Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and party MP Misa Bharti, were detained by Patna police on Wednesday, August 19, during a protest march towards the Lok Bhawan.

The protest was organised against what the RJD described as the “dictatorial attitude” of the state government and over the alleged firing of an AK-47 rifle at student protesters in Siwan district last month.

Protesters Stopped at Barricades

The RJD leaders and supporters marched towards the Lok Bhawan but were stopped by police near Income Tax Chouraha, where barricades had been put up to prevent the protesters from moving ahead.

When protesters attempted to cross the barricades, police used water cannons to disperse the gathering.

Several RJD leaders were subsequently detained by the police.

Tejashwi Leads Protest

Tejashwi Yadav, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, participated in the march along with senior RJD leaders and party workers.

The protest comes amid the Opposition's continued criticism of the state government's handling of incidents involving students and protesters.

The RJD has alleged that the government has failed to adequately address the concerns surrounding the Siwan incident.

Misa Bharti Among Detainees

RJD MP Misa Bharti, the elder daughter of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, was also among those detained during the demonstration.

Party workers gathered in large numbers as the march proceeded towards the Lok Bhawan. Police deployed barricades and security personnel along the route in anticipation of the protest.

Siwan Firing Incident

The demonstration was also linked to an alleged incident in Siwan district, where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly fired at student protesters last month.

The RJD has raised the incident as an issue of law and order and has demanded accountability from the state government.

The party has accused the government of adopting an authoritarian approach towards protesters and opposition voices.

Police Use Water Cannons

The confrontation escalated when protesters attempted to move beyond the barricades. Police used water cannons to push the demonstrators back and prevent them from proceeding towards the Lok Bhawan.

The detention of senior RJD leaders followed the police action.

The protest and subsequent detentions are likely to intensify the political confrontation between the RJD and the state government, particularly with the Opposition continuing to raise questions over law and order.

RJD Steps Up Opposition

The latest demonstration reflects the RJD's effort to put pressure on the government through street protests over issues it considers politically and socially significant.

With Tejashwi Yadav at the forefront, the party has continued to challenge the government's handling of public protests and law-and-order matters.

The developments in Patna come against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere in Bihar, with the Opposition seeking to mobilise supporters around issues involving students, governance and public safety.

Rai made the announcement at a press conference at his residence in Muzaffarpur's Chandni Chowk on Sunday, confirming he will formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday. He said that after spending a long stretch of his political career with the RJD, he had come to feel the party had drifted away from the core ideology and principles on which Lalu Prasad Yadav originally built it.

Rai was direct about where he placed the blame, saying the party's direction has shifted under its current leadership. He alleged that under Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD is no longer following the founding policies that once defined its identity, and said this was the central reason behind his decision to leave. He was careful to frame the move as ideological rather than personal, saying it wasn't driven by any individual grievance but by a genuine shift in his political thinking — adding that the party's working style and ideological commitment are no longer what they once were.

Rai said he has been influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the BJP's policies, and spoke positively of the Bihar BJP's working style, saying he wants to work alongside the party for the state's and country's development. He also praised several Centre-led decisions specifically, calling the 2019 removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir a historic step that strengthened national unity, and welcomed Bihar's proposed delimitation process, describing the government as making a series of decisions aimed at strengthening India's democratic framework.

Rai carries real weight in North Bihar's politics — he's considered influential in Sitamarhi and its surrounding areas, and his departure just ahead of the Assembly elections could affect electoral arithmetic in the region. Political observers suggest a senior, long-standing RJD face leaving the party could also have a wider impact on the opposition alliance, particularly in North Bihar, where the electoral contest is already expected to be closely fought.

The RJD has not issued any official response to Rai's resignation or the allegations he raised. Attention now turns to Monday, when Rai is expected to formally join the BJP — after which political circles will be watching closely to see how it shapes the trajectory of Bihar's election campaign.

