Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Live Updates: AIMIM releases first list of 25 candidates; fields candidates in Seemanchal and Mithilanchal

Chirag Paswan is grateful for opportunities, says 'PM Modi has a great deal of trust in me'

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan expressed his deep loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, likening himself to “Hanuman” in his dedication to securing the NDA’s victory in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan emphasized the trust PM Modi has placed in him, stating, “I will work beyond my capabilities to ensure the victory of the NDA in the Bihar elections. PM Modi has a great deal of trust in me; because of this, he allocated five seats to my party, which has only one MP. This was a very significant gesture for me.”

ECI observers closely monitoring Bihar elections, bypolls in 8 assembly seats across India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed its observers to closely monitor the entire election process and ensure the transparent, free, and fair conduct of polls in Bihar and bye-elections in eight assembly constituencies across the country.

"Following their deployment to various constituencies, all Observers have already completed their first round of visits to their allotted constituencies and now they are back stationed in their respective constituencies," the EC said in a release on Sunday.

The ECI has instructed observers to closely monitor the entire election process and ensure the transparent, free, and fair conduct of elections, it said.

Observers have been instructed to remain fully accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters and ensure that their grievances are redressed, it said.

Bihar polls: RJD women's wing chief to contest as an Independent against party candidate in Parihar

RJD women's wing state president Ritu Jaiswal announced on Sunday that she will contest the Parihar assembly seat in Bihar as an Independent, protesting the party’s decision to give the ticket to her political rival.

In a Facebook post, she expressed anguish over the nomination of "the daughter-in-law of Ram Chandra Purve," a former RJD state president, whose “betrayal,” she claimed, cost her the 2020 election by less than 2,000 votes.

“I will file my nomination tomorrow as an Independent. The party offered me another seat, but that would be a compromise against my conscience,” said the 48-year-old, a former Panchayat Mukhiya.

Jaiswal, married to ex-bureaucrat Arun Kumar—who once gave up his career to become Mukhiya of the same panchayat—had also contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Sheohar, narrowly losing to JD(U)’s Lovely Anand by under 30,000 votes.

While the RJD hasn't officially released its candidate list, images of Smita Purve receiving the party symbol from Tejashwi Yadav have gone viral on social media.

The INDIA bloc, once united in its fight against the BJP, now finds itself in disarray—ironically, in Bihar, where its journey began in June 2023 under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

Kumar has since returned to the NDA, and the alliance now faces internal conflicts, particularly over seat-sharing and leadership. In Bihar, Congress and RJD are clashing over constituencies and the chief ministerial face, with RJD backing Tejashwi Yadav and Congress remaining non-committal.

Meanwhile, the CPI is contesting against Congress in some areas, deepening rifts. In neighbouring Jharkhand, the JMM has announced it will contest independently and may review its alliance post-elections, citing neglect by Congress and RJD.

PM Modi to launch Bihar polls campaign on Oct 24 with two back-to-back rallies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his Bihar assembly poll campaign next week, with four rallies scheduled by the end of October, state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal announced on Sunday. Modi will launch the campaign in Samastipur on October 24, followed by a rally in Begusarai the same day. "The PM, who is among the world's tallest leaders, will visit Karpoori Gram, the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur... and pay his tributes," Jaiswal said. Modi will return on October 30 for rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra. "The PM's rallies are also scheduled on November 2, 3, 6 and 7," he added.

AIMIM releases list of 25 candidates for Bihar Assembly elections

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Sunday released its list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

The polling for the 243-seat Assembly is scheduled to be held on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14.

In a post on X, AIMIM wrote, "The names of AIMIM candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections are something like this. Inshallah, we hope to become the voice of the most oppressed people in Bihar. This list has been prepared by the AIMIM Bihar unit, and in this regard, consultation has also been done with the party's national leadership."

