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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Opposition senses ‘opportunity' in electoral roll revision, frequently rakes up issue
Patna: During the 2020 , the opposition Grand Alliance (GA) missed forming the govt by a whisker. Five years later, the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission ahead of the polls in the state has come as a blessing in disguise for GA, feel poll analysts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now GA is armed with a prominent issue that is supposedly causing confusion among electors, they said. Cashing in on the 'opportunity', leader of opposition in the state assembly, , along with INDIA bloc allies, is raking up the concerns of voters almost daily. So far, he has held around six press conferences over the issue, indicating the significance of the issue, while the NDA has held none. The opposition is finding it a major opportunity to reach out to a large number of voter, cashing in on the anger gripping them. "First, your name will be deleted from the voter list, and in due course, you will lose benefits from all welfare schemes that you might be getting now, one by one," Tejashwi has repeatedly warned at press conferences. Explaining how the deletion of names of the voter proves disastrous for the poor, RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said on Tuesday: "Deletion of names from the voter list means losing every govt facility." He said the biggest loss the people could face is not getting 5 kg free ration. Of the total population of 10.41 crore, as per the 2011 census, the total number of beneficiaries under the Centre-sponsored Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Bihar is around 8.71 crore, which comes to 84% of the total population. They will also not be getting houses under PM Awas Yojana, pension and other such facilities. Social scientist B N Prasad said the EC has launched such a big campaign, but the methodology remains unclear. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "It is not clear if the BLOs are visiting door to door to deliver/collect enumeration forms. No BLO has visited my home so far. Also, the voices coming from the grassroots do not appear fair or accurate," Prasad, who works with the AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, told the TOI. "This is a theatre of the absurd," said former principal of Patna College, N K Chaudhary, while reacting to the opposition's hullabaloo over the SIR issue. "But EC should have given more time and increased the number of documents required to be submitted with the filled-up enumeration forms," he said. The opposition has found a potent issue—much like in the 2015 Bihar polls, when NDA's lead crumbled after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a review of the reservation policy. RJD chief Lalu Prasad turned it into an 'opportunity', warning voters that the RSS-BJP aimed to dismantle the quota system.
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Business Standard
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Bihar elections 2025: What's at stake, who's competing, and why it counts
As Bihar prepares for Assembly elections later this year, the state's political landscape is being readied like a chessboard, with every block, every region, every demographic under strategic scrutiny. The 2025 polls come at a pivotal moment: Nitish Kumar, the most enduring face of Bihar politics in the 21st century, finds himself once again repositioned. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is out to reclaim lost ground. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) under Tejashwi Yadav seeks to convert momentum into a mandate, and smaller players, including the CPI(ML), Congress, and regional outfits forming the INDI alliance, are eyeing specific pockets to punch above their weight. What makes Bihar unique is not just the political personalities, but the deeply regionalised and caste-segmented structure of its polity. To understand Bihar, one must understand its geography, its social structure, and its political past. Who are the big players in Bihar Assembly polls 2025? Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] Historically led by Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving chief minister, the JD(U) has formed the core of the alliance in Bihar for the last two decades. While its popularity has waned and it has shifted alliances, from NDA to Mahagathbandhan and back, the Nitish brand still resonates strongly, especially among Kurmi voters and selected EBC segments. His repeated realignments, however, have raised questions about where his political loyalties truly lie. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Long positioned as a junior partner in Bihar's political landscape, the BJP is now aiming to assert its dominance independently post-2020. Its core Hindutva base, upper-caste support (notably Bhumihars, Rajputs), urban communities, and growing overtures to Pasmanda Muslims are all part of its refresh strategy. Riding on the Modi effect and raising the banner of a younger leadership, however, the party still lacks a cross-caste chief ministerial candidate with mass appeal. