the arena, unbothered by speculation or shifting political narratives. Even before the trends solidified, the poster shaped the day’s mood, offering a powerful, emotional counterpoint to the data that would soon follow.

As the Election Commission released the first meaningful trends, the NDA swiftly surged ahead, holding leads in more than 111 constituencies, while the INDIA bloc lagged significantly behind with just 33. Within the NDA, the BJP and JD(U) ran neck-and-neck in early numbers, with the BJP leading in 48 seats and the JD(U) in 44. Smaller allies such as the LJP(RV) and HAM also registered encouraging openings. The early scoreboard suggested that the NDA narrative had resonated across rural and urban pockets alike, reflecting a consolidation of support that had eluded the coalition during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

For BJP-JD(U) supporters celebrating around the 'tiger' poster, these early numbers felt like validation, an indication that their political messaging, alliance arithmetic, and organisational strength had clicked at the right moment. The INDIA bloc, meanwhile, struggled to match momentum despite its larger seat share.

By noon, trends indicated that the NDA was heading toward a landslide victory, with leads in over 180 of the state’s 243 seats. The BJP was on course to emerge as the single-largest party, leading in more than 80 of the 101 seats it contested, an exceptional strike rate. The JD(U), too, appeared set for a remarkable comeback, nearly doubling its 2020 tally. The LJP(RV), contesting just 29 seats, surprised observers by leading in over 20, showing that Chirag Paswan's personalised appeal and alignment with Prime Minister Modi had delivered results.

The opposition, particularly the RJD, faced a sharp decline in performance despite contesting more than 140 seats. Congress, with leads in fewer than 10 seats, confirmed its diminishing impact in the state's electoral landscape. Overall, the trends pointed toward a consolidation of NDA's dominance, both organisationally and electorally.

The strong numbers for both BJP and JD(U) reinforced the strategic decision to project Nitish Kumar as the alliance's chief ministerial face. Despite murmurs within sections of the BJP about elevating its own leader to the top post, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had repeatedly emphasised that the NDA in Bihar was 'led by Nitish Kumar'. With the JD(U) poised to bounce back toward its earlier strength, this messaging seemed to have paid off, particularly among rural and women voters who continue to form Kumar’s core support base.

The 'tiger' poster amplified this narrative at a crucial moment, symbolising continuity and stability at a time when Bihar’s political climate remains intensely competitive. Within the NDA, the performance of each ally, strong BJP numbers, a revived JD(U), and a rising LJP(RV), suggested a more balanced and cohesive coalition heading forward.

On the other side, the INDIA bloc had a challenging morning. The RJD, despite contesting aggressively, led in fewer than 40 seats, well below expectations and a sharp fall from its earlier claim of being the state’s strongest individual party. Tejashwi Yadav trailed by a slender margin in Raghopur, adding symbolic weight to the opposition’s troubles. His brother Tej Pratap Yadav, contesting in Mahua, trailed far behind, placed a distant fourth. The Congress, contesting 61 seats and entering into multiple friendly fights with allies, performed poorly, leading in fewer than 10 seats.

The broader INDIA bloc struggled to translate its narrative into ground-level traction. As the NDA strengthened its march toward victory, the contrast became stark: confidence and symbolism on one side, disarray and diminishing relevance on the other. By midday, it was clear that Bihar’s political winds were blowing decisively in the NDA’s favour.

As counting advanced and Patna absorbed the shifting mood of the day, the capital’s visual landscape became an unofficial referendum on Nitish Kumar’s political centrality. What stood out was not merely the volume of posters but the orchestration behind them — a coordinated assertion that unfolded almost as precisely as the election trends themselves. Each poster attempted to freeze a political moment: a long-serving chief minister reclaiming narrative dominance amid an NDA wave where the BJP was numerically stronger but strategically deferential.

The JD(U)’s messaging machine appeared intent on reminding both allies and adversaries that Nitish Kumar’s leadership was not a negotiable variable, but the axis around which the alliance’s Bihar strategy revolved. Even BJP leaders, aware of the sensitivities within the coalition, responded with calibrated admiration, reinforcing rather than challenging the projection. As the NDA’s seat leads crossed the halfway mark with ease, the posters acquired an air of inevitability, as though Patna’s streets were pre-writing the day’s political conclusion. For party workers, they became celebratory symbols; for analysts, they signalled a deliberate attempt to script the post-result power dynamics. Across the city, the visuals declared without subtlety that the political story of the day, and perhaps the term ahead, remained centred on Nitish Kumar.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Poll Results 2025: NDA Wins Assembly Election, PM Modi Hails New 'Mahila-Youth' Mandate

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:29:31 +0530

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has scored an emphatic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 122 seats needed to form the government. As per the latest figures, the NDA has won 152 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan has secured 21. Within the alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest party with 76 seats, followed by the Janata Dal (United), which has bagged 59 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has also performed strongly, winning 14 of the 29 seats it contested. On the opposition side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has secured 16 seats, while the Indian National Congress has managed to win only 3 so far.