'Did not receive a positive response' : Why JMM decided to go solo in Bihar assembly elections

On JMM to contest on six seats alone in the Bihar Assembly elections, JMM leader Manoj Pandey said, "Discussions were ongoing in every regard, but when we did not receive a positive response and our requested number of seats was denied, what options does a political party have?... Therefore, we will contest the elections with strength; this decision has been finalised. Six seats have been announced, and the candidates will also be revealed today. If necessary, we may field candidates in a few additional seats..."

Main objective to defeat BJP-RSS, says CPI's D Raja

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja stated that the Mahagathbandhan's primary objective is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, accusing them of posing a threat to the Constitution.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, D Raja said, "BJP-RSS is posing grave threats to the Constitution. Our main objective is to defeat the BJP-RSS combine in the Bihar elections through the Mahagatbandhan."

The CPI is part of the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. While the seat-sharing formula of the alliance is yet to be announced, in the 2020 polls, the CPI contested on six seats, winning two.

Polling for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.

Further, the CPI leader D Raja defended Congress leader Priyank Kharge's demand for a ban on RSS' activities in government premises, claiming RSS is not a registered body.

Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang arrives in Patna

Congress releases second list for Bihar elections, announces names of five candidates

he Congress party released its second list of candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections on Saturday, announcing nominees for Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town. Shaswat Kedar Pandey will contest from Narkatiaganj, while Qamrul Hoda will stand from Kishanganj. Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav, and Mohan Shrivasta are the party’s picks for Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town, respectively. This follows the first list of 48 candidates released on October 17.

Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan alliance, including RJD and Congress, failed to finalize a seat-sharing pact for the first phase, leading to “friendly fights” among allies. Polling will be held on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor predicted the opposition INDIA alliance would finish third, with the main contest between NDA and Jan Suraaj. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha announced it will contest six seats independently, further complicating opposition unity.

INDIA alliance will finish third this time, fight in Bihar polls is between NDA and Jan Suraaj: Prashant Kishor

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Saturday targeted the Mahagathbandhan, predicting a poor performance in the upcoming Bihar elections. “INDIA alliance is going to finish third this time. The fight is between the NDA and Jan Suraaj,” he told reporters.

His comments came amid signs of deepening cracks within the opposition bloc. Earlier in the day, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced it would contest independently in Bihar, stepping away from the Mahagathbandhan. JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said, “Dhamdaha, Chakai, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui and Pirpainti – we will contest these,” highlighting internal disputes like Congress contesting against RJD.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also pointed to an "internal tug of war" in the Mahagathbandhan. “Aapsi ladai ke patake Mahagathbandhan main phoot rahe hain,” he said, noting RJD-Congress infighting and alleging confusion in leadership. Polls in Bihar will be held on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.

Congress releases a list of 5 candidates for the upcoming Bihar polls

NDA to return to power in Bihar with record majority: BJP

The BJP on Saturday claimed that the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar is suffering from "lack of coordination and infighting," while the NDA is united and poised for victory in the upcoming assembly elections. BJP MP and chief spokesperson Anil Baluni said on X that seat-sharing and nominations in the NDA were completed smoothly, with over 80 rallies already held. “In the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, neither the leader, nor seat-sharing, nor coordination is in place,” he stated. He asserted that the NDA, led by PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, will return to power with a record majority as people have rejected the opposition.

Bihar polls: JD(U) fields ex-MP whom it expelled in 2014 for praising PM Modi

Former Rajya Sabha MP Sabir Ali, expelled from JD(U) in 2014 for praising Narendra Modi, has been named the party’s candidate for the Amour assembly seat in Bihar. The announcement came just two days after Saba Zafar was declared the candidate, but reasons for his replacement remain unclear. Ali rejoined JD(U) in Purnea, in the presence of Minister Leshi Singh. Previously a two-time Rajya Sabha MP, Ali had joined the BJP after falling out with Nitish Kumar but was later expelled over alleged links to terrorist Yasin Bhatkal. He was re-inducted in 2015 and served as BJP minority cell general secretary. Ali will now face AIMIM's Akhtarul Iman, the incumbent MLA, in his attempt to reclaim political ground in Amour.

