Bihar

Patna: The wealth details of Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey have come to light, sparking political discussions across the state. Official documents reveal that the minister holds over ₹1 crore in bank accounts, alongside residential properties in Patna and Delhi, gold, silver, vehicles, and stakes in a private company. Declared AssetsAccording to the disclosure, Pandey’s total movable assets are valued at ₹1,32,16,075. These include a rifle worth ₹52,000, 240 grams of gold, a Tata Safari vehicle, and cash amounting to ₹59,000. Bank Balances Total Over ₹1.5 CroreMinister Pandey’s bank holdings are substantial. His State Bank of India (Patna) account contains ₹1,01,66,660, while his Punjab National Bank (R.K. Avenue branch) account holds ₹18,83,415.18. These figures have intensi...

Patna: After nearly two decades at the government bungalow on 10 Circular Road, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family is preparing to shift to their old private residence located behind the Veterinary College campus in Patna. The move comes after the government reclaimed the Circular Road bungalow, and rapid renovation work is currently underway at the new-old house to make it ready for occupation. New Residence DetailsSources indicate that the Lalu family is expected to move in after 14 January, following the conclusion of Kharmas. Although a new bungalow in Patna’s Mahuabagh area is under construction for the family’s long-term stay, it may take a few more months to complete. Hence, the Veterinary College campus house has been prioritized as an interim residence. Renovation Work in Full Swing...

Begusarai, Bihar: Tensions have surfaced within the NDA in Bihar as the new year begins, with a visible rift between the BJP and JD(U). The controversy centers on a murder case in Begusarai, which has triggered criticism of Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary. JD(U) Leader Voices ConcernsGaurav Rana, JD(U) state vice-president and Begusarai native, directly criticized Samrat Chaudhary, saying the Home Department “is not being handled properly” under his leadership. This marks the first time in 20 years that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has entrusted the Home Ministry to the BJP instead of holding it himself, assigning Deputy Chief Minister Chaudhary this key responsibility. The Incident That Sparked the RiftThe conflict traces back to a kidnapping in Begusarai on the night of 23 Dece...

Purnia, Bihar: Cybercriminals are now targeting even high-profile individuals, and the latest victim is Manoj Singh, BJP’s district president in Purnia. The scammers duped him under the pretext of a “meter update”, stealing nearly ₹85,000. How the Scam Unfolded According to reports, the fraudsters posed as employees of the electricity department and claimed that Singh’s meter update was pending. They pressured him to recharge a special number to complete the process immediately. Initially, Singh was asked to make a ₹100 recharge. Trusting the scammers, he complied — but this triggered a series of unauthorized withdrawals from his bank accounts. Massive Withdrawals Follow On December 26, at 8:47 AM and 8:49 AM, two major withdrawals occurred: ₹50,000 from State Bank of India ...

Patna: In a routine exercise of transparency, all 26 ministers of Bihar, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, have declared their assets for 2025. The declarations, now uploaded on the official website, reveal some interesting details, particularly about the state’s two newly appointed young ministers, Shreyasi Singh and Deepak Prakash. Nitish Kumar: Ford EcoSport Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in his asset declaration, listed a Ford EcoSport as his personal vehicle. Valued at ₹11,32,753, the 2015 model car carries the registration number XXXXX 0025. This is a privately owned vehicle, and the CM has reportedly been using it for several years. Samrat Chaudhary: Bolero Neo Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary owns a Bolero Neo, a modified version of the Mahindra Bolero, launche...

Patna: Ever since Nitin Nabin was appointed the National Executive President of the BJP, political circles have been abuzz with speculation that a Rajya Sabha seat is almost guaranteed for him. However, senior BJP sources indicate that the story may have a twist. According to party insiders, Nitin Nabin might continue to focus on his role as party president without entering the Rajya Sabha. This is not unprecedented; several past BJP national presidents have held the party’s top position while serving as MLAs, foregoing a seat in the upper house. Historical Precedents Nitin Gadkari, one of BJP’s most prominent leaders, rose through the ranks from an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member to National President. He has served as India’s Minister for Road Transport and High...

In anticipation of large crowds during New Year celebrations, Patna Traffic Police have announced a special four-day traffic and parking plan effective from January 1 to January 4, 2026. The plan aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety around Gandhi Maidan and other busy areas in the city. Restrictions on Autos and E-Rickshaws To prevent congestion near Gandhi Maidan, all commercial vehicles, particularly autos and e-rickshaws, will be restricted from entering the area. Autos and e-rickshaws coming from Danapur towards Rajapur Pul will be diverted back at Police Line Tiraha. Vehicles approaching from Gayghat via Ashok Rajpath will be sent back from the western end of Double Decker Flyover at Cargill Chowk. Roads with Restricted Vehicle Movement Autos and e-r...

Senior IPS officer and former Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Raj has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC). The appointment, effective from January 1, 2026, will remain valid for five years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The General Administration Department issued an official notification in this regard on Wednesday. The Bihar government has entrusted Alok Raj with this key responsibility in view of his disciplined administrative approach, reputation for transparency, and extensive experience. Prior to this, he served as Director General-cum-Managing Director of the Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation. 1989 Batch IPS Officer with Vast Administrative Experience Alok Raj is a 1989-batch IPS offi...