The Curious Case of Candidate Order on Bihar’s EVMs

As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, one intriguing question often arises among voters — how is the order of candidates’ names on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) decided? Many assume that the sequence might be determined by political parties or through a random draw, but the truth lies in a far more systematic and language-based process. This linguistic logic adds a fascinating layer to India’s democratic framework.

Alphabetical Order — The Language Logic Behind EVMs

In Hindi-speaking states like Bihar, the names of candidates on EVMs are arranged according to the alphabetical order of the Hindi alphabet (Devanagari script). This means that a candidate whose name begins with ‘क’ (Ka) will appear before one whose name starts with ‘ख’ (Kha), and so on, following the traditional Hindi alphabetical sequence.

This rule-based method often influences the strategies of political parties and candidates. Some even see an advantage in how their names appear on the list — a subtle mix of linguistic tradition and electoral psychology.

Ensuring Transparency with VVPAT Integration

To enhance transparency and voter confidence, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has integrated Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems with EVMs. When a voter casts their vote, the VVPAT briefly displays a printed slip showing the chosen candidate’s details. The slip is visible for a few seconds and then securely stored inside the machine — ensuring both verification and voter privacy.

This mechanism allows election officials to audit the votes if required, strengthening public trust in the process. In a state like Bihar, with its vast voter base and crowded electoral contests, such technology ensures elections remain secure, efficient, and credible.

Merging Language and Technology for a Stronger Democracy

The combination of linguistic ordering and cutting-edge voting technology represents more than just administrative precision — it symbolizes India’s evolving democracy. As Bihar approaches the 2025 polls, this blend of tradition and innovation sets a new benchmark for fair, transparent, and accessible elections, reinforcing faith in the world’s largest democratic exercise.

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Historic Visit to Sabarimala

In an emotional blend of tradition, faith, and social transformation, President Droupadi Murmu made history on Wednesday by becoming the first woman to offer darshan at Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. Her serene ascent to the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa—symbolizing eternal celibacy—reflects the subtle interplay between age-old customs and modern reforms following last year’s Supreme Court ruling that ended entry bans for women of menstruating age.

Ceremonial Beginnings at Pamba

President Murmu began her pilgrimage at the Pamba base camp around 11 am, amid tight security that briefly restricted general pilgrim entry. Dressed in a simple black saree, she immersed her feet in the Pamba River, paying obeisance at the nearby Ganapati Temple. She received the sacred ‘Kettanira’ and the ‘Irumudikettu’ (holy bag of offerings) from chief priest Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, assisted by her son-in-law Ghanesh Chandra Hombrom and officials.

Climbing the Holy Steps

A special vehicle ferried her along the 4.5 km Swamy Ayyappan Road, believed to be the first vehicular ascent for a sitting President. At Sannidhanam, she was welcomed traditionally by the priest and Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. Balancing the Irumudi on her head, she climbed the 18 sacred steps and offered prayers through the returning ritual aarti, followed by a visit to Malikapuram Temple and a simple lunch at the TDB guest house.

Reactions and Significance

BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar praised the visit on X (formerly Twitter), calling it an example of dignified devotion:
“She didn’t defame, she didn’t offend anyone’s feelings—she only respected those with her head held high. The 18 steps, once a site of protest, now witness the grace of devotion.”

While some traditionalists continue to debate, the visit is seen as a gesture of bridging divides, demonstrating that real faith moves with humility even amid turbulence.

A Symbolic Message

Despite a minor chopper delay at Pramadam helipad, her visit proceeded smoothly, sending a message of unity across generations and genders on India’s spiritual canvas. The historic darshan cements President Murmu’s role not just as a political leader but as a symbol of devotion and social harmony in contemporary India.

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Chopper Wheel Gets Stuck on Newly Constructed Helipad
During her visit to Sabarimala on Wednesday morning, President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter experienced a mishap while landing at the newly constructed concrete helipad at Promodam Stadium in Kerala. According to reports, the helicopter’s wheel got stuck as the concrete had not fully set.