JMM to contest Bihar polls independently, ‘review’ alliance in Jharkhand

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced it will contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections independently, fielding candidates in six seats: Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC). The elections will take place on November 6 and 11, with votes counted on November 14. JMM’s decision comes after its demand for 12 seats within the INDIA bloc alliance was not met by October 14. Party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya emphasized JMM's past support for Congress and RJD in both Jharkhand and Bihar elections. He also stated that, after the Bihar elections, JMM will review its coalition with Congress and RJD in Jharkhand. The party has declared a list of 20 star campaigners for Bihar, including Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and other key leaders. Bhattacharya expressed confidence in JMM's success, asserting that no government in Bihar could be formed without the party's support.

JMM to contest Bihar polls independently; fields candidates in 6 seats

Jharkhand's ruling JMM announced it will contest the Bihar assembly polls independently, fielding candidates in six seats. “The party has decided to contest the Bihar polls on its own. It will contest six assembly seats – Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui and Pirpainti,” said JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.

Hemant Soren-led JMM announces it will contest Bihar assembly polls independently, to field candidates in six seats

Jharkhand Police reviews security arrangements in districts bordering poll-bound Bihar

Jharkhand Police reviewed security in districts bordering poll-bound Bihar, urging intensified action against Maoists and criminal gangs. IG Michael Raj S directed police to strengthen interstate checkposts, curb illegal liquor, drugs, firearms, and illicit money movement, share intelligence on wanted criminals, and ensure peaceful Bihar elections on November 6 and 11.

Polling day to be paid holiday for employees in Bihar

The Election Commission announced that polling days for the Bihar assembly elections—November 6 and 11—will be paid holidays for all eligible voters employed in any business, trade, or industrial establishment. This rule also applies to the bye-elections in eight constituencies across seven states and Union Territories, scheduled for November 11. Citing Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the EC emphasized that no wages should be deducted for the polling day, and employers who violate this will face fines. The directive covers daily wage and casual workers as well. Voters working outside their home constituencies will also receive paid leave to return and cast their votes. State and UT governments have been instructed to enforce these guidelines strictly, ensuring voters can participate freely. Meanwhile, election activity is gaining momentum in Bihar, with candidates being declared for the first phase and campaigning picking up across the state.

Don't repose trust in 'jungle raj wearing a new mask': Shah to people of Bihar

Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence that the NDA would retain power in Bihar, rejecting the RJD-led INDIA bloc as “jungle raj wearing a new mask”.

Concluding his three-day tour of the poll-bound state, Shah said the NDA was committed to continuing Bihar’s development “with PM Narendra Modi above and CM Nitish Kumar below”.

“I have come seeking the blessings of the people. Bihar, once like a pothole, has been levelled over the last 20 years. Now we plan to build a grand structure on this solid foundation. I plead with the people not to trust those who would bring back jungle raj, wearing a new mask,” Shah said at the ‘Bihar Samagam’ conclave.

He urged voters to give the NDA another chance under Nitish Kumar's leadership. Asked about Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, Shah declined comment, saying: “We shall talk about him once the votes are counted.”

He dismissed opposition claims of pre-poll freebies, citing welfare achievements like free foodgrains for 8.52 crore people, Kisan Samman Nidhi for 87 lakh farmers, and housing for 44 lakh families.

Shah added, “There’s been a huge improvement in infrastructure. Bihar can’t host massive industries, but with its talent pool, we aim to make it an AI hub.”

Paid holiday in Bihar on voting days; employers contravening provision can be fined: EC

The Election Commission on Saturday said voters in Bihar, where polls will be held in two phases next month, are entitled to paid holidays on polling days, and employers who contravene this legal provision can be fined.

It added that voters in eight assembly constituencies across various states, where bypolls are being held on November 11, are also entitled to a paid holiday.

