Bihar Election 2025 Highlights: Waqf Act will be ‘thrown into dustbin’, if INDIA bloc voted to power, says Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday drove down to the residence of Union minister Chirag Paswan to partake 'kharna prasad", which devotees consume before embarking on a gruelling 36-hour-long fast as part of Chhath Puja.

Pictures of the JD(U) supremo at his Shri Krishna Puri residence in Patna were shared on social media by Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

"Thank you, honourable Chief Minister, for coming to my home and partaking of Kharna Prasad. My family and I are grateful for the good wishes you expressed during the meeting," he posted on X.

The photographs show Kumar with Paswan and his close family members, including mother Reena and brother-in-law Arun Bharti, the LJP(R) MP from Jamui, the Lok Sabha seat the Union minister had represented twice before shifting base to Hajipur, his father's pocket borough.

PTI

Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Chhath Festival says: "I would especially like to thank CM Nitish Kumar ji, as on the second day of the Chhath festival he came and ate Prasad here. This holds great significance for me. Regarding seat sharing, there were narratives being set by the opposition suggesting that the CM was upset and there was tension between JDU and LJP... I want to clarify that this is not true; there has never been any problem between the two parties."

PTI

Won't allow implementation of Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bihar, says CPI(ML) L leader Dipankar Bhattacharya at release of party manifesto for polls.

Former minister of Bihar and JDU candidate Ajit Kumar on Tejaswi Yadav seeking 20 months from voter to deliver from betterment of Bihar, says "His father was given 15 years, and his mother also got time, and they were given opportunities twice in Bihar along with Nitish Ji. Once for 17 months, and even before that, there were opportunities. So when they got a chance for 17 months, they couldn’t accomplish anything. Then what will they do in 20 months? Because there, the only formula is take the job and give the land. To get anything there, one has to lose something. That’s why ordinary people have seen that family and that party very closely. Now, no one will do anything that could bring back jungle raj, where the rule of goons would prevail in every street and lane. People are no longer willing to allow that. Everyone in the NDA, along with Nitish Kumar and Modi Ji, will move forward together. This is the pledge that the people have taken."

PTI

To come to Patna amid the countdown to the upcoming Assembly election is to come across lingering stories about a Bihar that was; a palpable sense that the state has come a long way from its past; a tangible fear of backsliding, a tentative need to play it safe — and also, a Bihar that is restless, wanting and waiting for more.

In a state of poor urbanisation, Patna has become an island of visible development and change. It has seen, in the last few years, the creation of urban public spaces that other state metros have long taken for granted and that have taken a long time to come to Bihar’s capital  — from the glitzy mall to the spacious and elegant museum, from the vibrant cafe with loud music that opens till late to the “marine drive” by the riverside, where the young come to enjoy a nightlife.

Yet, over and over again, in conversations with voters, you hear about the incompleteness of “vikas”, and the insistent question — why must Bihar’s young have to leave their homes and go to faraway Bengaluru and Noida and Chennai, to study and to work? Why can they not be with their families and loved ones and also have well-paid jobs in corporates? Why does Bihar’s creaking education system still stand in the way of the aspirations and ambitions of its young?

These questions are posed not just by those who profess support to the challenger in this election, but also, strikingly, by those who repose faith in the incumbent, Nitish Kumar. In fact, Nitish’s best hope in this election is if, after 20 years of incumbency, the change or “badlav” question is still mainly addressed to him, and not to those who seek to unseat him.

In an election that, with the rise of a new party, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, seems to have acquired more moving parts than before, what Nitish may be counting on is that he is seen to preside over, and he is given ownership of, three broad success stories: restoring law and order, building visible bijli-sadak-pul-flyover infrastructure, enabling women’s empowerment through a slew of women-centric subsidies and schemes, the latest being the Mahila Rojgar Yojana Of course, this acknowledgement is neither universal nor complete. It is interrupted by caste lines — you will not hear it, or only grudgingly, among Yadavs and there is a mixed response among Muslims. The fact also is that the Nitish government’s achievements are scarred by patchy and leaky delivery. Read more

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor says, "PM Modi two days back said in Bihar that we are providing cheap data in Bihar. I want to tell him -'humein data nahi, beta chahiye'... You will take factories to Gujarat and give data to Bihar so that people here can see their children only on video calls."