Advance Warnings Ignored
Officials from the state government had warned against landing on the helipad, as it had been poured overnight on Tuesday evening. Despite these advisories, the helicopter proceeded to land, resulting in its wheel getting trapped in the soft concrete. Fortunately, police and fire department personnel quickly pushed the helicopter out, and neither the President nor the crew were injured.

Security Lapses Highlighted
The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of security arrangements during the President’s visit. Following her arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, she was welcomed by Governor Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and senior officials. While her Sabarimala visit was eventually conducted safely via helicopter, road and air travel decisions were finalized at the last minute amid the ongoing security concerns.

Past Incidents Emphasize Need for Vigilance
This is not the first time such incidents have highlighted security vulnerabilities. In 2023, during a visit to Odisha, a local pharmacist, Yashobanta Behera, took a selfie near the President’s helicopter and posted it on social media, leading to his suspension. These events underline the necessity for stricter safety and security protocols during high-profile visits.

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In a shocking and grim development, Pakistan violated a 48-hour ceasefire with Afghanistan late Friday night, carrying out airstrikes on border districts that reportedly left at least 10 civilians dead.
The Taliban regime in Kabul condemned the strikes as “a betrayal of the highest order,” vowing to expose what it described as Islamabad’s “double game” before the international community.

Devastation Along the Durand Line

According to local sources and Tolo News reports, the airstrikes hit residential areas in Arghun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, close to the Durand Line — a colonial-era border that continues to divide Pashtun tribal lands and fuel hostilities.
Entire homes were flattened, and families who had just begun to hope for peace after the ceasefire found themselves back under fire.
A Taliban spokesperson lamented, “What happened here goes beyond a border violation; this is a stab in the back of peace efforts.”

Diplomatic Fallout: Doha Talks Overshadowed by Bombings

The strikes came at a delicate moment when Pakistani delegates were in Doha, Qatar, for high-level negotiations, while Afghan officials were preparing to join talks on Saturday.
Kabul, reportedly armed with a dossier of evidence about the bombings, plans to present it before international mediators — a move that could strain already fragile peace discussions and cast doubt on Islamabad’s credibility in the diplomatic process.

Islamabad’s Counterclaims: Blame Game Intensifies

Pakistan, however, issued a counter-narrative. Officials claimed that a Taliban-backed suicide bombing targeted a military camp in North Waziristan, killing seven Pakistani soldiers and injuring 13 others.
While acknowledging the terror attack, Islamabad did not confirm conducting any airstrikes, adding another layer of ambiguity and tension to an already volatile border situation.

Durand Line: The Unhealed Wound

This latest clash marks another flare-up in a week of escalating violence along the Durand Line — a long-contested frontier seen by Pashtun tribes as an artificial divider.
With retaliatory measures looming and mistrust deepening on both sides, the border remains a powder keg.

As the Doha peace talks continue under a shadow of bloodshed, a question hangs heavily over the region:
Will dialogue prevail, or will betrayal and vengeance push both nations closer to disaster?

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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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In a notable observation, the Supreme Court emphasized that a wife cannot treat her husband like a “lattoo” (spinning top) in marital disagreements. The bench, comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan, stressed that couples must set aside their egos and prioritize the welfare of their child, suggesting mediation to resolve their differences amicably.

Dispute Between Husband in Delhi and Wife in Patna

The case involved a husband employed with the Railways in Delhi and a wife working at the Reserve Bank of India in Patna, who was living with her parents along with their child. According to a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, the wife was expected to pay rent for staying in her husband’s house, while he traveled to Patna weekly to meet the child. The wife refused the arrangement but was hesitant to relocate to Delhi due to strained relations with her in-laws.

Court Encourages Reasonable Compromise

The Supreme Court found the husband’s offer reasonable and admonished the wife’s counsel to persuade her to cooperate. It also suggested that the husband’s parents temporarily stay in a hotel or guesthouse to facilitate the wife’s visit to Delhi, highlighting the need for empathy toward all family members.

Mediation Recommended for Child’s Welfare

Focusing on reconciliation, the court recommended mediation to resolve the conflict amicably, keeping the child’s best interests in mind. The remark about not spinning the husband like a “lattoo” reinforced the importance of mutual respect and understanding in resolving marital disputes.