The strong lead marks one of the most dominant wins for the NDA in recent years, backed by strong performances from the BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

National Democratic Alliance wins Bihar Assembly elections Th Election Commission has declared results for 147 seats, of which the NDA has won 125 seats and the Mahagathbandhan has won 17 seats. AIMIM wins on 5 seats. Counting of votes on other seats is underway. pic.twitter.com/O7B90ak8v4

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

In his victory speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the people of Bihar for giving the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a historic mandate. He said this win was the “victory of good governance, development, public welfare and social justice.” The Prime Minister also highlighted how elections in Bihar had changed over the years.

He recalled that before 2005, repolling used to happen at hundreds of polling stations, and in 1995 alone more than 1,500 booths saw repolling. He said that as the “jungle raj” ended, the situation improved, and this year both phases of voting were completely peaceful with no need for repolling anywhere. Modi said this was a clear sign of how much Bihar had progressed and how strongly its people had rejected the politics of fear.

#BiharElections | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, "Earlier, there was no election in Bihar where repolling did not take place. For instance, before 2005, repolling happened at hundreds of places. In 1995, repolling took place at more than 1500 polling stations. But as the jungle… pic.twitter.com/meqv0RHJje

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

PM Modi attacks Congress for 'negative politics' in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Congress, saying even its allies now realise they are being dragged down by its negative politics. He claimed the Congress “naamdar” was sinking himself and others during the Bihar polls and warned that the party has become a “liability” and a “parasite” that survives by consuming its allies’ vote base.

#BiharElections | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, "Even the Congress allies are beginning to understand that the Congress is drowning everyone in its negative politics. That is why, during the Bihar elections, I said that the 'naamdar' of the Congress is practising to drown himself… pic.twitter.com/kYH3MZX34R

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

PM Modi links NDA's Bihar win to nationwide wave of trust in third-term victories

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the NDA’s sweeping victory in Bihar was part of a wider national wave of trust in the alliance. He said the government was working to include the Chhath festival in the UNESCO Heritage List so that the culture and its significance could be shared across India and the world. Modi added that the people of the country had already given the NDA a third consecutive mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, and since then the alliance had gone on to win several major state elections.

He noted that Haryana, “the land of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” handed the NDA a third straight chance to serve, while Maharashtra, the home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Babasaheb Ambedkar and Veer Savarkar, also gave a strong victory for the third time. He said the NDA even secured a majority in the national capital after 25 years. Modi added that the Bihar result was especially significant because of the state’s large rural population, and the NDA’s win there showed the depth of public support.

#BiharElections | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, "...Our government is striving to include Chhath in the UNESCO Heritage List. The goal is to connect the entire country and the world with this culture through its significance...Last year, the people of the country gave their… pic.twitter.com/Bcy9J3sP1b

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

High turnout gives NDA a comfortable edge

This election also saw Bihar record a historic voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest since 1951. Women voters played a major role in shaping the mandate, registering 71.6% turnout, far above the 62.8% turnout for men. Election observers say this strong participation by women and young voters had a major influence on the NDA’s surge.

BJP and JD(U) lead the winning coalition

According to the latest Election Commission data, the NDA’s strong performance is driven by:

BJP, which is on track to become the single-largest party
JD(U), matching its ally’s momentum
LJP (Ram Vilas), showing solid numbers
Rashtriya Lok Morcha, adding additional strength to the alliance

The united effort between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, together with support from leaders including Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha, formed a coordinated campaign that helped the NDA dominate the contest.

PM Modi calls verdict a win for development and governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed party workers in Delhi after the NDA crossed the victory mark. He opened his speech with, “Jai Chhathi Maiya… Bihar ke logo ne bilkul garda uda diya hai,” calling the mandate a strong expression of trust.

In his speech and a series of posts on X, PM Modi said:

“Victory of good governance has been achieved.”

“Victory of development has been achieved.”

“Victory of public welfare has been achieved.”

“Victory of social justice has been achieved.”

“My deepest gratitude to the people of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historic and unprecedented victory.”

He added that this mandate will help the government serve with “new resolve for Bihar’s progress.”