The Bihar Assembly witnessed a stormy session on Wednesday as the Opposition protested over the drought-like situation in several districts, while the ruling NDA defended the government's preparedness. The session also saw sharp political exchanges after a BJP MLA mocked Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav for his absence from the House. Amid the heated debate, the Assembly passed the Bihar Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for changes in the state's higher education framework.

CM Assures Relief for Farmers

The issue of inadequate rainfall and its impact on agriculture dominated the proceedings. During Question Hour, even ruling alliance legislators raised concerns over irregular electricity supply for irrigation, stating that farmers in several districts were struggling to water their crops due to inconsistent power availability.

Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the government had taken note of the rainfall deficit in many parts of Bihar and was closely monitoring the situation.

He informed the House that efforts were being made to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for irrigation from 6 am to 7 pm, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields without disruption.

The Chief Minister further directed district magistrates to assess drought conditions and submit detailed reports. Based on these reports, the government will initiate relief measures, including diesel subsidies for farmers in areas officially declared drought-affected.

He assured legislators that the state government would act promptly to protect crops and minimise farmers' losses if rainfall remained below normal.

Political Barbs Over Tejashwi's Absence

The Assembly also witnessed political sparring after BJP MLA Baidyanath Prasad questioned the absence of Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.

In a sarcastic remark, the BJP legislator said Tejashwi appeared to be "mediating the US-Iran conflict" instead of attending the Assembly and contributing to discussions on Bihar's development.

The Opposition objected to the remarks, but the exchange added to the already charged atmosphere inside the House.

Private Universities Bill Gets Assembly Approval

The House later passed the Bihar Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 after a debate involving both the ruling alliance and Opposition members.

Higher Education Minister Sanjay Singh Tiger introduced the Bill, saying it was aimed at strengthening higher education opportunities within Bihar.

AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman expressed concern that the amendment should not favour private institutions at the expense of economically weaker students. RJD MLA Rahul Sharma also argued that student welfare must remain the primary focus while expanding private universities.

Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said thousands of students from Bihar were currently studying in private universities outside the state, including institutions such as Amity University and Lovely Professional University.

He said the amendment was intended to create more quality higher education opportunities within Bihar so that students would not have to migrate to other states.

Opposition Protests Over Panchayat Tax

The Opposition also staged protests over the issue of proposed tax collection by panchayats. Left legislators argued that additional taxes would place an unnecessary burden on poor and rural families.

Opposition parties demanded a discussion through an adjournment motion, but after the proposal was rejected, MLAs entered the well of the House and raised slogans.

Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar repeatedly appealed to members to return to their seats. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the House would have an opportunity to debate the matter once the relevant legislation was introduced and invited the Opposition to bring amendments during discussions.

Debate Over Gambling Law Continues

The discussion also referred to the Bihar Gambling Prohibition Bill, 2026, which had been passed a day earlier.

The new legislation seeks to strengthen action against both traditional and online gambling by expanding legal provisions to include organisers, financiers and digital operators.

The law provides for freezing financial transactions linked to online gambling and imposes stricter penalties, including imprisonment for repeat offenders.

Council Witnesses Heated Exchanges

In the Bihar Legislative Council, RJD MLC Sunil Singh raised concerns over increasing drug abuse and criticised the government's handling of narcotics.

His remarks mentioning temples and religious places triggered protests from BJP members, leading to a heated verbal exchange inside the Council.

Later in the day, BJP MLC Anamika Singh and RJD MLC Munni Rajak were involved in a heated argument outside Opposition leader Rabri Devi's chamber.

With drought concerns, political confrontation and key legislative business dominating proceedings, the Monsoon Session continues to witness intense debates over governance, agriculture and public policy in Bihar.

The second day of the Bihar Legislature's Monsoon Session witnessed intense political exchanges, with the Opposition protesting against the proposed panchayat tax collection in the Assembly, while the issue of drug abuse sparked a heated debate in the Legislative Council. The government also made key announcements on teacher recruitment, school infrastructure, and industrial development during the proceedings.