"As per section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a State/UT, shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll," the EC said citing legal provisions

It underlined that there will be no deduction of wages on account of such a paid holiday.

"Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine," it cautioned.

All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on election day, it said.

Bihar Polls: Chirag Paswan meets Amit Shah in Patna, finalise NDA's campaign strategy

Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on Saturday met Union home minister Amit Shah in Patna to discuss the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) preparations and strategy for the upcoming 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections

Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.

In a post on X, Paswan wrote, "Today, in Patna, I met with the country's home minister, the honorable Shri @AmitShah ji, and had detailed discussions regarding preparations for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and the strategy for the NDA alliance."

Speaking to reporters, ahead of polls, Chirag Paswan said that it is the strength of our alliance that we are walking hand-in-hand towards a historical victory to build a Viksit Bharat envisioned by PM Modi.

"Union home minister Amit Shah is on a visit to Bihar. It is the strength of our alliance that we are walking hand-in-hand towards a historical victory to build a Viksit Bharat envisioned by PM Modi. The PM has visited Bihar 11 times in the last year after forming the government, which shows his priority is towards Bihar. In the meeting with Amit Shah today, the strategy to win historic seats was discussed," he said.

He further highlighted the ongoing head-to-head clashes within the Mahagathbandhan, noting that candidates from the same alliance have filed nominations against each other.

"NDA has respected all 5 of its allies and completed the negotiation. The nominations of all 243 candidates are clear. The names of all 243 candidates are clear. There is no confusion like the Mahagathbandhan... We have already started our campaign when the Mahagathbandhan is trying to cancel out each other's claims," Paswan said.

Bihar polls: CPI(ML) Liberation releases list of 20 candidates, nominates all 12 sitting MLAs

The CPI(ML) Liberation, a constituent of the INDIA bloc in Bihar, on Saturday released its list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, renominating all its 12 sitting MLAs.

The party fielded new faces in seats which it could not win in the 2020 assembly polls.

The Left party had, in the last assembly elections, contested 19 seats and won 12 of these.

"We have maintained the spirit of coalition. Although we deserved more seats this time, we finally decided to contest only 20 assembly segments. We wanted to contest at least 24 seats this time, but it could not be materialised.

"I am confident that the 'Mahatgathbandhan' will win the polls with a thumping majority. People are tired of the NDA government," CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya told PTI after releasing the list of candidates.

Prominent party MLAs, who have been re-nominated, are Amarjeet Kushwaha, Satyadeo Ram, Gopal Ravi Das, Sandeep Saurav, Shiv Prakash Ranaj, Ajeet Kumar Singh, Birendra Prasad and Mahboob Alam.

Diya Gautam, Anil Kumar, and Phoolbabu Singh are among others.

Chirag Paswan questions Tejashwi Yadav's claim as CM candidate, says alliance cannot develop Bihar

As Bihar gears up for Assembly Elections, Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on Saturday attacked the Mahagathbandhan over reports of Tejashwi Yadav as Bihar's chief ministerial candidate, saying even the alliance has not confirmed it.

Chirag Paswan met Union home minister Amit Shah in Patna to discuss strategies for securing key constituencies ahead of the 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14

Speaking to reporters, Paswan added that a coalition plagued by internal clashes cannot deliver development, warning that the people will not accept such leadership ahead of the state elections.

"Who says Tejashwi Yadav's name (as CM candidate) is confirmed when even the Alliance is not saying that Tejashwi is confirmed. The people will not accept them. An alliance which has so many internal clashes cannot develop Bihar," he said.

'Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad, touring the country, but not coming to Bihar': UP DyCM Keshav Prasad Maurya

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday took a dig at Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi by saying that he is travelling abroad, touring the country, but not coming to Bihar ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, UP DyCM said, "Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad, touring the country, but not coming to Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav is insulting his alliance partner. So whatever is happening, I believe it is good for Bihar. The people who would have given them 20, 25 seats, perhaps now they will crave for that too."

