Wednesday, July 1

Politics

How Did NDA Perform in Tirhut During Bihar Elections? Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ Could Deliver a Return Gift
Bihar, Politics, State

How Did NDA Perform in Tirhut During Bihar Elections? Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ Could Deliver a Return Gift

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to embark on a statewide ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ immediately after Makar Sankranti. The journey aims to assess the ground-level implementation of the state government’s flagship initiatives, particularly the ‘Pragati Yatra’ and ‘Saat Nishchay’ schemes. As part of this Yatra, the Chief Minister will traverse the Tirhut division, a region that has historically provided strong political support. Observers suggest that Nitish Kumar may offer a significant “return gift” to the people of Tirhut in recognition of their overwhelming mandate during the last Assembly elections. Tirhut Division: An Overview The Tirhut division, established in 1908, is a historical and administrative hub in Bihar. It comprises six key districts: Muzaffarpur, East ...
Why Nitish Kumar Chose Tirhut-Saran for ‘Samriddhi Yatra’: Understanding the Political Calculation
Bihar, Politics, State

Why Nitish Kumar Chose Tirhut-Saran for ‘Samriddhi Yatra’: Understanding the Political Calculation

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has chosen the Tirhut and Saran divisions as the starting point of his upcoming ‘Samriddhi Yatra’, a move that goes beyond a routine administrative visit and reflects a carefully crafted political strategy. These regions, with their vast population, complex caste dynamics, and historical electoral significance, are central to both development and political consolidation. Tirhut and Saran: Key Political Battlegrounds The Tirhut and Saran divisions have historically been considered the political power corridors of Bihar. Beginning the Samriddhi Yatra from these areas—set to commence on 16 January—signals a calculated effort to strengthen political influence. Districts like Muzaffarpur in Tirhut and Chhapra in Saran are not only economic h...
“Not a Union of Hearts, but a Lament of Losing the Last Fort” — Eknath Shinde Targets Thackeray Brothers Ahead of BMC Polls
Maharashtra, Politics, State

“Not a Union of Hearts, but a Lament of Losing the Last Fort” — Eknath Shinde Targets Thackeray Brothers Ahead of BMC Polls

As political temperatures rise ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde launched a scathing attack on Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, dismissing their recent political coming together as an act of desperation rather than reconciliation. Addressing a joint Mahayuti rally in Mumbai, Shinde asserted that no force on earth can separate Mumbai from Maharashtra, strongly refuting claims made by opposition leaders suggesting otherwise. He termed such statements as a “fear-mongering tactic”, accusing the opposition of misleading voters due to the absence of any concrete development agenda. “This is not a union of hearts. It is the lament of those who fear losing their last stronghold,” Shinde said...
Nitin Nabin to Take Charge as BJP National President on January 20, Replacing JP Nadda
Nation, Politics

Nitin Nabin to Take Charge as BJP National President on January 20, Replacing JP Nadda

New Delhi: The suspense over the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come to an end. Nitin Nabin is set to take charge as the party’s national president on January 20, 2026, succeeding JP Nadda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the ceremony along with several senior party leaders, including chief ministers, national office-bearers, state party presidents, and members of the national executive. Currently, Nitin Nabin is serving as BJP’s working president, and following the end of Kharmas, he will formally assume the position. JP Nadda has been one of the longest-serving and most respected presidents in the party’s history. Youngest BJP President with Strong Organizational Support Since his appointment as working president, Nitin Nabin has received f...
What’s in It for You in Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’? A Complete Look at the Development Agenda
Bihar, Politics, State

What’s in It for You in Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’? A Complete Look at the Development Agenda

Patna:Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to once again take governance to the grassroots with his ambitious, state-wide ‘Samriddhi Yatra’, beginning January 16 from the historic land of West Champaran. Designed as a comprehensive review-and-action campaign, the tour aims to assess development works on the ground, fast-track flagship schemes, and establish direct communication between the government and the people. This journey is being seen as a major administrative exercise to ensure accountability, evaluate progress on promises already made, and lay the foundation for future development initiatives across the state. Eight Days, Nine Districts In the first phase, spanning eight days, the Chief Minister will cover nine districts of north Bihar. The itinerary includes: Ja...
Will RCP Singh Return to the JD(U)? Nitish Kumar’s Political Need or a Kurmi Leader’s Compulsion?
Bihar, Politics, State

Will RCP Singh Return to the JD(U)? Nitish Kumar’s Political Need or a Kurmi Leader’s Compulsion?

