A tragic Monday morning turned deadly for pilgrims in West Bengal and Bihar, with 13 devotees losing their lives in two separate incidents.

In West Bengal’s Birbhum district, six pilgrims were killed after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in the Tarapith area. Several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

According to the fire department, the blaze broke out on the ground floor of a hotel located near a pond in the Tarapith police station area early Monday morning. Many pilgrims were staying at the hotel ahead of Shravan Somvar, when large crowds gather at the famous Tarapith temple.

Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze. After a prolonged operation, the fire was brought under control. The injured were rescued and shifted to Rampurhat Government Medical College and other nearby hospitals.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, though authorities are investigating the exact reason. Police from Tarapith and Rampurhat have started an investigation.

Stampede at Bihar Temple Claims Seven Lives

Meanwhile, seven devotees were killed and more than 12 injured in a stampede at the famous Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar.

The incident occurred on the third Monday of Shravan, when thousands of devotees had gathered to offer water to Lord Shiva. A large crowd was moving towards the temple through barricaded queues.

According to preliminary information, rumours about an electric wire snapping suddenly triggered panic among the devotees. In the ensuing chaos, people reportedly broke through barricades and started running, leading to a stampede.

Seven devotees died in the incident, while more than 12 others were injured. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Both incidents have cast a shadow over the religious gatherings on Shravan Monday, as large numbers of devotees had gathered at prominent temples to offer prayers.

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A fierce rivalry between two prominent coaching institutions in Patna has taken a dramatic turn, with police launching a search operation for popular educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir.

According to police sources, a case has been registered against Khan Sir at Kadamkuan Police Station under charges including attempt to murder and violations of the Arms Act. The development comes amid an ongoing dispute involving rival coaching centres in the Bihar capital.

Attack on Khan Global Studies Sparks Controversy

The controversy began on the night of June 2 when a group of individuals allegedly attacked Khan Sir’s coaching institute, Khan Global Studies (KGS), in Patna.

According to allegations, the attackers assaulted security guards, vandalized property, tore down posters and banners, and created chaos at the coaching centre premises.

Following the incident, a complaint was filed against Roshan Anand, head of Gyan Bindu Coaching, and several of his associates for allegedly conspiring and carrying out the attack. Based on the complaint, police arrested Roshan Anand.

Viral Video Changes Course of Investigation

The case took a significant turn after a video surfaced on social media showing one of Khan Sir’s security guards allegedly firing a weapon during the incident.

Following the video’s circulation, police visited the Khan Global Studies premises and detained two security guards associated with the coaching institute. Their firearms were seized and sent for forensic examination.

Police subsequently conducted technical and forensic investigations and gathered evidence related to the incident.

Based on the findings, authorities registered a fresh case against Faisal Khan, making him a key accused in the matter.

Khan Sir Defends Security Personnel’s Actions

Responding to the allegations, Khan Sir defended the actions of his security staff, claiming that the firing was carried out in self-defence.

He stated that around 20 to 25 people had allegedly attacked and brutally assaulted his guards, leaving them with no option but to protect themselves.

“There was a violent confrontation taking place, and I knew it would take time for the police to reach the spot. Security guards are employed to protect lives during emergencies,” Khan Sir said while explaining the incident.

He maintained that the actions of the guards were aimed at preventing further harm during the attack.

Massive Student Protest Against Roshan Anand’s Arrest

Meanwhile, the arrest of Gyan Bindu Coaching chief Roshan Anand has triggered large-scale protests by students in Patna.

More than 5,000 students reportedly participated in a candlelight march from NIT Crossing to Kargil Chowk, demanding justice for Roshan Anand.

The protesting students alleged that their teacher had been falsely implicated as part of a larger conspiracy. They questioned why Khan Sir had not been arrested despite allegations that his security personnel had opened fire during the clash.

Investigation Continues

The dispute between the two coaching institutions has now evolved into a major law-and-order issue in Patna, attracting widespread public attention.

Police officials have stated that investigations are ongoing and that all evidence, including forensic reports, video footage, and witness statements, will be examined before further action is taken.

As the legal battle intensifies, both coaching institutions remain at the centre of one of the most high-profile controversies in Bihar’s education sector in recent years.

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The expansion of Bihar’s cabinet has triggered a heated political battle between the ruling NDA and opposition RJD, with accusations of nepotism dominating the discourse. While RJD has alleged that the government is indulging in dynasty politics, NDA leaders hailed the election outcome as a validation of their governance and leadership.

RJD Accuses NDA of Nepotism

The RJD took to social media to highlight family ties in politics, claiming that nearly 80% of HAM(S) winners were relatives of party chiefs. They also pointed out that in BJP, 12.35% of legislators and in JD(U), 11 MLAs come from political families.