'We will celebrate Diwali on November 14 with NDA's historic win': Chirag Paswan ahead of Bihar polls

As the Bihar Assembly election draws near, Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) asserted that the NDA in Bihar is united and well-coordinated ahead of the assembly elections, dismissing reports of internal friction. He described the opposition Mahagathbandhan as a confused alliance and reaffirmed support for Nitish Kumar's leadership, predicting a "historic victory" for the NDA on November 14.

Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.

Paswan told ANI, "As much confusion as was being spread about the NDA, I had repeatedly said that all matters would be decided very smoothly within the NDA, whether it is about seat selection or finalising candidates. The Mahagathbandhan is a confused alliance.I say with confidence that the NDA alliance is moving towards a historic victory."

"We are contesting the elections under the leadership of chief minister Nitish Kumar...I have not had even 1% dispute with any other constituent party...We will truly celebrate Diwali on November 14," he added.

'Declare Tejashwi Yadav as CM candidate, avoid Maharashtra mistakes in Bihar': Priyanka Chaturvedi

As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said Tejashwi Yadav, a "very popular candidate" and the former deputy CM, should be declared the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate.

She also stressed that mistakes in seat allocation and candidate selection, which were seen in Maharashtra, must not be repeated in Bihar.

Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.

On Friday, Chaturvedi told ANI, "The mistakes made in the Maharashtra elections, including not declaring the chief ministerial candidate, as well as disputes among the three alliance partners over seat allocation and candidate selection, should not be repeated in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav is a very popular candidate."

She further added, "He is almost in a neck-to-neck fight with Nitish Kumar and the various other so-called aspirants of the chief ministership. He has done a phenomenal job when he was the deputy chief minister. So it is time that as part of the INDIA Alliance and in the spirit of it, which we came around that we should all support the party which is stronger and he would be supported, would be helped, and he would be declared as the chief ministerial candidate..."

SBSP releases another list of candidates for Bihar polls

Om Prakash Rajbhar's Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) on Saturday released another list of six candidates for the two-phased Bihar Assembly election.

SBSP has named Vashistha Paswan from Ramnagar, Ghurelal Rajbhar from Ramgarh, Ram Vakil Rajvanshi from Karakat, Ravindra Rajbhar from Wazirganj, Rajesh Rajwar from Raniganj and Radheshyam Rajwar from Kutumba.

SBSP has decided to contest alone in Bihar after its party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar expressed dissatisfaction with the NDA for not offering any seat. The party has already released its first list of 47 candidates.

Rajbhar had demanded 4-5 seats from NDA for the Bihar election, but the BJP and JDU's prominent alliance decided to go against it, prompting SBSP to contest alone.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the alliance, Rajbhar alleged that the BJP did not uphold "Gathbndhan Dharma."

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar extends Dhanteras greetings

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Dhanteras.

In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, "Congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state and the country on Dhanteras. May the grace of Mahalakshmi remain upon everyone. May happiness, peace, and prosperity come to the state. May Bihar reach the pinnacle of progress."

Bihar elections 2025: Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party to contest alone

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party chief, Pashupati Kumar Paras, said, "We made significant efforts to form an alliance with the Mahagathbandhan, but the alliance did not materialise. We have decided that we will contest the elections alone. I am hopeful that in the first phase of the elections, we will win a good number of seats."

Nitish Kumar's activeness and vision will give him the position he deserves: RS Dy Chairman Harivansh

Praising Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh said that his activeness and sense of responsibility will earn him the position he truly deserves.

In an interview with ANI, the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman said, "Unki (Nitish Kumar) sakriyata aur vision unko wahi daitva dega, which he deserves ("His [Nitish Kumar's] activeness and responsibility will give him the position he truly deserves)."

He further spoke about Bihar's journey of development and how Nitish Kumar's leadership has transformed the state over the past two decades.