With PTI inputs

If the INDIA bloc is voted to power in Bihar, the Waqf (Amendment) Act would be "thrown into the dustbin", the opposition coalition's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav said on Sunday.

Addressing public rallies in the Muslim-dominated Katihar and Kishanganj districts, Yadav said his father, Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, never compromised with communal forces in the country.

"But Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has always supported such forces, and it is because of him that the RSS and its affiliates are spreading communal hatred in the state as well as in the country. The BJP should be called 'Bharat Jalao Party'. If the INDIA bloc comes to power in the state, we will throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin," he said.

PTI

The Congress's poll campaign in Bihar will kick off soon after Chhath Puja with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi canvassing for the INDIA bloc, senior party leader KC Venugopal said on Sunday.

Venugopal, the Congress national general secretary (organisation), said that other party leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and national president Mallikarjun Kharge, will also campaign in the state, where the Voter Adhikar Yatra in August gave the party the much-needed momentum.

"Our campaign will kick off soon after Chhath Puja. I think Rahul Gandhi will be here on October 29 and 30. Tours of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge are also on the cards," he told PTI video.

PTI

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Their (RJD) desperation is evident. They first said that they would give government jobs to everyone in their homes... They said that we will make 1 crore 26 lakh Jivika Didi permanent. People of Bihar, do not fall for this deception. Their only model is give land and take jobs... They have no roadmap..."

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: If the INDIA bloc is voted to power in Bihar, the Waqf (Amendment) Act would be "thrown into the dustbin", the opposition coalition's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav said on Sunday.

Addressing a public rally in the Muslim-dominated Katihar district, Yadav said his father, Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, never compromised with communal forces in the country.

"But Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has always supported such forces, and it is because of him that the RSS and its affiliates are spreading communal hatred in the state as well as in the country. The BJP should be called 'Bharat Jalao Party'. If the INDIA bloc comes to power in the state, we will throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin," he said.

- PTI

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, "The Bihar election is not only for the people of Bihar but for the entire country. The whole country is hopeful from Bihar... In 20 years, Nitish Kumar has tarnished his image by repeatedly switching sides... Now, the youth are very unhappy. The youth want change. I would like to appeal to the people of Bihar that you all come forward..."

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal said, "INDIA bloc leaders, the Congress and RJD leaders have started doing 'jumlebaazi'. They dont think of anyone when they are in power, and now, when the elections are just 10 days away, they have started all this drama... They are certain of their defeat..."

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: IT’S election time, and from the dais of Patna’s large Gandhi Maidan, Bihar expects to soon hear parties repeat their tall promises of jobs. It’s an irony that rings loudest in the ground surrounding the platform.

Every morning, thousands turn up here for “training”, to clear the “physical test” that is an essential component of a range of government job exams. But now, the only open expanse around for miles is officially barred for public use “in view of elections”.

A notice issued by the district administration says all public activities on the ground are barred from October 24 till November 3 for security and administrative reasons, in view of elections. It warns of action in case of “unnecessary” use without permission.

Read full article

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said allowances of the representatives of Bihar's panchayati raj system will be doubled if the INDIA bloc comes to power in the state.

He also announced Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and pension for them.

The panchayati raj system consists of three levels of governance – zila parishad, panchayat samiti, and gram panchayat. The chairpersons are known as ‘mukhiya' (gram panchayat), ‘pramukh' (panchayat samiti), and ‘adhyaksha' (zila parishad).

“If the INDIA bloc is voted to power, we will also substantially increase the margin money, per quintal, of distributors of the public distribution system (PDS) in the state,” Yadav told reporters here.

“Besides, we will provide Rs 5 lakh interest-free loans to barbers, those engaged in the pottery business, and carpenters in the state,” he added.

- PTI

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 LIVE Updates: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) expelled 11 of its leaders, including a former minister, for engaging in anti-party activities and “defying its ideology”.

According to a statement issued by JD(U) state general secretary Chandan Kumar Singh, the expelled members have also been suspended from the party's primary membership.

“The party took disciplinary action after it found that all 11 leaders were indulging in anti-party activities in the state,” the statement issued on Saturday evening said. The expelled members include former minister Shailesh Kumar, former MLAs Shyam Bahadur Singh and Sudharshan Kumar, and former MLCs Sanjay Prasad and Ranvijay Singh.

