Bihar

Patna:The political journey of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Bihar has largely remained on the margins. In its more than 25-year-long existence, the party tasted real success in the state only once — in 2005. Thereafter, NCP failed to make any significant electoral impact in Bihar. Political analysts believe that had a key strategic gamble taken by NCP chief Ajit Pawar succeeded, the party might have emerged as a national force comparable to the BJP and Congress. Ajit Pawar, who took over the reins of the NCP after receiving recognition from the Election Commission in 2024, had envisioned transforming the party into a national player. Bihar was central to this plan. However, the strategy ultimately failed, marking a major setback in Pawar’s political ambitions. Early Promis...

Patna:Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development & Housing Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has taken a tough stand against administrative laxity, ordering the immediate suspension of two officials for negligence and indiscipline in official duties. The action was taken after a key administrative file was found deliberately delayed and not presented within the stipulated time frame. The suspended officials have been identified as Branch Officer Umeshwar Kumar Singh and Assistant Branch Officer Jitendra Kumar. The move sends a clear message across the department that delays, procedural lapses, and casual approaches to government work will not be tolerated. Lapse Uncovered During High-Level Review Meeting The issue came to light about a week ago during a high-level review meeti...

Patna:The term ‘Jungle Raj’, which later became the cornerstone of Nitish Kumar’s political ascent, did not originate from political rhetoric or election speeches. Interestingly, the phrase was first used by a Patna High Court judge while commenting on the utter administrative collapse in the state. The remark was made not during the hearing of a murder or kidnapping case, but while reviewing the capital’s monsoon mismanagement, where rainwater flooded residential colonies and roads turned into muddy swamps. Over time, the phrase ‘Jungle Raj’ became synonymous with the 15-year rule of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a period marked by unchecked crime, caste-based violence, kidnappings, and large-scale corruption. These developments eventually eroded public confidence in the RJD governme...

Darbhanga, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s “Samriddhi Yatra” has reached the heart of Mithilanchal, Darbhanga, marking the second phase of the statewide development tour. During the visit, the CM will inaugurate 40 projects worth ₹33 crore and lay the foundation for 50 projects worth ₹105 crore, totaling over ₹138 crore in development initiatives. The program began immediately upon his arrival at Darbhanga Airport and spans multiple key sites, including the Delhi Morh high-tech bus stand, the under-construction airport terminal, and the Amas-Darbhanga road. Nitish Kumar will personally review the quality and progress of these projects, ensuring they remain on schedule. The day will culminate with a massive public meeting and a district-level review session. Highlights of t...

Patna, Bihar: January 28, 1968, marked a historic day in Bihar’s political history. On this day, Satish Prasad Singh became the first Chief Minister from the Other Backward Classes (OBC). His appointment was the result of a strategic political arrangement by the Congress, but his tenure lasted only a few days before he voluntarily resigned. A Journey from Humble Beginnings to PowerSatish Prasad Singh hailed from a landed family in Kurchakka village, Munger district. His interest in politics developed during his academic years. Singh’s electoral journey was fraught with setbacks. In 1962, contesting on an Independent ticket, he lost the election—and even had to sell land to fund his campaign. In 1964, he contested a by-election but luck eluded him again, requiring him to part with proper...

Patna, Bihar: January 28 is a landmark date in Bihar’s political history. On this day in 1968, the state witnessed its first-ever no-confidence motion that led to the fall of a non-Congress government. Mahamaya Prasad Sinha, a highly talented leader, had to resign as the Chief Minister due to political intrigues despite his remarkable credentials and public support. From ICS to Mass LeaderMahamaya Prasad Sinha had cleared the prestigious Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam in 1929, a career path that could have made him a District Magistrate or Collector. Yet, inspired by Subhas Chandra Bose, he left ICS to serve the nation, later joining Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement. Initially a member of Congress, Sinha eventually embraced socialist ideals and became a leader for the mass...

Sasaram/Delhi, Bihar: Congress MP from Sasaram, Manoj Kumar, has raised serious questions about caste-based restrictions in Indian temples, particularly concerning the recent decision by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). Highlighting the longstanding discrimination faced by Dalits, Kumar asked why such biases continue even against Hindus themselves. Dalit Access to TemplesSpeaking in Delhi, Kumar criticized that while BKTC discusses the rights of non-Hindus, thousands of Dalits in India still face restrictions in entering many temples. “Even today, Dalits are barred from entering several temples. If a Dalit enters, they are subjected to cleaning or humiliation. Why is this discrimination continuing?” he asked. He also questioned the logic behind non-Hindus visiting Hindu ...