Motihari (Bihar):

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday claimed another bridge in Bihar has caved in, though an official said it was a makeshift structure that got washed away in heavy rainfall.

Mr Yadav, leader of the opposition in the state assembly, shared on his X handle a video of the incident that has taken place in East Champaran district.

In the clip, people can be heard blaming the use of spurious material for the incident in a village falling under the Madhuban block.

PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

बिहार के पूर्वी चंपारण में आज फिर एक पुल और गिरा। सरकार थोड़े गिरी है जो खबर बनेगी?

बीते दिनों में यह वाँ भ्रष्टाचारी पुल गिरा है। पुलिया, सड़क और बाँध टूटने एवं धँसने के तो मामले अनगिनत है। #Bihar
pic.twitter.com/Rzcnm4B5QH

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 7, 2024

District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said he was aware of the incident but asserted that it was “not a bridge, not even a causeway”.

“A sewage line passes through Lohargawan village. Some parts of it were uncovered. As per the information we have, a decision was taken at the Panchayat level a few years back to erect a structure across the drain to help people cross it without difficulty”, the DM told PTI over the phone.

Accordingly, the drain was covered with the makeshift structure, not more than a few feet long, he said.

“As is the case with such unregulated works, mud was used and hence it got washed away when heavy rains battered the area. Nonetheless, we are looking into the matter and will do, at our level, whatever is needed,” added the district magistrate.

The incident comes in the backdrop of more than a dozen bridges and causeways collapsing in several Bihar districts in the last couple of weeks, prompting authorities to place under suspension at least 15 engineers, even though no casualties have taken place in such mishaps.

The bridge collapse incidents have also led to a political slugfest, with Mr Yadav training his guns at the Nitish Kumar government, but the ruling NDA shifting the blame on the RJD, pointing out that the Rural Works portfolio was with the party till it was ousted from power in January this year. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Patna:

The Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Vijay Kumar Sinha, claimed on Wednesday that Sikandar Yadvendu, who was arrested in the NEET question paper leak case, is a close relative Pritam Kumar, the personal secretary of former Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The investigation being conducted by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has identified Sikandar Yadvendu, a junior engineer in the municipal committee of Danapur, as the kingpin of the NEET question paper leak case.

“Sikandar Yadvendu is a close relative of Tejashwi Yadav’s PS Pritam Kumar. An NHAI guest house was booked for Sikandar’s sister Reena Yadav and son Anurag Yadav to stay on May 4. A phone number and ‘Mantri Ji’ were mentioned in the diary of the NHAI guest house. The investigating agency is making efforts to know the identity of this Mantri Ji,” Mr Sinha said.

Mr Sinha, who also holds the road construction portfolio, said that he has ordered an inquiry into the booking of the NHAI guest house.

“I am getting a thorough investigation done by my department to find out which officers or employees are working at the behest of Tejashwi Yadav. The entire system of RJD is based on crime and corruption,” Mr Sinha said.

The EOU has found evidence that the question papers of NEET 2024 were leaked. The examination was held on May 5 and the question paper was leaked a day earlier on May 4.

The kingpin of this gang is Sikandar Yadavendu, who has been arrested. The EOU claims that Sikandar made his brother-in-law’s son and many other candidates memorise the answers by giving them the question paper in advance.

On May 5, the police arrested Reena Yadav from the NHAI guest house. The EOU also found an OMR sheet from the guest house. Reena’s son Anurag’s name is written in the register of the guest house, with ‘Mantri Ji’ written next to it.

Sikandar is a resident of Samastipur. He used to work as a contractor in Ranchi. In 2012, he became a junior engineer. He was an accused in the LED scam of Rs 3 crore and served a jail term as well.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Patna:

Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, whose fish meal video sparked a political storm ahead of Navratras, stirred the pot today with a video of a lunch with family and friends. The guest of honour was Congress’s Rahul Gandhi. And while the fare was not too clear from the video, Mr Yadav dropped a broad hint at the end — “Rahul ji has now had mutton twice”.

Though he did not mention the details, the first was probably the time when Mr Yadav’s father, Bihar’s former Chief Minister Lalu Yadav, taught Mr Gandhi the intricacies of cooking Champaran mutton, a video of which was widely circulated.