“These expelled leaders were working against the officially declared candidates of the party and other NDA alliance partners. They were defying our ideology,” said a senior JD(U) leader.

RJD MLC Mohammad Qari Sohaib courted controversy on Saturday by saying that if Tejashwi Yadav becomes Bihar's chief minister, "all Bills will be torn apart, including the Waqf Bill".

He made the remark while addressing a public meeting in Parbatta assembly constituency in support of RJD candidate and sitting MLA Sanjeev Kumar.

"People must vote for the INDIA bloc to make Tejashwi Yadav the CM of Bihar. Lessons will be taught to those who supported the Waqf Bill in Parliament. All NDA partners supported the Bill… if Tejashwi Yadav becomes CM, all Bills will be torn apart, including the Waqf Bill," Qari Sohaib said.

"INDIA bloc government will stand for love, unity, and brotherhood. Vote for INDIA bloc only," he added. — PTI

Claiming that his father Ram Vilas Paswan wanted a Muslim chief minister for Bihar in 2005 but the RJD did not agree to it, LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan on Saturday sought to reach out to the minority community, asking how will they get “respect” if they continue to remain a “bonded vote bank”.

“In 2005, my leader, my father, late Ram Vilas Paswan ji even sacrificed his own party to make a Muslim chief minister - yet even then, you did not support him,” Chirag said in a post on X apparently directed at the minority community ahead of assembly polls in Bihar. — PTI

As the counting day for the 1995 Bihar Assembly elections arrived, the Congress’s Tarapur candidate Sachchidanand Singh and five of his supporters made their way to the town of Kharagpur in Munger district. They were near the village of Launa when their car came under attack from a group of assailants, who hurled a grenade.

Apart from Singh, the Congress leader’s aide Vijay Singh, and the vehicle’s driver Arvind Singh were killed in the attack on March 29, while Janata Dal leader and former MLA Tarini Singh’s son Prabhakar Singh was shot dead near the local hospital while attempting to take the victims there.

The police lodged a case (44/1995) on March 31, two days after the incident, against 27 people on the complaint of Nawada (a village near Tarapur) resident Ranbir Kumar Singh. Among the accused were sitting Tarapur MLA Shakuni Choudhary, who was seeking re-election as a Samata Party nominee, and his son Rakesh Kumar who is now known as Samrat Choudhary and is the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

The case has received attention again, with Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor repeatedly accusing Choudhary of falsifying his age before the court to claim he was a minor at the time of the attack and asking why the case finds no mention in his election affidavits.

Read full article here

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said the government led by PM Narendra Modi at the Centre has not set up evan a needle factory in Bihar. "He comes here only to defraud the people of the state. The PM sets up factories in Gujarat and seeks votes in Bihar," he alleged.

Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday asserted that his younger brother Tejashwi, whom the INDIA bloc has named chief ministerial candidate for the assembly polls, was yet to come out of the shadow of their father Lalu Prasad.

The Hasanpur MLA, who has floated Janshakti Janata Dal after being expelled from RJD, was responding to queries from journalists about his more famous younger sibling being called "Jan Nayak" (hero of the people) by enthusiastic supporters. — PTI

Cautioning the electorate, Nitish Kumar said, "During the Bihar Assembly elections, some people are once again trying to portray themselves as well-wishers of the Muslim community. This is all deception. Various temptations and tactics are being used solely to secure the votes of the Muslim community, while no efforts are being made to give them any significant representation. In our government, people from the Muslim community are receiving their full rights today. Without any discrimination, they are getting proper representation in every field, whereas previous governments used the Muslim community only for votes and gave them no share in power."

He added, "I humbly request all of you not to fall into any confusion. Remember the work our government has done for you and decide whom to vote for based on that."

Listing out initiatives taken for the people of the Muslim community, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "Since 2006, madrasas have been registered and granted government recognition. Teachers in madrasas are being paid salaries equivalent to those of government teachers. Furthermore, since 2007, an assistance amount of 10,000 rupees has been provided to Muslim abandoned/divorced women to help them gain employment, which has now been increased to 25,000 rupees. Useful schemes like Talimi Markaz and Hunar have been implemented for the Muslim community. Scholarships, free coaching, hostels, grants, and other schemes are being run for students and youth from the Muslim community. The Entrepreneur Scheme is providing benefits to young people to start their own businesses."