Patna:Speculation is rife in Bihar’s political corridors over the possible return of former Union Minister RCP Singh (Ram Chandra Prasad Singh) to the Janata Dal (United). His recent public appearance alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, coupled with his unusually conciliatory remarks, has reignited debate about whether a political reunion is imminent. Once regarded as Nitish Kumar’s most trusted lieutenant and the undisputed “number two” in the JD(U), RCP Singh recently described the Chief Minister as his “guardian”. The remark has been widely interpreted as a signal of reconciliation, prompting a key question: Is RCP Singh’s return a political necessity for Nitish Kumar, or a compulsion for the Kurmi leader struggling to regain relevance? The ‘Dahi-Chura’ Event That Sparked Buzz ...
Maharashtra Municipal Elections: Campaigning to End Today at 5:30 PM, Silence Period to Begin
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Maharashtra Municipal Elections: Campaigning to End Today at 5:30 PM, Silence Period to Begin

Mumbai: Campaigning for the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections will come to a complete halt today, Tuesday, at 5:30 PM, marking the beginning of the mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of polling. During this period, all forms of electioneering will be strictly prohibited, and the State Election Commission will keep a close watch to ensure compliance. The Election Commission has appealed to all candidates and political parties to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct. As today is the final day of campaigning, political parties are expected to carry out large-scale roadshows and rallies to demonstrate their strength before the deadline. The State Election Commission had announced elections for 29 municipal corporations on December 15, 2025. Since then, the state has...
“India Never Subjugated Anyone, Nor Imposed Its Will: CM Yogi Remembers Swami Vivekananda”
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

“India Never Subjugated Anyone, Nor Imposed Its Will: CM Yogi Remembers Swami Vivekananda”

Lucknow: On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted India’s tradition of non-subjugation and respect for humanity. Speaking at a special event in Lucknow marking National Youth Day, he said, “India has never enslaved anyone, nor forced its beliefs upon others. Today, the world looks to India with hope, which reflects the nation’s strength and trust in its youth.” Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s contributions, the CM said the spiritual leader played a vital role in introducing India’s ancient culture and spiritual wisdom to the global stage. Vivekananda had always emphasized humanity’s welfare, proudly declaring, “I am a Hindu,” representing an India that had momentarily lost its self-awareness. CM Yogi further note...
“I Will Come to Mumbai, Try Cutting Off My Legs”: BJP Leader K. Annamalai Responds to Raj Thackeray’s Challenge
Politics, State, Tamil Nadu

“I Will Come to Mumbai, Try Cutting Off My Legs”: BJP Leader K. Annamalai Responds to Raj Thackeray’s Challenge

Chennai: In a fiery rebuttal to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, BJP leader K. Annamalai has accepted the challenge to visit Mumbai despite threats and ridicule. Raj Thackeray had earlier mocked Annamalai by calling him “Rasmalai” and threatened to cut off his legs if he came to Mumbai. Thackeray also referenced the Shiv Sena slogan from the 1960s-70s, “Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi”. Speaking at a press conference in Chennai on Monday, Annamalai said, “I will come to Mumbai, try cutting off my legs. I do not fear such threats. If I did, I would have stayed in my village.” He added that he had received multiple threats, some even promising to harm his legs. He questioned, “Who are Aditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to threaten me? I am proud to be a farmer’s son. They he...
Hanuman Beniwal: The Last Hope for Rajasthan’s Third Front? Five Key Ambitions of the RLP Leader
Politics, Rajasthan, State

Hanuman Beniwal: The Last Hope for Rajasthan’s Third Front? Five Key Ambitions of the RLP Leader

Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has emerged as a significant figure in Rajasthan’s political landscape, seen as the potential face of a “third front” challenging the long-standing dominance of the Congress and BJP. Known for his active role in farmer movements and grassroots politics, Beniwal has carved a distinct identity as a regional leader committed to local issues. 1. Challenging Congress-BJP Hegemony Beniwal’s foremost political ambition is to position himself and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) as a credible alternative to the two national parties. By highlighting regional concerns and prioritizing issues related to farmers, youth, and employment, he seeks to differentiate himself from conventional politics. On multiple occasions, he has projected his party as capable of formin...