That the mood was one of fun and mischief was made clear at the outset, when Tejashwi Yadav, sharing a couch with Mr Gandhi, was heard saying, “Hey Sahani Ji, your fish bones stuck in Modi-ji’s throat?”

Former Bihar minister Mukesh Sahani was Mr Yadav’s ‘partner in crime’  in the pre-Navratra fish meal. More banter followed, interspersed with political discussion, at the end of which Rahul Gandhi said it was now their turn and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wanted to cook for everyone.

भारतीय जनता पार्टी को भारतीय जनता पस्त कर रही है। Video Courtesy- @RahulGandhi Ji pic.twitter.com/qenxaZIRvd

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 28, 2024

“Bharatiya Janata Party is being defeated by the people of India,” read a rough translation of the caption of the video, posted on X, formerly Twitter. At the end, Mr Yadav had added, “Video courtesy Rahul Gandhi”.

A video posted by Mr Yadav ahead of Navratra, showing him sharing a fish meal with Mr Sahani, had sparked a huge row.

As a furious BJP targetted him, Mr Yadav tweeted, “We had uploaded this video to test the IQ of the BJP and Godi media followers and we were proved right in our thinking. The tweet says “Dinank” i.e. Date, but what do the poor blind followers know? At the end, Sahni ji has also mentioned about getting chilli”.

In this election, the RJD is pinning its hopes on hordes of young men of the state who are hungry for jobs.

During  campaigning, Mr Yadav has constantly showcased the 4 lakh-plus jobs the Grand Alliance government had provided in 17 months before Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled the plug on the alliance in January this year.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Campaigning for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election concludes

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H.D. Revanna remanded to SIT custody for three days till May 8; he says arrest is a ‘political conspiracy’

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RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav says PM Narendra Modi’s campaign is deeply communal and prejudiced

With polling in the first two phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha election concluded, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav appeared confident of winning comprehensively. Being his party’s star campaigner, he has so far addressed 107 political rallies, with 125 more to go, speaking on average at five rallies a day.

PM Modi offers prayers at Ram temple in Ayodhya, holds roadshow

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Royal challenge for Mahua as Trinamool, BJP clash in Krishnanagar, but CPI(M) can tilt scales

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Amid poll heat, Lalu’s daughters sweat it out

Misa Bharati and Rohini Acharya, daughters of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, are busier than ever. Navigating the maze that is Bihar politics, they are trying to find a way to reach the Lok Sabha.

Russia says forces seized village in eastern Ukraine

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Modi and Yogi are working for your children, PM says in U.P., targets Opposition over dynastic politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress over dynastic politics, alleging that these parties were contesting elections to benefit their families and their vote banks. “SP and Congress people either do good only for their family or for their vote bank,” Mr. Modi said, addressing an election rally in Etawah supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ram Shankar Katheria.

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New Delhi:

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut intended to target an opposition leader but mistakenly ended up attacking her BJP colleague instead. A similarity in names – Tejashwi and Tejasvi – was behind Ms Ranaut’s fumble. “There’s a party of spoilt princes… whether it’s Rahul Gandhi who wants to grow potatoes on the Moon, or Tejasvi Surya who does hooliganism and eats fish,” she had said.

RJD leader and former Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav was supposed to be the original target of her diatribe as one of his videos where he was seen eating fish became a major flashpoint between the BJP and the opposition recently.

Tejasvi Surya, incorrectly referred to by Ms Ranaut during an election rally yesterday, is BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Bengaluru South constituency in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Mr Yadav has responded to a clip of Kangana Ranaut’s statement. “Ye mohtarma kaun hai?” (Who is this lady?), he posted on X.

ये मोहतरमा कौन है? https://t.co/RvTfHjm26I

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 4, 2024

Kangana Ranaut has been verbally bashing the Congress party since the BJP fielded her as their Lok Sabha candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi. Congress leaders Vikramaditya Singh – her opponent in Mandi – and Rahul Gandhi have been the main targets on her dartboard.

While addressing a public rally in the Sundernagar area of Mandi Parliamentary Constituency yesterday, Ms Ranaut took a jibe at Mr Singh and Mr Gandhi over dynasty politics and said that both of them have a magic stick for development and talk only about non-practical things.

The Congress hit back saying the 37-year-old actor should first check the facts about her party leaders and speak about dynastic politics. National Media Coordinator for the Congress, Amrit Kaur, also questioned her qualifications on which she got a BJP ticket from Mandi.