Upping his ante against the Opposition, Nitish Kumar said, "When the opposition parties were in power, communal riots took place in Bhagalpur in 1989. The government failed to stop the riots, and the previous governments did nothing for the victims of communal riots. When we got the opportunity to serve, the Bhagalpur communal riots were investigated, strict action was taken against the culprits, and compensation was provided to the victims. Additionally, assistance in the form of pensions is being given to families affected by the riots. Earlier, there used to be so many Hindu-Muslim conflicts, but now there are no such disputes."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "To ensure that communal incidents do not occur in the state, the fencing of sensitive cemeteries was started in 2006. So far, more than 8,000 cemeteries have been fenced. In consultation with the Muslim community, 1,273 additional cemeteries have been identified for fencing, of which 746 have been completed, and the work on the remaining ones will be finished soon."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took to X on Saturday and wrote, "Before the year 2005, there was no work for the people of the Muslim community in the state. Prior to that, those who were in power in Bihar used the Muslim community only as a vote bank. Communal clashes used to occur frequently in different parts of the state."

He added, "Since November 24, 2005, when our government was formed, continuous efforts have been made for the Muslim community. As you all know, in the year 2025-26, the budget of the Minority Welfare Department was increased 306 times, with a provision of 1080.47 crore rupees."

Amit Shah slammed the INDIA bloc for opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and asserted that every infiltrator would be detected, deleted from the voters' list and deported to their countries.

"Rahul 'baba' says that let the infiltrators stay in Bihar. You tell me, should we let the infiltrators stay here? I want to clearly tell Rahul 'baba' that no matter how many rallies you hold to save infiltrators, he can not protect them," Shah told the gathering, dubbing the 'Voter Adhikari Yatra' as 'ghuspetiya bachao yatra'. — PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the assembly elections will decide whether the 'jungle raj' will return to Bihar or the state remains on the path of development.

Addressing a public rally in Khagaria district, he slammed the INDIA bloc for opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, and asserted that every infiltrator would be detected, deleted from the voters' list and deported to their countries. — PTI

INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said he would make Bihar a leading state in the country by bringing in investments and setting up factories, if the opposition coalition is voted to power.

Addressing an election rally in Gogri in Khagaria district in support of RJD's Parbatta candidate Sanjeev Kumar, Yadav said he was fighting the elections not just to form a government but to build the state. — PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed the INDIA bloc for opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, and asserted that every infiltrator would be detected and deported to their countries.

Addressing a public rally in Khagaria district, Shah said this assembly election will decide whether the 'jungle raaj' will return to Bihar or the state remains on the path of development. — PTI

Around 400 personnel of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) have left for Patna for election-related duties in Bihar, an official said on Saturday.

Assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, while the counting of votes will take place on November 14.

“A contingent of five companies of TSR departed for Patna by a special train to perform election-related duties in Bihar,” Tripura Police spokesperson Rajdeep Deb said. — PTI

"PM Modi has brought our country's economy from 11th place to fourth. We will move from fourth to third before 2027. PM Modi has made our country safe," Union Minister Amit Shah said at the rally.

"After PM Modi came to power, three attacks were carried out- Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. Surgical strike and air strike were carried out, and after Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor was launched. Modi has worked to secure India. He has worked to make India prosperous," he added.

There has been a substantial decline in the number of heinous crimes during NDA rule in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says.

Union Minister Amit Shah says: "The Mahagathbandhan or Lathbandhan, which have a record of corruption, can they develop Bihar? Only Narendra Modi and Nitish babu, who are not accused of even a cent's worth of corruption, can develop Bihar."

The PM and Nitish Kumar want overall development of Bihar, but Lalu Prasad worked for his family's prosperity, he added.

We have worked to free Bihar from Naxalism. If the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, 'jungle raj' will also come with it. If the NDA government is formed, a developed Bihar will be recognised throughout India. Use your vote wisely, says Union Minister Amit Shah at the Khagaria rally.