"In an interview with ANI, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh says, 'When Bihar separated from Jharkhand, slogans were raised in Jharkhand that "Bihar ke paas kya bacha, Aalu, Balu aur Lalu..." Aalu meant that there was not much agricultural production, and Balu meant that it did not have any economic resources like minerals... And Lalu was a symbol of misrule...'"

"There used to be one bridge connecting North Bihar and South Bihar... The second bridge, built in 1981 to connect Patna and North Bihar, was initiated by the coalition governments in 1967. Bihar had to wait 30-35 years for a bridge to be built... More than 1,100 bridges were built during Nitish Kumar's tenure..." he said.

'Can Bihar remain safe if RJD gives ticket to Shahabuddin's son?' asks Amit Shah on fielding Osama Shahab for Bihar polls

"I have seen RJD - Rashtriya Janata Dal's candidates ' list, and it contains the name of Shahabuddin's son. Can Bihar remain safe if RJD gives the election ticket to Shahabuddin's son? If we have to keep Bihar safe, we need to bring back the jodi of Modi-Nitish," he said.

Opposition has lost the public's trust, says BJP leader Syed Zafar Islam

"The opposition has no issues. They have lost the public's trust. They are struggling, so they are trying to create issues. The Home Minister said we are fighting under the leadership of Nitish Kumar; he is our leader, and we will form the NDA government under his leadership. The discussion is over, now they (the opposition) can speculate... All the MLAs who are elected choose the leader," he said.

Bihar polls: Congress MP Akhilesh Singh declares Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face of Mahagathbandhan

"Tejashwi Yadav is the CM face (of Mahagathbandhan). Seat-sharing is being done," he said.

'Thought it was AI-generated': Amit Shah mocks Tejashwi's govt job to each house promise; asks 'where will money come from'

"I found it funny, even thought that maybe it was an AI-generated video. When I saw the video of Lalu Prasad Yadav's son promising govt jobs to every family in Bihar, but where will the money come from," he said.

Bihar polls: JD(U) releases list of star campaigners

Bihar elections: 'In just 15 years of 'jungle raj', Bihar lost its pride,' says Amit Shah

"The period in which Bihar's reputation declined... In just 15 years of 'jungle raj', Bihar lost its pride, wealth, and education... When he (Lalu Yadav) came out of jail in a corruption case and a procession was taken out on an elephant, we could not understand this kind of shamelessness... The industries that were established in Bihar at the time of independence gradually started leaving Bihar... That 15-year rule pushed Bihar back by almost half a century. The same 'jungle raj' is in front of the people of Bihar today with new faces," he said.

JD(U) faces seat-related issues within the NDA alliance, says Congress MP Manickam Tagore

"It is BJP's hidden agenda and their treatment of senior leaders like Nitish Babu, suggesting manipulation which is similar to the Eknath Shinde situation in Maharashtra....The Janata Dal (United) faces seat-related issues within the NDA alliance; this will lead to the NDA’s loss in Bihar," he said.

With Phase 1 nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections now closed, the NDA has finalized its candidates and campaign strategy, projecting readiness. Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan (or INDIA bloc), led by the RJD, is still finalizing seat-sharing and has announced only a few candidates. The NDA claims this delay shows disarray, but alliance leaders maintain it reflects expansion rather than confusion.

'Proponents of Jungle Raj once again seeing Mungeri Lal's beautiful dream of forming govt': BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh

"The proponents of Jungle Raj are once again seeing Mungeri Lal's beautiful dream of forming a government... The corrupt politics of RJD-Congress have pushed Bihar back by years. They have come again to deceive the public with these populist talks, but Bihar is now awakened. The people of Bihar have seen good governance and development under the leadership of PM Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar. Now, no matter how much noise the leaders of the INDI alliance make, Bihar will never fall for the tricks of these cheats and looters again," he said.