The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on June 1, in the seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Patna:

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ‘mangalsutra’ remark, claiming that most women were not able to afford gold because of soaring prices.

Talking to reporters here, the former Bihar deputy chief minister also reminded PM Modi of lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic, because of hardships caused after demonetisation, in the Pulwama terror attack, and during clashes with Chinese troops at the border.

“The PM should tell us who is responsible for ‘mangalsutras’ being snatched (a metaphor for widowhood) from so many women during the outbreak of COVID, after demonetisation, in the Pulwama terror attack and skirmishes with Chinese troops along the border,” said Mr Yadav.

He was replying to queries about PM Modi’s charge that the Congress, an ally of the RJD, has promised to snatch away belongings of common people, including ‘mangalsutras’ worn by women after marriage.

“Elections should be about issues. What is the point in talking about ‘mangalsutras’ when gold has become so costly that most women cannot afford it?” Mr Yadav added.

He exuded confidence that the RJD and its allies will win all five seats in Bihar where polling is scheduled in the second phase and reiterated that “it is a choice between NDA and INDIA”.

The remark was an obvious reference to former Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who has entered the fray as an Independent after the Congress refused to give him a party ticket from the seat where the RJD has fielded JD(U) turncoat Bima Bharti.

“There are only two forces pitted against each other in these polls. On the one side is the NDA which poses a threat to the Constitution. On the other side is INDIA which wants to save the Constitution. If you are not with INDIA then you shall deemed to be with NDA,” the RJD leader said, refraining from mentioning by name Pappu Yadav whom he has been accusing of being “B-team of BJP”. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Nitish Kumar teed up a new controversy on Sunday when he took a swipe at his former ally Lalu Yadav and his “many children”. The family however chose to respond with love.

“Some people claim everything these days. They appointed their wives when they were removed. Now, it is their children these days. Ab paida to bahut kar diya. Itna zyaada paida karna chahiye kisi ko, baal baccha? (Does anybody beget so many children?” asked Nitish Kumar, who was addressing an election rally in Katihar in favour of NDA’s Lok Sabha nominee Dulal Chandra Goswami.

While the Chief Minister did not mention anyone by name, his remarks appear to target Lalu Prasad’s family, which includes his wife Rabri Devi, who became the chief minister of Bihar when Prasad had to step down due to his conviction in the fodder scam.

“Now they have involved their sons, daughters, and everyone. They keep saying something or other everywhere. They forget the old things, hence, I want to tell everyone that no work used to get done. People could not get out, there were no roads or education,” Mr Kumar added further.

#WATCH | Katihar: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says, “Some people claim everything these days. They appointed their wives when they were removed. Now, it is their children these days. ‘Ab paida to bahut kar diya. Itna zyaada paida karna chahiye kisi ko, baal baccha?’… Now they have… pic.twitter.com/x8Q8GdKz0W

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2024

Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Yadav’s son, asked if such personal remarks will benefit the people of Bihar.

“He can say anything to us. Whatever he says is like a blessing for me… But the thing is, will such personal remarks benefit the people of Bihar… In elections, issues should be discussed… Who is writing such speeches for him? He should speak on education, employment and stopping migration,” said Tejashwi Yadav, who was Nitish Kumar’s No 2 in the government before Mr Kumar switched sides again – this time back to BJP.

#WATCH | Patna: On Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s remarks, Former Deputy CM of Bihar RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “He can say anything to us. Whatever he says is like a blessing for me… But the thing is, will such personal remarks benefit the people of Bihar… In elections, issues… pic.twitter.com/i4RYvYlLjk

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2024

“Now what should I say for uncle (Nitish Kumar). The people of Bihar will see what the Chief Minister of the state is trying to say. What should we say about him. When PM Modi stopped speaking on dynastic politics, uncle started speaking,” said Misa Bharti, Lalu Yadav’s eldest daughter who will contest from the Patliputra Lok Sabha constituency.

RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said “Nitish Kumar is sure of his defeat, so he is making personal comments against Lalu Prasad Yadav out of nervousness”, adding that the Chief Minister has “no political ground left”.

The BJP will contest 17 of the state’s 40 seats, while the Nitish Kumar’s JDU will fight on 16 setas. Chirag Paswan’s LJP will fight on five seats.