Extending Chhath Puja greetings, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: "I wish all the people of Bihar a very happy Chhath festival. I pray to Chhath Maiya that our Bihar remains free from 'Jungle Raj', that law and order remain strong, that our sisters and daughters remain safe, and that Bihar becomes a developed state in the future. This is what I want to pray to Chhath Maiya."

Tejashwi Yadav claimed the BJP was "scared" by the nomination of a leader belonging to the Extremely Backwards Classes (EBC) as the opposition coalition's deputy CM face for the Bihar polls. The INDIA bloc has named Vikashsheel Insaan Party (VIP) founder Mukesh Sahani, an EBC leader, as its deputy CM candidate.

"The hatred of the BJP towards the EBC community has come out in the open. They are repeatedly questioning the nomination of Mukesh Sahani as our deputy CM candidate. Why is Amit Shah so frustrated by the nomination of an EBC leader as Bihar's deputy CM candidate," asked Yadav, a leader of the RJD.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, he claimed that BJP leaders, including Shah, who dub religious minorities as "infiltrators", are now raising concerns about why the INDIA bloc did not name a Muslim leader as its deputy CM face.

"The BJP, which has been repeatedly abusing religious minorities and threatening to send them to Pakistan, is now worried about their representation. We will soon address their concerns," he said.

-PTI

Meanwhile, RJD leader and CM face of Mahagathbandhan Tejashwi Yadav says at a rally in Khagaria, that he's "not here to just form govt, I am here to build Bihar."

Elections will decide if 'Jungle Raj' will prevail in Bihar or developement, says Amit Shah at the rally.

The Mahagathbandhan is characterised by two things: corruption and family politics, says Amit Shah at Khagaria public rally.

The upcoming elections will decide if 'Jungle Raj' will prevail in Bihar, or development, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a public rally in Khagaria, Bihar. Our government has made Bihar free of Naxalites, he adds.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to address the public rally at Khagaria soon.

Watch here:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that trains to Bihar are "packed" and tickets impossible to get with the journey becoming "inhuman" during the festive season, as he asserted that "helpless travellers" are a living proof of the "NDA's deceptive policies and intentions".

The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said safe and respectable travel is a right, not a favour.

"It's a month of festivals - Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath. In Bihar, these festivals mean more than just faith, but also a yearning to return home -the fragrance of the soil, the affection of family, the warmth of the village," Gandhi said in a post on X.

The "failed double-engine" government's claims are hollow, he said.

"Where are the 12,000 special trains? Why does the situation worsen every year? Why are the people of Bihar forced to return home in such deplorable conditions every year?" Gandhi said.

If employment and a dignified life were available in the state, they wouldn't have to wander thousands of kilometers, he said.

The Congress leader also shared a video montage of packed stations and trains on one hand while Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off trains on the other hand, in a split screen.

Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary said: "Lalu Prasad has only looted the people of Bihar. He ate the food of animals, took land for jobs. The youth of Bihar want to ask Tejashwi Yadav to tell how one can become a millionaire at the age of 1.5 years."

RJD leader and CM face of Mahagathbandhan, Tejashwi Yadav, says, "BJP cannot create jobs or do justice to Bihar. They set up factories in Gujarat, run bullet trains there, and come to Bihar only for votes. NDA has been in power in Bihar for 20 years - yet not a single mill has opened here. People still migrate, sent on trains to work in Gujarat. Amit Shah says there’s no land for factories in Bihar. BJP talks only during elections and ignores real issues. We focus on development." On the issue of the Deputy CM post, Tejashwi says, "When a son of an extremely backward community is named Deputy CM, the BJP is upset. After Mukesh Sahani, other Deputy CMs will be announced. We will address grievances - just give us time."

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor says, "Do not vote for those who make empty promises. PM Modi said 12,000 trains will run for Chhath, yet children travel in unsafe conditions. People from Gujarat will travel in a Rs 1 lakh crore bullet train, while Bihar’s children struggle to reach home for Chhath. This time, take responsibility for your village and neighbourhood. Vote to end migration and create jobs locally. Stop caste, religion, and petty politics - vote so that no child has to leave home to earn Rs 10-15 thousand."

Pratima Kushwaha, former chief of RJD women wing, joins BJP ahead of Bihar polls.

Asserting that the current decade belongs to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said he was confident of NDA's win in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.

