Political activity in Bihar is getting hectic, with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad urging the people of his home state to vote for his party in the upcoming assembly elections, so that his son Tejashwi Yadav gets a chance to fulfil all his promises as the next chief minister. Speaking at a function at Nalanda, Lalu emphasized his party’s key promises for the upcoming term, including a monthly transfer of Rs 2,500 to women’s bank accounts, a scheme already implemented in neighbouring Jharkhand, and free electricity up to 200 units for all state residents. On the other hand, sitting Bihar CM Nitish Kumar visited Munger as part of the fourth phase of his Pragati Yatra, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 440 crore. He also announced new development projects totalling Rs 1500 crore, aimed at boosting infrastructure and public services in the region. The visit marks Nitish Kumar’s continued push for governance outreach through his Pragati Yatra, a state-wide initiative focused on taking a review of the ongoing projects and announcing new ones.
RAHUL BATS FOR CONSTITUTION, CASTE CENSUS IN DALIT-MUSLIM OUTREACH
Ahead of Bihar assembly elections, the Congress is focussing on retaining its traditional voters and there is a conscious push to gain back the dalit community. As per the 2022 Bihar caste-based survey, the Dalit population of Bihar is 19.65%. This is a 3.75% increase from the 2011 census. However, Congress feels Rahul Gandhi’s emphasis on the Constitution and inclusivity has seeped deep within the Muslim and Dalit voters who see him as one who is most vocal to voice their issues. Gandhi has said he was waiting for the day when Dalits and weaker sections assume leadership position in every institution of India, as he reiterated the need for a country-wide caste census. During an address at the birth anniversary function of freedom fighter and Dalit icon Jaglal Choudhary, Gandhi also alleged that the BJP and RSS were against the Constitution as it guarantees the rights of Dalits and the downtrodden.
RAHUL, AKHILESH PARTAKE IN DMK PROTESTS AGAINST UGC DRAFT REGULATIONS
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) opposed the draft UGC Regulations, 2025 and rejected proposed provisions for appointment of vice-chancellors and other academic staff. Chairman of the BJD coordination committee and former Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik told mediapersons that one of the most alarming aspects of the draft regulations is the excessive centralisation of power and granting absolute authority to Governors, who function under the influence of the Centre, in appointing Vice-Chancellors and academic staff of the universities. While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday participated in a protest organised by the DMK student wing against the draft rules proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The protest was part of a larger movement voicing concerns over the UGC’s proposed guidelines for faculty recruitment and eligibility. Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his party’s position, focussing that the Congress and INDIA alliance stand firm in preserving India’s pluralistic identity. “We are clear that every state, every history, every language, and every tradition must be respected and treated equally,” he added.
POSSIBLE BHARAT RATNA FOR NITISH TO EASE HIM OUT OF ACTIVE POLITICS?
With the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled to be held this year in October-November, JD(U)’s Lok Sabha member from Sheohar, Lovely Anand, has demanded Bharat Ratna—India’s highest civilian award—for PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar for their contributions to governance and development. Participating in a debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, Lovely said “The mantra of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka prayas’ is being fully realised under their leadership.” Earlier too, many NDA leaders, including JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha and senior BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh, batted for Bharat Ratna to the state’s longest serving CM Nitish Kumar. But the big question now is: if Nitish Kumar receives the Bharat Ratna, will he take retirement from politics and hand over his party and government to the BJP? While this possibility seems unlikely, however, BJP leaders believe that after awarding Nitish Kumar the Bharat Ratna, it may be easier to retire him from active politics, foster goodwill among his supporters, and it may ease the transfer political power into BJP hands.
AKHILESH CHASTISES ELECTION COMMISSION OVER ALLEGED MALPRACTICE
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has levelled serious allegations against the BJP, alleging electoral misconduct and also declaring the Election Commission “dead”. He has claimed that the ruling party, with police assistance, engaged in widespread voter suppression and malpractice in Milkipur bypolls. Outside the House, the SP MPs carried a white funeral shroud with the words ‘Election Commission’ imprinted atop, and asked the electoral body to wear it in light of its conduct. Meanwhile, the BJP accused the SP of putting down the dignity of Parliament and insulting a constitutional body. (IPA Service)
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