Patna:

After the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said that the BJP’s “400 paar” film has become super flop on the first day itself.

“The Mahagathbandhan is winning all four seats in the first phase. We have held block-wise meetings and the feedback has been very good. The BJP’s “400 paar” film has become a super flop on the first day itself. The people of Bihar are aware and will teach them a lesson,” he said.

Mr Yadav told ANI that there is no competition in the first phase as Bihar will give shocking results this time.

“There is no competition in the first phase. We have said many times before Bihar will give shocking results this time. They have not done anything for the people of Bihar. The promises made by Modi ji in 2014 and 2019 were not fulfilled. Now, the public is tired of their statements and false promises. We have promised that we will give a special package to Bihar along with special status,” he added.

The former deputy chief minister also said that local issues hold the key in these elections.

“The entire Mahagathbandhan and INDIA bloc are working together. Unemployment is the biggest issue in Bihar, besides inflation, poverty, and investment. Migration and floods are also issues. This time, the BJP is very worried. They say they will abolish the Constitution. Those who destroy the Constitution will themselves be destroyed,” Mr Yadav said.

According to the Election Commission, Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 48.88 per cent in the first phase of voting. Four seats – Jamui, Nawada, Gaya, and Aurangabad – had gone to polls on Friday.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA, also comprising the JDU and LJP, had secured 39 out of 40 seats while the Mahagathbandhan managed to win just one seat.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Patna:

After a purported video showed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers hurling abuses at Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan’s mother Veena Paswan during an election rally, the LJP leader wrote to former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav seeking immediate action in the matter.

In his letter, Mr Paswan said that the particular action has refreshed the memories of Jungle Raj as during that time it was difficult for mothers and daughters to leave their homes.

“I never understood any difference between Rabri Devi ji and my mother. In such a situation, I did not expect this from you. I agree that political parties may have different views, and there may be differences of opinions but it is not appropriate to have animosity. Such foul language about one’s mother is beyond imagination for me,” he said.

“This action by your party’s supporters has refreshed the memories of Jungle Raj of the 90s. In those times, it was difficult for mothers and daughters to leave their homes. Women were humiliated and tortured. Today after this incident, you cannot even imagine how painful it is for me as a son to hear such words about my mother. I want you to give a strong message to your party workers and supporters so that in the future such language cannot be used not only for me but for any mother and sister living in Bihar,” the LJP chief added.

“I hope that you will take immediate action against those who insulted my mother,” Chirag Paswan said in the letter to Tejashwi Yadav.

Condemning the incident, RJD leader Misa Bharti questioned Chirag Paswan for his silence when Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary made a derogatory remark against Lalu Prasad Yadav.

“It is condemnable, derogatory language should not be used against women belonging to any party but I want to ask Chirag Paswan why was he quiet when Samrat Choudhary made such a derogatory remark against my sister and father?” she said.

Bihar BJP women’s delegation had filed a complaint to the Election Commission in connection with the incident.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Dismissing claims of tensions between his party and the Congress, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said an understanding over seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar has been reached and an announcement in this regard will be made in Patna soon.

Mr Yadav attended an INDIA bloc meeting regarding Bihar’s seat-sharing formula at Congress leader Mukul Wasnik’s residence here and later said his party, the Congress and the Left will fight the Lok Sabha polls together in Bihar.

He said the INDIA bloc partners have agreed orally on the seat-sharing arrangement and all the constituents are getting a respectable deal.

The former Bihar deputy chief minister said a formal announcement on seat sharing will be made in Patna in a day or so.

“The Congress-RJD alliance is the oldest alliance. We have been together in all situations and have contested elections together. There have never been any tensions between us. We have both always understood each other,” said Mr Yadav, who was flanked by Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh and AICC in-charge of state Mohan Prakash.

“Our collective agenda is to stop the BJP. I can say that Bihar will present a shocking result. And we have a strategy for that,” the RJD leader said.

Mr Yadav said that the media was not talking about the “discord” and “dissatisfaction” among NDA constituents in Bihar while highlighting tensions in the INDIA bloc “when there were none”.

His remarks come amid reports of disquiet in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance in Bihar over seat sharing.

The Congress was said to be upset over “unilateral” announcements of candidates by the RJD on certain seats it was interested in contesting in Bihar.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)