In its statement, the RJD said:

“Following his coalition’s record 10th time in office, new Bihar CM @NitishKumar & his deputy both leave their relatives out of cabinet. While BJP & JDU unleash nepotism.”

The opposition also noted that there was widespread speculation before the Nitish Kumar swearing-in that he would form an all-Bihar team, but the alleged family dominance in allied parties drew sharp criticism.

JD(U) and BJP Leaders Defend the Cabinet

Reacting to the allegations, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, senior JD(U) leader and minister, emphasized the public mandate as a vote of confidence in the NDA alliance. He said:

“This huge victory shows people’s full faith in the alliance and Nitish ji. His efforts in the past 20 years have helped instill confidence that Bihar is secure and developing rapidly under him. The Modi-Nitish duo is the biggest hit jodi in the history of Indian politics; their chemistry ensured that Bihar was placed on the fast track of development.”

BJP’s Dilip Jaiswal dismissed RJD’s claims, arguing that the opposition selectively targets political families while overlooking instances at the national level, such as a prime minister’s or CM’s son taking office. He added,

“People know the true meaning of parivarvad.”

NDA Focused on Governance Amid Political Controversy

Despite the brickbats flying thick and fast, the NDA remains confident about its electoral victory and has pledged to continue focusing on rapid development initiatives in Bihar. Analysts say the spat highlights the enduring tension in Bihar politics over dynastic influence versus governance performance.

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In a dramatic twist just hours before the closure of key Bihar assembly nominations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced its withdrawal from the Mahagathbandhan, citing alleged marginalisation in seat-sharing arrangements. JMM chief Hemant Soren claimed that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress orchestrated a “political conspiracy,” prompting his party to vow a “befitting lesson” to the two allies.

The immediate impact of JMM’s exit is disorder in the opposition camp, potentially increasing the NDA’s prospects in the state. JMM had planned to contest six border constituencies — Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti — slated for polling on November 11, a move that had initially created a buzz before quickly fading with Monday’s withdrawal.

Allegations of Betrayal and Past Grievances

Party spokesperson Manoj Pandey accused RJD of cunning tactics and Congress of negligence, claiming that JMM was “misled and kept in the dark.” Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar recalled past support extended to RJD in Bihar (2015) and Congress in Jharkhand elections (2019), criticizing the unfulfilled promises. “This humiliation demands a sharp reply; we will look into the state of relationships in Jharkhand,” he said, hinting at a possible wider split in the INDIA bloc.

Political Paradox: Minimal JMM Influence in Bihar

Ironically, JMM’s constituencies have historically had minimal impact in Bihar elections:

• 2020: 5 seats, 0.2% vote share (~25,000 votes)

• 2015: 32 seats, 0.3% vote share, no wins

• 2010: 41 seats, 0.6% vote share, 1 seat

Analysts suggest that JMM’s departure could prevent vote-splitting in tribal-dominated areas such as Kishanganj, Banka, and Bhagalpur, potentially benefiting the Mahagathbandhan in some regions despite the rift.

Opposition Infighting and NDA Advantage

The split has already drawn criticism and ridicule on social media. BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla dubbed the alliance a “Gaanthbandhan,” highlighting its internal knots, while Union Minister Chirag Paswan sarcastically called the disarray a “gift” to the NDA. Political analysts note that RJD’s strategy of fielding 143 candidates, including “friendly fights” with Congress and CPI, underscores deep divisions that could divert tribal votes to Nitish Kumar’s NDA, potentially securing a third consecutive term for the alliance in Bihar.

High Stakes Ahead of Polls

With polling scheduled for November 6 and 11 and results to be announced on November 14, Bihar remains a political powder keg. While NDA leaders are already celebrating, the volatile state of opposition unity means the final outcome is uncertain, and every vote could prove decisive in the cutthroat electoral arena.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement has stirred significant political tension in Bihar. Speaking on Thursday, Shah clarified that while the NDA would contest the Assembly under CM Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the decision on who will lead the post-election government rests with the alliance partners.

“Deciding whether Nitish will be the CM again is not my responsibility,” Shah said, adding that after the polls, all allies would meet to select their leader. He recalled that in 2020, Nitish Kumar had respectfully declined BJP’s CM candidate, honoring seniority when the alliance made the request.

Opposition Uses Statement as Political Tool

Opposition parties have seized Shah’s comments as a point of attack, alleging divisions within the NDA. Meanwhile, alliance members have maintained a discreet stance. Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha and Union Minister, supported Shah’s position but suggested that clarity regarding the next CM should have been provided before the election to avoid confusion. Manjhi also acknowledged past issues in JDU seat-sharing negotiations, asserting that the situation has now been resolved.