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In a painstaking effort to piece together the brutal gang rape of an Odia medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal police conducted a detailed crime scene reconstruction on Tuesday, highlighting the horrific nature of the assault that has sparked widespread public outrage.

Reconstruction Highlights Victim’s Abduction Path

The demonstration took place near Ghourui Medical College, where the victim’s male friend and the two main accused retraced the likely paths from the campus to the secluded site of her abduction. A senior police officer explained, “We are trying to reconstruct every single minute to get watertight proof,” while walking through the areas where the attack occurred.

SIT Intensifies Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is leaving no stone unturned, conducting raids at the accused’s residences to recover clothes worn during the crime. The crime scene was cordoned off, and media access was restricted to ensure uninterrupted investigation.

Legal Action and Administrative Response

As the investigation proceeds, Ghourui Medical College approached the Calcutta High Court, appealing to Justice Sampadatta’s bench. While stressing student safety during ongoing exams and addressing the psychological impact on students, the administration sought to clarify that the attack occurred off-campus, distancing itself from prior security lapse allegations.

Governor Calls for Action on Women’s Safety

Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Governor C.V. Anand Bose stated the state is “not safe for women anymore.” He called for a “second renaissance” to ensure women’s safety and promised tough action against the perpetrators, offering condolences to the victim’s parents and assuring prompt justice.

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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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The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an urgent alert regarding three cough syrups linked to the deaths of over 20 children in India, including several cases in Madhya Pradesh. The syrups—Coldrif by Srisan Pharma, Respifresh TR by Rednex Pharma, and Rilip Syrup by Shep Pharma—have been found contaminated with a toxic chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG). WHO has urged the public to report any information regarding the availability of these syrups immediately, highlighting the severe health risks they pose.

Dangerous Contamination and Challenges in Detection

Authorities revealed that these syrups contain dangerously high levels of DEG, a chemical that is colourless and odourless, making detection difficult without laboratory tests. Inspections have found that multiple types of syrups were contaminated, with a notable example in Tamil Nadu where Coldrif contained 48.6% DEG—a level extremely harmful to human health.

Legal Action and Company Closure

In response, Tamil Nadu authorities suspended the licence of Srisan Pharmaceuticals and have ordered the closure of the company. The owner, G. Ranganathan, has been apprehended and taken into custody.

Call for Stricter Quality Controls

The WHO, as reported by Reuters, emphasized the urgent need for stricter pharmaceutical quality controls to prevent such tragic incidents. The case has sparked widespread public concern, with calls for immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and prevent further fatalities.

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PM Modi Launches 26 Transformative Agricultural Schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 26 significant schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, aimed at boosting farmers’ welfare and rural development. The virtual event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several other state leaders.

Mega Fish Market and Integrated Aqua Park in Bhubaneswar

As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Modi laid the foundation for a mega fish market and an integrated aqua park in Pandara, Bhubaneswar. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the fisheries sector and enhance incomes for coastal communities.

Honouring Legacy of Bharat Ratna Awardees

The event coincided with the birth anniversaries of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh, paying tribute to their contributions to nation-building.

Launch of Key Agricultural Missions

Modi inaugurated major programs including the Pradhan Mantri Dhandhanya Krishi Yojana and the DALI National Crop Self-Reliance Mission. He announced projects worth ₹35,000 crore, targeting farmer empowerment and sustainable agricultural growth.

Focus on Farmer Welfare and Aspirational Districts

The Prime Minister criticised previous governments for their inactivity in agricultural development, highlighting the NDA government’s focus on farmer welfare, including school electrification and reducing maternal mortality in aspirational districts.

Development Across 100 Districts

Several measures will enhance agriculture in the next 100 districts, with aspirational districts earmarked for comprehensive development. These projects aim to raise farmers’ incomes and promote overall rural prosperity.

Presence of National and State Leaders

The New Delhi event saw the physical presence of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State Bhagirathi Choudhury, while leaders including Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Odisha’s CM participated virtually.

Transforming Agriculture and Fisheries

These initiatives reflect a determined effort to revolutionise agriculture and fisheries in Odisha and across India, promising enhanced livelihoods for farmers and coastal communities.

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