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) The largest vote-share earner in the 2020 Assembly, the RJD relies heavily on the combined support of Muslims and Yadavs. Tejashwi Yadav's appeal among the youth and marginalised communities has sharpened the party's focus on job creation. Still, its challenge lies in broadening its base beyond the MY belt, reaching out to Dalits and other backward castes. Indian National Congress A minor but pivotal partner in the Mahagathbandhan, Congress still holds strategic value in alliance arithmetic. Though its traditional influence over upper-caste Muslims and Dalits is diminishing, the party remains strong in specific districts like Kishanganj, Supaul, and Katihar, thanks to organisational depth and local networks. Communist Parties (CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML)) The CPI(ML) has made a comeback in central Bihar, especially in the Bhojpur and Arrah belt, where it won 12 seats in 2020. With a base among landless Dalits, deprived EBCs, and agrarian communities, it campaigns on labour rights, land reform, and social justice. Often seen as the Left's moral compass, its continued influence reflects persistent regional discontent. Smaller caste-based parties, like the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), can tip close contests. Newer entrants, such as those led by Upendra Kushwaha or the JSP, could disrupt established calculations by pulling in votes across the ideological spectrum. What is the electoral roll revision fiasco and how it may impact the Bihar polls? The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has sparked a fiery political and legal dispute ahead of the 2025 state assembly polls. At the heart of the controversy are rigid documentation requirements by the Election Commission- pushing millions of people, especially those registered after 2003, to show proof of birth and proof of residence, and for anyone born after 1987, parental documents, something many migrants, Dalits, and impoverished people do not have. Critics warn of potential mass exclusion, fearing lakhs may lose their voting rights, particularly among rural and migrant populations. The process's timing, during Bihar's monsoon and migration season, and its rushed execution just months before polls have only added to the concerns. Initial refusal to accept common IDs like Aadhaar or ration cards sparked further backlash until the Supreme Court intervened, ordering the Election Commission to accept them. Also read: Allegations by opposition parties suggest that the process aims to purge voters unlikely to support the ruling NDA, prompting protests, including a statewide shutdown led by national leaders. Legal challenges remain active, with the Supreme Court deferring the final voter list publication to at least July 28, 2025. The EC has acknowledged possible deletions exceeding 350 thousand names, potentially rigging close contests on many seats. In Bihar, where past elections have been quite close, even a small share of voter removal could significantly matter and result in votes moving to one side of the ledger. Depending on the shifts in the voter list, changes in the voters' list could work against the groups that tend to oppose the ruling party. Regional battlegrounds: Where the vote is won Magadh and Bhojpur (Central Bihar) These areas, covering Patna, Arrah, Gaya, are iconic arenas for upper-caste resurgence and Dalit assertion. The CPI(ML) carries considerable weight here, resting on a backdrop of caste-driven political violence. Meanwhile, BJP and JD(U) maintain hold among middle-caste urbanites and bureaucratic networks. Seemanchal (Northeast Bihar) A Muslim-majority belt including Kishanganj, Araria, and Purnia, Seemanchal remains politically volatile. AIMIM's breakthrough in 2020, winning five seats, reinforced the region's distinct identity. However, after defections to RJD, AIMIM largely retained only Amour. Congress and RJD continue to court Muslim voters here through a secular narrative. Mithila (North Bihar) A cultural stronghold anchored by Maithil Brahmins and Bhumihars, Mithilanchal remains a BJP-JD(U) bastion. Yet this region also grapples with floods, out-migration, and unemployment. With over 100 Assembly seats, it remains a decisive electoral zone thanks to its organisational discipline and caste loyalties. Kosi & Anga (East–Southeast Bihar) These swing zones covering Saharsa, Madhepura, Bhagalpur reveal unpredictable caste dynamics. After figures like Sharad Yadav and Pappu Yadav, development and identity politics fight for prominence. The RJD's influence is strong, but the BJP is steadily gaining ground. Saran & Champaran (West–Northwest Bihar) This region embodies traditional RJD and JD(U) dominance via its Yadav population. However, urban hubs such as Motihari and Bettiah have shown increasing support for the BJP. The legacy of Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha still resonates symbolically. Caste arithmetic: The backbone of Bihar politics Bihar remains firmly defined by caste divisions. Key demographics break down roughly as follows: Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) 36 per cent; Other Backward Classes (OBCs) including Yadavs 14.26 per cent, Kushwaha 4.21 per cent, Kurmi 2.87 per cent, Bania 2.31 per cent; Scheduled Castes 19.65 per cent; Scheduled Tribes 1.68 per cent; Upper Castes including Brahmin 3.65 per cent, Rajput 3.45 per cent, Bhumihar 2.87 per cent, Kayastha 0.60 per cent. Key EBC groups include Mallah 2.6 per cent, Teli 2.81 per cent, Nai 1.59 per cent and Nonia 1.91 per cent. Also read: EC launches new system for faster, accurate voter turnout reporting Electoral alignments: RJD core: Yadavs (around 14-15 per cent) + Muslims (16-17 per cent). BJP base: Upper castes (12-15 per cent). Dalits: split between Mahadalits (JD(U)) and Paswans (LJP). EBCs (~30 per cent+): crucial swing bloc. Kurmis (3-4 per cent): JD(U) remains favoured. Women voters: A quiet yet pivotal majority? Women constituted about 49 per cent of the 7.64 crore electorate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar's policies—ranging from panchayat reservation to bicycle incentives and prohibition—were clearly aimed at mobilising this demographic. Women voters in Bihar regularly match or exceed male turnout, making them a significant, though often overlooked, constituency. Their decisions tend to be shaped more by welfare, safety, and economic stability than allegiance to a specific party. Alliances and trust issues: The double-edged sword Coalitional politics in Bihar are notoriously fluid. Nitish Kumar's repeated realignments have fostered suspicion among allies. Although the 2025 race sees the BJP-JD(U) renewing their pact, lingering mistrust casts a shadow. On the other side, the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan too struggles with internal coherence, especially among CPI(ML), Congress, and smaller regional outfits. The LJP's fracture between Chirag Paswan and Pashupati Paras remains unresolved, complicating alliance dynamics further. Key themes for the 2025 Bihar election Jobs and migration: Mounting youth unemployment and rural migration Caste census debate: Renewed identity mobilisation among EBCs and OBCs Centre–state dynamics: BJP–JD(U) coordination under central policy and fund flows Leadership vacuum: Uncertainty over post-Nitish faces in JD(U) and BJP Polarisation vs welfare: Hindutva rhetoric versus historical tilt toward social justice Prohibition politics: Alcohol ban's complex gendered and social impact Law and order: Crime rates, custodial deaths, and political violence under scrutiny Urban first-time voters: Aspirational youth moving beyond legacy loyalties As Bihar's 2025 Assembly polls near, the state's politics remains complex, rooted in historic alliances, caste calculus, regional patterns and emergent gender and class aspirations. From caste coalitions to urban resurgence, from left-wing insurgency to Pasmanda overtures, the battle in Bihar is not just for seats; it's for shaping its future story.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi rules out tie up with INDIA bloc for Bihar polls
Asaduddin Owaisi (File photo) HYDERABAD: AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday firmly ruled out any alliance with the INDIA bloc (Mahagathbandhan) for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections , stating that "one-sided love will not work." The clarification comes after AIMIM's Bihar state president, Akhtarul Iman, had written to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, proposing entry into the Mahagathbandhan to avoid vote division that could benefit the BJP . However, the RJD responded by urging AIMIM not to contest the elections at all if it was truly committed to defeating the BJP-while also accusing the AIMIM of acting as a 'B-team' of the BJP. Speaking to a news agency, Owaisi dismissed these allegations and said the party is exploring alternatives, including the formation of a third front. "The accusations against us are lies-they fear a leader from the poor and oppressed rising to power," he said. Owaisi confirmed that AIMIM will contest the Bihar elections, either as part of a third front or independently. "Whatever happened is in front of the people. We are committed to contesting with full strength. We are being defamed because we represent Dalits, Adivasis, Backward Classes, and Muslims. They want Bihar's poor to remain political slaves," he charged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Owaisi also raised concerns about the Election Commission of India's ongoing voter verification drive in Seemanchal. He said the ECI was acting beyond its mandate by allegedly checking the citizenship status of voters-an issue that falls under the Union home ministry.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
After Rs 1,100 Pension And 35% Job Quota For Women, What Is In Nitish's 'Election Box'?