#BiharElections | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...We are the servants of the people. We keep making the people happy with our hard work and we have stolen the hearts of the people. And that is why the entire Bihar has said 'Phir ek baar NDA Sarkar'..." pic.twitter.com/6q2L8zy2z7

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

PM Modi attacks old ‘MY’ formula, says new Bihar belongs to ‘Mahila and Youth’

In a sharp remark, PM Modi said some parties relied on the “appeasement-based MY formula”. He said the 2025 mandate has replaced it with a new MY formula - Mahila and Youth.

According to the Prime Minister, Bihar’s huge population of young people, cutting across caste and religion, played a major role in this shift. Their aspirations, he said, “destroyed the old communal MY formula of the Jungle Raj era.”

PM Modi reiterates that 'Katta Sarkar will never return'

Responding to past political debates, PM Modi claimed that when he spoke of “Jungle Raj and Katta Sarkar”, the RJD did not object but the Congress did. He said the results confirm that the people of Bihar want a peaceful and developed state.

“Katta Sarkar will never return to Bihar… The people have voted for Viksit Bihar,” he said.

#BiharElections | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...When I used to speak about Jungle Raj and Katta Sarkar in Bihar elections, the RJD party raised no objections. But it hurt the people of Congress. Today, I want to reiterate that Katta Sarkar will never return to… pic.twitter.com/gN36ASbcmA

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

#BiharElections | Delhi: "Jai Chhathi Maiya, yeh prachand jeet, atoot vishwas, Bihar ke logo ne bilkul garda uda diya hai, " says Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he begins his address to celebrate the NDA's victory in the Bihar elections. pic.twitter.com/zSam0FYoHO

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025

NDA leaders join celebrations as results pour in

At the BJP headquarters in Delhi, PM Modi was felicitated by BJP national president JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Party workers raised slogans and welcomed him warmly as he greeted supporters and thanked volunteers.

Across Bihar, NDA supporters celebrated with sweets, music and processions as early trends turned into decisive leads. There were also reports of large gatherings outside party offices in Patna, Darbhanga and Nalanda.

Opposition acknowledges need for review

Meanwhile, RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui said the Mahagathbandhan would meet to understand what went wrong. “Tomorrow we will sit together and discuss what went wrong, and then we will tell you,” he said.

The RJD’s poor performance in both rural and urban belts has raised fresh questions about the party’s outreach, strategy and internal coordination.

A mandate that reshapes Bihar politics

The NDA’s victory is being seen as a decisive turning point in Bihar politics. The strong backing from women, first-time voters and rural households suggests that governance and delivery-based politics played a major role. With counting still underway, the NDA is expected to cross even higher numbers before the final tally is announced.

The ruling alliance says it will now focus on stability, jobs, infrastructure and welfare schemes to take Bihar forward.

(With ANI inputs)

What PM Modi's Bengal Visit Includes: SIR Message, Matua Focus and Rs 3,200 crore Highway Projects

Divya Danu — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:31:48 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal’s Nadia district on Saturday, where he will inaugurate major national highway projects and address a large public rally. The visit comes at a sensitive political moment, with rising tension in the state over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

This will be Modi’s first visit to West Bengal since the draft SIR rolls were published and his third visit in the last five months. Political observers see the trip as an important step in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s early campaign planning for the assembly elections due early next year.

Focus on Matua community concerns

The Prime Minister is expected to address concerns among the Matua community, a Dalit Hindu group that migrated from Bangladesh over several decades due to religious persecution. His rally will be held in Taherpur in Ranaghat, a strategic location close to Bongaon, considered the heartland of the Namasudra Hindu community.

Observers say the venue has been carefully chosen to send a political message. The publication of the draft electoral rolls has caused fear and confusion among many Matua families, especially over documentation and voter status.

The community is believed to have a strong influence in around 80 of West Bengal’s 294 assembly seats, making it a key voting bloc in the upcoming elections.

SIR exercise sparks major political debate

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly opposed the SIR exercise, alleging that it is being carried out in haste and could lead to the removal of genuine voters from the rolls.

After the enumeration phase, 58,20,899 names were excluded from the draft electoral rolls, reducing the total electorate to 7.08 crore. In addition, 1.36 crore entries have been flagged for 'logical discrepancies', and 30 lakh voters have been marked as 'unmapped'.

A large number of these voters may be called for verification hearings over the next 45 days. The TMC claims that many affected voters are refugee Hindus, including members of the Matua community.

Fears of disenfranchisement among Matuas

Speculation is growing that significant numbers of Matuas have already been left out of the draft rolls. Many more may face trouble during the final verification phase because they may not have the documents specified by the Election Commission.