NDA Leaders Dismiss Discord Rumours

Lalan Singh of the JDU accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and urged them to consider the full context of Shah’s statements. Following a Friday meeting between Shah and Nitish, attended by deputies Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, NDA National President Sanjay Jha denied any internal conflict.

“It was only a discussion regarding election strategy; there are no problems in the NDA,” Jha said, mocking the opposition for their “daytime tickets, nighttime snatches” and dismissing false rumours.

Assurance from NDA Spokespersons

NDA spokesperson Neeraj Kumar emphasized, “Even if the moon and sun change places, it will not be too late for Nitish to be the CM; it is a done deal.” Ahead of a rally in Jagdishpur, where Nitish is scheduled to speak, the alliance appears to be projecting a united front against a divided opposition, countering speculation about internal differences.

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In a surprising move, Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishor announced that he will not contest the Bihar Assembly elections, prioritizing the party’s organisational growth over personal ambition. Kishor explained that contesting would distract him from strengthening the party, potentially hampering its preparations.

Ambitious Targets for Jan Suraj

In a candid interview, Kishor set a bold target for his fledgling party, aiming for 150 seats out of 294. He said anything less would indicate public skepticism toward his policies, while a resounding mandate could transform Bihar’s governance and reshape national politics.

Strategy Against RJD and Focus on Organisational Growth

Kishor revealed that Jan Suraj will field a rival candidate against RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav in Raghopur, underlining the priority of party expansion over personal electoral ambition. “If I fight, my focus would shift from building the party,” he remarked, emphasizing long-term organisational strategy.

High-Stakes Gamble in Bihar Politics

Kishor’s announcement has stirred political circles, with his all-or-nothing approach raising the stakes. He predicted that Jan Suraj could either win over 150 seats or less than 10, hinting at a high-risk strategy. In case of setbacks, he vowed to return to grassroots engagement with Bihar’s common citizens.

Bihar Awaits Kishor’s Political Maneuver

With elections imminent, all eyes are on Prashant Kishor as his calculated gamble could either reshape Bihar’s political landscape or set back Jan Suraj’s ambitions, making the state a key stage for this electoral experiment.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, marking the beginning of a crucial political battle in the state. The announcement, made on Tuesday, features 71 candidates who will contest in the first phase of the polls.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary Gets Ticket from Tarapur

In this first phase, the BJP has given a ticket to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary from the Tarapur constituency, reaffirming his strong influence in the state’s political landscape. Similarly, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav has been fielded from the Danapur seat, signaling the party’s focus on seasoned leaders with mass appeal.

Seat-Sharing Within NDA Finalized

For several weeks, discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over seat-sharing had caused internal friction. However, the alliance partners have finally reached an agreement. As per the final understanding, both the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) will contest 101 seats each, reflecting a balanced power-sharing formula between the two major NDA allies.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Chirag Paswan will contest in 29 seats, while smaller allies — Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) — have been allotted six seats each.

BJP Sets the Tone for the Campaign

With the release of its first list, the BJP has set the tone for a fierce electoral campaign in Bihar. The move comes amid high political anticipation, with the ruling NDA aiming to retain power against the opposition’s challenge led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.

Party insiders suggest that the second list of candidates is likely to be released soon, covering the remaining constituencies. The battle lines in Bihar are now clearly drawn as the state heads toward another decisive election.

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HAM Chief Seeks 20–25 Seats

In a bold move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, former Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi demanded 20–25 seats for his party from the NDA alliance. Speaking at the Dalit, Extremely Backward Classes, and Minority Dialogue event in Darbhanga on Sunday, Manjhi warned that his party could be sidelined if adequate representation is not granted.

Promises and Incentives for Voters

Manjhi, currently holding only four seats, pledged to implement 34 promises from his tenure as CM if HAM secures more wins. His proposals included free education for girls from school to college, an increase in social security pensions from ₹1,100 to ₹2,000 per month, and the removal of the 125-unit free electricity limit. Analysts view these promises as a strategic move to strengthen HAM’s negotiating position within the NDA.

Criticism of Opposition and Praise for NDA

Turning to the opposition, Manjhi criticized the Mahagathbandhan, likening their rejection of Bihar’s progress to “birds blind to sunlight at noon.” He lauded NDA’s achievements under Nitish Kumar, particularly in infrastructure and power, and urged voters to support the alliance for another term. Manjhi also recalled the alleged lawlessness under RJD and Lalu Prasad Yadav, contrasting it with the current administration’s strict governance.

Alliance Dynamics at Stake

Manjhi’s ultimatum has the potential to disrupt NDA seat-sharing negotiations and test Nitish Kumar’s coalition-building skills as Bihar gears up for a fiercely contested election.

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