JDU expels leaders
The Janata Dal (United) has expelled 11 members, including four former MLAs and ministers, citing anti-party activities. The expelled leaders are:

• Shailesh Kumar, former minister

• Sanjay Prasad, former MLC

• Shyam Bahadur Singh, former MLA

• Ranvijay Singh, former MLC

• Sudarshan Kumar

• Amar Kumar Singh

• Asma Parveen (Mahua candidate)

• Lov Kumar

• Asha Suman

• Divyanshu Bhardwaj

• Vivek Shukla

Shailesh Kumar and Shyam Bahadur Singh, denied party tickets, are now contesting as independents.

Unique welcome for NDA candidate
In Samastipur’s Hasanpur constituency, NDA candidate Rajkumar Rai received a unique welcome, with supporters weighing him with laddus and coins as a mark of respect. Rai, the sitting MLA, said, “I have worked for five years for the public and am getting strong support from the people.”

Political clashes and controversies

• Deputy CM vs. RJD: In Patna, Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary criticised a poster calling Tejashwi Yadav Bihar’s hero, saying, “How can someone be a hero when his family has looted Bihar? Lalu Yadav is Bihar’s Gabbar Singh.”

• Muslim CM debate: NDA leaders questioned Mahagathbandhan’s choice of Tejashwi as CM and Mukesh Sahni as Deputy CM. Union Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s earlier sacrifices for Muslim representation.

Election campaigning intensifies

• PM Modi’s Chhath greetings: The Prime Minister shared six messages on social media, praising the festival’s blend of faith, devotion, and love for nature.

• Nitish Kumar in Buxar: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar held rallies with BJP MPs and Union ministers. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey criticised Tejashwi Yadav, calling his ideas “Mungerilal’s dreams.” At the rally, some women protested, alleging unfulfilled government promises.

• Manoj Tiwari on Pawan Singh: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, campaigning in Gopalganj, stated that singer Pawan Singh aims for a Lok Sabha seat, not the Assembly. Tiwari added that the NDA targets over 200 seats and is confident of winning more than 175.