These fears have revived long-standing anxieties about identity, citizenship and political rights within the community. Over the years, the BJP has made visible gains among Matuas by promising them formal Indian citizenship.

BJP counters TMC claims

BJP leaders say fear is being deliberately spread. Jagannath Sarkar, BJP MP from the Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat, said misinformation was being used to create panic.

“We are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s message will clear these fears and false claims,” Sarkar said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has led several anti-SIR rallies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas, districts that border Bangladesh and have a high Matua population.

Modi attacks TMC governance

Ahead of his visit, Modi shared a strong message on X on Friday evening. He said people in West Bengal were benefiting from welfare schemes of the central government but were suffering due to what he called the TMC’s misgovernance.

“The loot and intimidation of the TMC have crossed all limits. That is why the BJP is the people’s hope,” he wrote.

আগামীকাল, ২০শে ডিসেম্বর, দুপুরে আমি রানাঘাটে বিজেপির জনসভায় ভাষণ দেব। পশ্চিমবঙ্গের মানুষ কেন্দ্রীয় সরকারের বহু জনমুখী প্রকল্পের সুবিধা পাচ্ছেন। তবে একইসঙ্গে, রাজ্যের সর্বক্ষেত্রে তৃণমূল কংগ্রেসের অপশাসনের কারণে তারা ভোগান্তির শিকার হচ্ছেন।তৃণমূলের লুটপাট ও ভীতিপ্রদর্শন সব…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 19, 2025

Major highway projects worth Rs 3,200 crore

During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two national highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crore.

He will inaugurate the 66.7-km four-laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of NH-34 in Nadia district. He will also lay the foundation stone for the 17.6-km four-laning of the Barasat–Barajaguli section in North 24 Parganas.

Officials said these projects will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, helping trade, tourism and economic growth across southern and northern Bengal.

A visit with political and economic signals

PM Modi’s Nadia visit combines development messaging with sharp political signalling. As the SIR debate continues and election season approaches, the rally is expected to set the tone for the BJP's strategy in West Bengal.

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai': Nitish Kumar Poster Sparks Buzz Ahead of Bihar Election Results (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:27:15 +0530

A new poster featuring Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the slogan 'Tiger abhi zinda hai' (the tiger is still alive) has created a buzz in Patna just a day before the assembly election results. The posters appeared outside the Janata Dal (United) office on Thursday and immediately drew public and media attention. Former Bihar minister and JD(U) leader Ranjit Sinha released the poster. It reads, "Protector of Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, upper castes, and minorities - Tiger abhi zinda hai." The slogan is seen as a strong message from the ruling JD(U) camp that Nitish Kumar remains politically active and strong.

#WATCH | Poster featuring CM Nitish Kumar that reads "Tiger abhi zinda hain" put up outside JDU office in Patna, Bihar #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/zZIggXeyJ5

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025

Slogan follows health debate during campaign

The posters come after opposition parties, especially RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, questioned Nitish Kumar's health and his ability to continue leading the state. During the campaign, Yadav repeatedly mentioned Kumar’s age and health, making it one of the key issues of the election. The 'tiger' slogan appears to be a direct response to those questions, presenting Nitish as energetic and ready to lead again.

NDA confident after exit poll predictions

As multiple exit polls pointed towards a comfortable win for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, its leaders expressed confidence that the ruling alliance would form the next government. Union Minister Nityanand Rai said the exit polls reflected people’s faith in the NDA government and its leadership. “The voice of the people and their approval for the NDA are visible in these exit polls,” Rai told reporters. “We believe the NDA will win even more seats than predicted. The people have supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Nitish Kumar’s good governance.” Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman, the national president of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), also said that people trusted the NDA’s development work. “People’s confidence can be seen in their votes. We believe we will get more seats than shown in the surveys,” he added.

Opposition rejects exit polls as inaccurate

Leaders from the opposition Mahagathbandhan dismissed the exit poll results, calling them speculative and unreliable. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the surveys were an attempt to create confusion while real feedback from the ground showed that the opposition alliance was winning. “The BJP and NDA are nervous. People waited in long queues till evening to vote for change. Even before voting ended, exit polls began to appear,” Yadav said at a press conference. Congress MP Tariq Anwar also argued that exit polls are not accurate indicators. “Exit polls are only guesses. They show what might happen, not what will. We should wait for the real results,” he stated.

Exit poll figures show NDA edge

Several agencies predicted that the NDA would return to power with a clear majority.