The Bihar cabinet, led by CM Nitish Kumar, will discuss welfare initiatives with election implications, including pension hikes, reservation strategies and women's welfare All eyes are on the Bihar cabinet meeting scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 15, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to clear a slate of welfare initiatives with potential election overtones. With the 2025 assembly elections drawing closer and opposition pressure mounting, this cabinet session could shape the government's final leg before the polls. Sources in the state secretariat say the agenda includes expanding flagship schemes, sharpening the government's stance on the reservation issue, and rolling out fresh benefits for the youth, elderly, women, and farmers. Pension Push Likely to Get Louder The old age pension scheme, recently revised to provide Rs 1,100 per month to over 1.09 crore elderly, widows, and disabled citizens, is likely to feature prominently. Though the increase (up from Rs 400) came into effect this July, the opposition, particularly the RJD, has slammed it as inadequate. Their demand is Rs 1,500 per month. With this criticism in play, the cabinet could either further hike the amount or expand the beneficiary pool. Government insiders hint that a recalibration of the scheme is on the table, both as a welfare move and a political counter. Reservation Strategy Under Review Reservation continues to be a politically charged issue in Bihar. The cabinet is expected to review the legal status of the 65% reservation bill, which was recently struck down by the Patna High Court. The state government has already moved the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict. Tuesday's meeting may formalise Bihar's legal roadmap ahead. Alongside, the government may also push forward the implementation of 35% reservation in state jobs for women domiciled in Bihar, a measure Nitish Kumar has publicly backed, and one likely to resonate with the nearly 3.6 crore women voters in the state. What's in the 'Election Box'? With elections less than a year away, the Nitish government is expected to announce a range of voter-friendly initiatives. Likely areas of focus: 1. Youth and Jobs The Bihar Youth Commission, already cleared by the cabinet, could get fresh funds or programmes. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Pratigya Yojana', proposals may include monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 for Class 12 students and Rs 6,000 for graduates enrolled in skill development or internship programs. 2. Farmers Agricultural support schemes could get a boost. In recent meetings, the cabinet had approved diesel subsidies and roadmap funds. Tuesday's discussion may include incentives for new crop cultivation, irrigation systems, or agri-tech support. 3. Women's Welfare Expect expansion of schemes like the Pink Bus Service, Didi Ki Rasoi, and Mahila Haat. These initiatives are part of the state's broader push for women's empowerment, especially as female voter turnout has been rising. 4. Education and Health The government may clear fresh teacher and headmaster appointments. In healthcare, expect budgetary approvals for new district-level facilities and mobile medical units, as part of Nitish Kumar's social development pitch. Why This Meeting Matters Today's cabinet session is more than routine governance; it's a crucial pre-election staging ground. With opposition parties sharpening their attacks and BJP watching closely as a key NDA ally, Nitish Kumar is walking a tightrope. The focus now is on delivering visible benefits and reinforcing the state's welfare image. view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 11:05 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"State govt has failed to provide security to public": Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar on Monday heavily criticiSed the NDA-led Bihar government over the previaling law and order situation in the state. The Bihar Congress President accused the government of 'failing to provide security to the public.' Speaking to ANI, he said, 'Earlier, Uttar Pradesh used to top the list of criminal incidents at national level, while Bihar was second on the list. But in today times, there has been surge in criminal incidents in Bihar, making it first in the list. These criminal incidents have been occurring on different segments of people, including businessmen, caste-based crimes... The state government has failed to provide security to the public...' Earlier today, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the Bihar government is unable to control law and order, with criminals becoming more brazen and citizens feeling unsafe. Addressing reporters in Patna, he questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, asking if he will ever express concern or just deliver speeches. Yadav urged PM Modi to 'leave his teleprompter and speak his mind' about the situation in Bihar, suggesting that the Prime Minister is more focused on scripted speeches than addressing the state's real issues. The Bihar LoP described Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as being in an 'unconscious state' and unable to handle Bihar's administration, with the Prime Minister allegedly controlling the state remotely. He accused the Chief Minister of failing to take action against criminals, allowing them to thrive in the state, claiming that the government is protecting criminals, emboldening them to commit crimes, and that the situation in Bihar is 'terrifying.' 'Narendra Modi should leave his teleprompter and speak his mind. The situation in Bihar is terrifying... Why is PM Narendra Modi silent? Will he ever express his concern and grief, or just give speeches?... If he gets votes from here, is it his responsibility to provide security here or not? The Chief Minister is in an unconscious state. He is not able to handle Bihar. The Prime Minister is handling it through a remote control. Criminals have become 'samratth' in Bihar, they have won,' said the RJD leader. He pointed out that in the past six months, nine prominent businessmen have been murdered in Bihar, highlighting the state's failure to maintain law and order. Gopal Khemka, a businessman and a BJP leader from Bihar, was shot dead outside his home in Patna earlier this month. He had previously requested police protection for his family. Days after Khemka was shot dead, another man was killed in Patna's Ram Krishna Nagar area after being shot by an unidentified assailant. The victim, Vikram Jha, succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital. According to police, Jha was shot by a person who arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire. A murder case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Jha, originally from Darbhanga district, had been living in Patna for a year and ran a grocery store. He lived with his family on the first floor of the same building. The reaction comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections which are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. While the NDA, consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again be looking to continue their stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, consisting of the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will be looking to unseat Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc has a strength of 111 members with RJD leading with 77 MLAs, Congress-19, CPI(ML)-11, CPI(M)-2 and CPI-2. (ANI)