In an interview to PTI, Naidu described the NDA Government at the Centre as 'progressive' and said it is bringing so many reforms for the benefit of the common man with an aim to empower ordinary people as a criteria.

He said he was confident that the ruling NDA will win in Bihar Assembly elections slated for next month.

"Yeah, we will work it out. NDA, whenever they tell me, I am prepared to go and work with them,” he replied when asked if would campaign for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.

-PTI

Independent MP Pappu Yadav, reacting to PM Modi’s speech during public meetings in Bihar, says, "Rajiv Gandhi brought computers, software, and electricity projects to India. Reels and digital content are being made by our youth, with money coming from abroad - India has no role in this. All credit goes to Congress leaders like Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh."

He adds, "In India, the first Dalit CM was Bhola Paswan Shastri, and Congress promoted leaders from minorities too. In every situation, there will be representation for Dalits and minorities as Deputy CMs or other key posts."

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi says, "How many industries were established here (in Bihar) during their (RJD) time? The people of Bihar understand their deeds. The NDA government is working. No one can do better work than this.NDA will form the government with a majority."

The Amrit Bharat Express that leaves Delhi’s Anand Vihar station in the afternoon and arrives in Motihari in Bihar the next morning is packed to the brim. Every year, as Chhath Puja nears, trains headed east overflow with migrants returning home.

Read Deeptiman Tiwary's account of being aboard a train full of migrants going home for Chhath Puja.

BJP leader Ravi Kishan says, "Corruption in Bihar is a thing of the past. Earlier scams worth thousands of crores were common, but under Modi ji’s government, Bihar is witnessing development. Today, it’s a new, shining India heading towards a USD 5 trillion economy. After November 14, Bihar will reach new heights. The era of lanterns is gone - now we have LED lights, high-tech infrastructure, modern airports, temples, and industrial plants."

RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav posted on X: "The uncrowned king of lies and the leader of empty promises had boasted that out of the country's total 13,198 trains, 12,000 trains would be operated for Bihar on the occasion of Chhath festival. This too turned out to be a blatant lie. In the 20 years of NDA government, the people of Bihar, suffering the pain of migration, cannot even get trains to run properly for the great festival of faith, Chhath. My fellow Biharis are forced to travel in trains in an inhumane manner. How shameful is this? Due to the wrong policies of the double-engine government, more than 4 crore people from Bihar migrate to other states for work every year. Since the UPA government, the NDA government has not established any major industry in Bihar. These people are anti-Bihar."

Visuals from the RJD office show hoardings of Tejashwi Yadav put up with ‘Bihar ka Nayak’ written on it.

On RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's statement, Union Minister Nityanand Rai says, "What can they do in 20 months? They won't talk about development; they will orchestrate robberies, grab the lands of the poor or set up a kidnapping industry. The work that has been done in the last 20 years under the NDA government and the leadership of Nitish Kumar is not even in their (Tejashwi Yadav's) thinking. Uplifting women, the poor, farmers, and youth is not even in their intentions."

BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal says, "The Prime Minister is coming to Bihar again on October 30, right after Chhath Puja. His first program will be in Motipur, Muzaffarpur. After Muzaffarpur, he will have a program in Chhapra, and after these two events, his programs will continue in November."

On RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's statement, he says, "The opposition has nothing left but to spread rumours, make false promises, and somehow mislead the people and voters of Bihar. They are dreaming of coming to power, but the voters of Bihar have made up their minds. When their joint press conference was held, neither Mallikarjun Kharge nor Rahul Gandhi attended. The NDA is like the five Pandavas, and in front of them is the army of the Kauravas. We are fighting this election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar."

Police in poll-bound Bihar cautioned people against posting songs with provocative caste overtones on social media and said strict action would be taken against those trying to disrupt peace and violate the ‘model code of conduct’ in the state, DGP Vinay Kumar said.

-PTI

This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his campaign for the Assembly elections with back-to-back rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, weaving together a narrative of social justice, development and Hindutva, even as he cautioned people not to let “jungle raj” return to the state, accusing the Opposition Mahagathbandhan leaders of lawlessness and corruption.

Today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address three back-to-back rallies at Khagaria, Munger and Bihar Sharif.

Good morning, follow this space for Bihar Assembly election-related news!