People’s Pulse: NDA 133-159 seats, Mahagathbandhan 75-101, Jan Suraaj 0-5, others 2-8.
Axis My India: NDA 121-141 seats, Mahagathbandhan 98-118, Jan Suraaj 2 seats.
Today’s Chanakya: NDA 148-172 seats, Mahagathbandhan 65-89, others 3-9.
People’s Insight: NDA 133-148 seats, Mahagathbandhan 87-102.
JVC Survey: NDA 135-150 seats, Mahagathbandhan 88-103.

BJP workers begin celebration preparations

In Patna, BJP and NDA workers have already begun preparing for celebrations, confident of victory. Party members have ordered 501 kilograms of laddoos to distribute once the results are announced. “Exit polls have confirmed what people already know, NDA will return to power with Nitish Kumar leading again,” said BJP worker Krishna Kumar Singh. “We will share the laddoos with all those who supported us.” At JD(U) candidate Anant Kumar Singh’s residence, workers have started decorating the premises, setting up tents and chairs for supporters expected to gather on result day.

Results to be declared on November 14

The counting of votes for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly will take place on November 14. The main contest is between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. In the 2020 election, the NDA had won 125 seats and the Mahagathbandhan 110. This year’s results will decide whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continues to lead the NDA government or whether the opposition alliance manages to stage a surprise comeback.

(With ANI inputs)

Nepal Elections: Youth Movement Challenges Veteran Leaders in Battle for Power

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:50:01 +0530

Nepal voted on Thursday for a new parliament in a high-stakes showdown between an entrenched old guard and a powerful youth movement, six months after deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the government.

Key figures contesting for power include the Marxist former prime minister seeking a return to office, a rapper-turned-mayor bidding for the youth vote, and the newly elected leader of the powerful Nepali Congress party.

Election commission officials began collecting ballot boxes after voting closed, with papers to be taken under guard to a centre in each constituency, before counting starts.

Some winners are expected to be published as early as Friday, but full results may take several days.

"Nepalis have been waiting for change for so long, from one system to another," said Nilanta Shakya, 60, a retired engineer, who was among the first to vote at a college in the capital, Kathmandu.

"I hope there is a meaningful change this time," she added.

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Voters have chosen who replaces the interim government in place since the September 2025 uprising, in which at least 77 people were killed, and parliament and scores of government buildings were torched.

Youth-led protests under a loose Gen Z banner began as a demonstration against a brief social media ban, but were fed by wider grievances at corruption and a woeful economy.

Sushila Karki, the interim prime minister, said the vote was critical in "determining our future".

The polls are one of the most hotly contested elections in the Himalayan republic of 30 million people since the end of a civil war in 2006.

Thousands of soldiers and police have been deployed.

The election saw a wave of younger candidates promising to tackle Nepal's dismal economy, challenging veteran politicians who have dominated for decades and argue that their experience guarantees stability and security.

"Today feels like a day of celebration," said Nirmala Bhandari, 50, a housewife, who danced in the street with friends for a video for social media, after casting her vote in Bhaktapur district outside the capital.

"I am hopeful that the country will get new leaders and that we will build a better nation."

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'Blood will bring change'

Helicopters will be used to collect ballot boxes from snowbound mountain regions across Nepal, home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest.

But all eyes will be focused on the hot farming plains south of Kathmandu, where all three prime ministerial hopefuls contested seats -- a departure from past elections that focused on the capital.

KP Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old Marxist leader ousted as prime minister last year and seeking a return to power, is being challenged in the usually sleepy eastern district of Jhapa by former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician.

"This election must reestablish democracy and contribute to end non-political, anarchic and violent tendencies," Oli said after voting, insisting his party would win the largest number of seats.

The Jhapa-5 constituency, with around 163,000 voters, will determine whether Oli secures his seat or whether Shah enters parliament.

Shah, from the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who queued to vote in Kathmandu dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, has cast himself as a symbol of youth-driven political change.

Also in the race as aspiring prime minister is Gagan Thapa, 49, the new head of the country's oldest party, Nepali Congress, who has said he wants to end the "old age" club of revolving veteran leaders.

After casting his ballot, Thapa told AFP that it is "the duty of the leaders" not to let the events of last September occur again.

On social media, voters shared images of their ink-marked thumbs -- alongside photographs of the September protests.

"At the Gen Z protest, people died -- and their blood will bring change, we hope," said Tek Bahadur Aale, 66, who voted in Jhapa.

"We hope a government with good governance, no corruption, comes this time."

More than 3,400 candidates are running for 165 seats in direct elections to the 275-member House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, with 110 more chosen via party lists.

Analysts say the vote is unlikely to deliver an outright majority for any party.

(Except for the headline, this AFP story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed)