Wednesday, July 8

Bihar

“Maintain Organizational Discipline, Father”: Santosh Suman Advises Jitan Ram Manjhi
Bihar, Politics, State

“Maintain Organizational Discipline, Father”: Santosh Suman Advises Jitan Ram Manjhi

In a significant political statement, Bihar Minister and HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) National President Santosh Kumar Suman has publicly advised his father and party patron, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, to maintain “organizational discipline” while expressing views on party matters. Speaking to the media, Santosh Suman clarified that while Manjhi, as the party’s patron, naturally has opinions on the expansion and strategic decisions of the party, any issues should ideally be raised within party forums rather than through public statements or the edia. Political Statements Stir ControversyManjhi has recently attracted attention for openly commenting on issues such as the upcoming Rajya Sabha seat, matters concerning NDA alliance partners, and remarks about Upendra Kushwaha...
Patna, Nalanda, Saharsa Schools Closed Amid Severe Cold Wave
Bihar, State

Patna, Nalanda, Saharsa Schools Closed Amid Severe Cold Wave

The extreme cold wave sweeping across Bihar has forced authorities in several districts to shut down schools to protect children’s health. The District Magistrates of Patna, Nalanda, Saharsa, and Bhojpur have issued orders for temporary school closures in light of the harsh winter conditions. Patna: Classes up to 8th Grade Suspended until December 30In Patna, following the previous order that schools would remain closed for students up to 8th grade until December 26, the District Magistrate Tyagarajan S.M. has now extended the closure. According to the new directive, “Due to the prevailing extreme cold and low temperatures, continuing educational activities could adversely affect the health and safety of children.”Under this order, all private and government schools, including pre-schoo...
Eyewitness Account: Even in Bihar’s ‘Jungle Raj,’ These Three Policemen Were Feared Like ‘Godfathers’ by Criminals
Bihar, State

Eyewitness Account: Even in Bihar’s ‘Jungle Raj,’ These Three Policemen Were Feared Like ‘Godfathers’ by Criminals

Patna, Bihar: The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections saw the issue of law and order, famously referred to as ‘Jungle Raj,’ helping the BJP secure a sweeping victory. But few know about the fearless policemen whose mere names would strike terror in the hearts of criminals during that tumultuous period. Here’s a firsthand account of three such officers. Bihar’s Fearless Police Officers Amid ‘Jungle Raj’This is not fiction. Back in 1996, I was a tenth-grade student at Sar Ganesh Dutt Patliputra High School in Patna, preparing for board exams. At that time, every neighborhood seemed to have its own don, and even stepping outside your home carried the risk of life-threatening encounters. Amidst this chaos, I witnessed moments that restored faith in law and order. It was during this time that thre...
Exclusive: Is the Lalu Family Not Moving to 39 Harding Road? Why Their Belongings Are Being Shifted to Danapur Gaushala
Bihar, State

Exclusive: Is the Lalu Family Not Moving to 39 Harding Road? Why Their Belongings Are Being Shifted to Danapur Gaushala

Patna, Bihar: Political circles in Bihar are buzzing again over the Lalu Prasad Yadav family. Their belongings are being shifted from their current official residence at 10 Circular Road to a Gaushala (cowshed) on Gola Road in Danapur, sparking speculation about whether they will actually move into the newly allotted residence at 39 Harding Road. Temporary Storage at the GaushalaThe Gola Road Gaushala, part of a large farmhouse, has ample space including several rooms, though it is unlikely to offer adequate residential facilities for two former Chief Ministers. Sources indicate that the family’s belongings are being stored there temporarily while their luxurious house in Mahua Bagh nears completion. At present, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi are in Delhi, where Lalu underwent an eye ...
Exclusive: From a Request for a Sports Facility to a Full Ministry – Shreyasi Singh Reveals Her Journey
Bihar, State

Exclusive: From a Request for a Sports Facility to a Full Ministry – Shreyasi Singh Reveals Her Journey

Patna, Bihar: Bihar’s Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh is making headlines for her dedicated efforts to enhance sports infrastructure across the state. In an exclusive interview with Navbharat Times Digital, Singh opened up about the journey from being a sportsperson to a legislator and finally, heading the sports ministry. From Shooter to MinisterA former national-level shooter and current MLA from Jamui, Shreyasi Singh’s story is a beacon of inspiration for young aspirants. She spent 19 years honing her skills in shooting, turning her dreams into reality through relentless dedication. Politics was part of her family’s life, but she never initially aimed to become a minister. Yet her determination and proactive approach paved the way. A Request That Turned Into a MinistryDuring a conv...
Nitish Kumar’s ‘Secret Formula’: Maintaining Control Over Bihar’s Bureaucracy Since 2010
Bihar, Politics, State

Nitish Kumar’s ‘Secret Formula’: Maintaining Control Over Bihar’s Bureaucracy Since 2010

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ability to maintain a tight grip on power has often intrigued political observers. Analysts point out that his secret lies in a reliable and strategically managed bureaucracy, enabling him to control administrative affairs and monitor ministers effectively—a practice he has perfected since coming to power in 2010. Strategic Use of BureaucracyUnlike Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who rose to power in 2017, Nitish Kumar has been leveraging the bureaucracy to consolidate authority since his early years as a Union Minister. His strategy of nurturing administrative loyalty began with the induction of trusted officials, notably bringing in RCP Singh as a Special Secretary during his tenure as Railway Minister, later elevating hi...
Despite Gaining Home Ministry, ‘Samrat’ Chaudhary Fails to Become True Power Player; Nitish Kumar Retains Political Edge
Bihar, Politics, State

Despite Gaining Home Ministry, ‘Samrat’ Chaudhary Fails to Become True Power Player; Nitish Kumar Retains Political Edge

Patna, Bihar: Bihar politics often reminds observers that negotiating with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is never straightforward. Recently, the BJP celebrated securing the Home Ministry after 20 years of political effort. Yet, Samrat Chaudhary, despite taking charge, could not fully assert his authority. Here’s why. The Missing Key – General Administration DepartmentWhile the BJP managed to secure the Home Ministry, the General Administration (GA) Department remained under the direct control of Nitish Kumar. Had GA been given to the BJP as well, Samrat Chaudhary would have gained unprecedented influence, able to independently oversee decisions made by the Home Ministry without interference. Without GA, however, every significant move by the Home Ministry ultimately requires the Chief Min...
Bihar: Public Demand Grows to Rename Bakhtiyarpur Junction as ‘Magadh Dwar’
Bihar, State

Bihar: Public Demand Grows to Rename Bakhtiyarpur Junction as ‘Magadh Dwar’

Nalanda, Bihar: The demand to rename Bakhtiyarpur Junction has gained momentum, with several organizations urging the government to change the station’s name to ‘Magadh Dwar’. Activists argue that it is inappropriate for a major railway junction to bear the name of Bakhtiyar Khilji, the historical invader responsible for the destruction of the renowned Nalanda University. In a joint initiative, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a “Change Message Yatra” from Biharsharif. The convoy of vehicles carried a clear message to both the state and central governments: rename the station to reflect Bihar’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Historical and Cultural ConcernsSpeakers at the event highlighted that Bakhtiyar Khilji, despite ...
Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Controversial Remarks Raise Eyebrows: Will His Ministerial Seat Be at Risk?
Bihar, State

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Controversial Remarks Raise Eyebrows: Will His Ministerial Seat Be at Risk?

Patna, Bihar: Once again, Jitan Ram Manjhi is making headlines for his outspoken statements, stirring political debates and raising concerns about his ministerial position at the central level. This recalls 2014, when Nitish Kumar appointed Manjhi as Bihar’s Chief Minister, bypassing several senior leaders and key allies. However, Manjhi’s bold remarks and controversial statements led to his ouster after just nine months in office. A Short-Lived Chief MinistershipManjhi was initially guided by Nitish Kumar but soon began asserting his independence, making statements that strained political equations. His remarks reportedly alienated influential groups, making it increasingly difficult for Nitish Kumar to manage the situation. Had Manjhi exercised more caution in his statements, he might...
Rohtasgarh Ropeway Tower Collapses, Raising Serious Questions Over Construction Quality
Bihar, State

Rohtasgarh Ropeway Tower Collapses, Raising Serious Questions Over Construction Quality

Rohtas, Bihar: A major safety scare occurred in Rohtasgarh, Bihar, as a tower of the under-construction ropeway connecting Rohtas Nagar Panchayat to Rohiteshwar Dham collapsed during testing. The incident has raised serious concerns about construction quality, with locals expressing outrage over alleged lapses in supervision and adherence to safety standards. During the test, the upper station and the associated tower of the ropeway fell, causing four cabins and auxiliary poles to crash to the ground. Fortunately, vigilant staff and technicians present at the site escaped without injury. The Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited (BRPANL) has formed a high-level committee under the chairman’s supervision to investigate the incident, with instructions to submit a report with...