Bihar polls: Jan Suraaj releases list of star campaigners, Prashant Kishor in the list

Bihar elections: BJP's Maithili Thakur addresses public after filing nomination from Alinagar assembly constituency

Bihar polls: NDA government has undertaken the work of building numerous engineering colleges, medical colleges, and roads, says Amit Shah

"So much work has been done on infrastructure in Bihar that it doesn’t take 5 hours to travel from one corner of Bihar to another. This development has been achieved through the collaboration of Modi ji and Nitish ji. Before our government came to power in Saharanpur division, migration, extortion, murders, and kidnappings were commonplace, but now, the NDA government has undertaken the work of building numerous engineering colleges, medical colleges, and roads here," says Amit Shah.

Bihar polls: 'A grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita is also being built in Punaura Dham,' says Amit Shah

"For 500 years, Lord Shri Ram resided in a hut. Prime Minister Shri Narendera Modi ji performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Ram Temple, conducted the consecration, and facilitated the construction of a magnificent temple. Now, a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita is also being built in Punaura Dham, Bihar," said Amit Shah.

Bihar polls: 'I clearly state that the NDA is set to form the government in Bihar with a majority', says Amit Shah

"The media keeps asking about the atmosphere in Bihar, and I clearly state that the NDA is set to form the government in Bihar with a majority. We are contesting the elections in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, and across the country, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leading the NDA," Union home minister Amit Shah said in Saran.

Bihar polls: There is no better place than Chhapra, Saran, to remind the youth of Bihar about that jungle raj of Lalu and Rabri, says Amit Shah

"When you start campaigning from Saran, we only see victory. There is no better place than Chhapra, Saran, to remind the youth of Bihar about that jungle raj of Lalu and Rabri and take a pledge to fight against it," says Amit Shah.

Bihar polls: EC to meet heads of enforcement agencies

​​The Election Commission has convened a meeting of the Committee of Heads of Enforcement Agencies and Heads of Forces on Friday to give a final shape to its strategy to prevent inducement of voters in the Bihar Assembly polls.

The chief secretary and DGP of Bihar will also join the meeting online along with state chief electoral officer.

Aimed at ensuring pro-active and preventive action by each law enforcement agency during the upcoming Bihar elections, the Committee will discuss the strategy to curb covert expenditure by candidatures and political parties.

It will also fine tune cooperation and sharing of intelligence of economic offences amongst law enforcement agencies for effective action, officials said.

Measures to check transportation of smuggled goods, drugs, liquor and cash, including fake currency, through inter-state borders and international borders will also be taken up during the deliberations.

Bihar shares its international border with Nepal.

The Committee includes 17 departments - CBDT, CBIC, ED, DRI, CEIB, FIU-IND, RBI, IBA, NCB, RPF, CISF, BSF, CRPF, SSB, BCAS, AAI and Department of Posts.

The key state goes to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11 while votes will be conducted on November 14. (PTI)

Bihar polls: Amit Shah meets CM Nitish Kumar in Patna

Bihar polls: 'Mahagathbandhan on verge of major split,' says BJP leader Guru Prakash Paswan

BJP leader Guru Prakash Paswan on Friday said that the Mahagathbandhan is "on the verge of a major split," citing the "visible disunity" within the opposition alliance. With today marking the final day for nominations, he said that there is still no clarity on seat-sharing ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

"The Mahagathbandhan is on the verge of a major split, given the visible disunity among them... Today is the last day for nominations, yet there is still no clarity. All those doing this will risk their existence and could cease to exist once the results are announced on November 14th," Paswan said to ANI.

On Union home minister Amit Shah's statement regarding NDA's chief ministerial candidate for Bihar elections 2025, Paswan said, "We are contesting the elections under his leadership, and there is complete trust in Nitish Kumar's name. Nitish ji has a track record; he has delivered..."

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday clarified that while the BJP believes in Nitish Kumar's leadership, the decision on the Chief Minister's post will be made by the alliance after the Bihar elections.