The Opposition created a ruckus in the Assembly after raising concerns that the proposed panchayat tax would impose an additional financial burden on poor families. Left legislators demanded a discussion on the proposed tax and the contingency fund, submitting an adjournment motion that was later rejected by the Speaker.

Following the rejection, Opposition MLAs entered the well of the House and staged a protest. Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar urged members to return to their seats, while Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the matter would be discussed when the relevant bill is introduced. He also invited the Opposition to bring amendment proposals during the legislative process, after which the protesting legislators returned to their seats.

Drug Abuse Issue Sparks Heated Debate

In the Legislative Council, RJD MLC Sunil Singh raised concerns over the increasing use of narcotic substances in Bihar. He alleged that marijuana and charas consumption had become common and claimed that drug use was visible even near religious places.

His remarks triggered strong objections from BJP members after he referred to temples and monasteries. A verbal exchange followed, adding to the tense atmosphere inside the House.

Sunil Singh also accused the state government of collecting higher taxes on petrol and diesel, alleging that Bihar was earning an additional ₹200 crore from fuel taxation.

Later in the day, BJP MLC Anamika Singh and RJD MLC Munni Rajak were involved in a heated argument outside the chamber of Leader of Opposition Rabri Devi over the same issue.

JD(U) MLA Questions Teacher Shortage

The government also faced criticism from within the ruling alliance. JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak questioned the Education Department over the shortage of teachers in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar residential schools.

He claimed that nearly 62% of teaching positions remained vacant, raising concerns about the quality of education in these institutions.

Responding to the issue, Education Minister Lakhendra Kumar informed the House that 91 schools are currently operational with 1,290 teachers working against 2,406 sanctioned posts. He added that vacancies have been forwarded to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) under the TRE-4 recruitment process.

When Rajak sought a clear timeline for appointments, the minister assured that recruitment would begin once BPSC completes the selection process.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary later intervened and directed the Education Department to ensure that teachers are appointed in the residential schools within one month.

Government Announces Major Education Initiatives

During Question Hour, the issue of inadequate school infrastructure was also discussed. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that schools without land would be provided suitable land within the next six months.

Education Minister Lakhendra Kumar further announced that the state government plans to recruit one lakh teachers over the next five years, while proposals for the TRE-4 recruitment drive would be sent to the BPSC by the end of July.

Other Key Announcements

The government also announced plans to establish three new sugar mills, including in Gopalganj and Madhubani, to boost the state's agro-based economy.

Meanwhile, Opposition legislators staged demonstrations outside the Assembly before the session began, accusing the government of rising corruption, deteriorating law and order, and mishandling issues such as examination paper leaks.

With education, taxation, law and order, and governance dominating discussions, the second day of the Monsoon Session reflected both political confrontation and significant policy announcements that are expected to shape Bihar's administrative agenda in the coming months.

Tiwari announced his resignation on Thursday, ending a long association with the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led party. His exit comes at a politically significant time, with Bihar preparing for Assembly elections and opposition parties working to consolidate their strategies.

In his resignation statement, Tiwari alleged that there was no longer any respect for committed and loyal party workers. He claimed that despite repeatedly raising concerns before senior leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his grievances were not addressed.

He also alleged that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by people who had weakened the party from within, comparing them to "termites" that had gradually damaged the organisation. According to Tiwari, continuing in the party after repeated humiliation was no longer possible.

Mrityunjay Tiwari has been regarded as one of the prominent public faces of the RJD for more than a decade. Appointed as the party's spokesperson and media in-charge in 2014, he regularly defended the party's position on political issues and represented it across television debates and public platforms. Party workers also credit him with playing an active role in connecting young voters with the organisation.

Reflecting on his association with the party, Tiwari said he had stood with the RJD even during difficult political periods and had fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to him. However, he maintained that the current organisational atmosphere no longer offered space for workers who had remained committed over the years.

The resignation has triggered fresh speculation over internal dissatisfaction within the RJD, although the party has not issued a detailed official response on Tiwari's allegations. Political observers believe the development could become a talking point as Bihar's electoral battle gathers momentum in the coming months.

Reports have also suggested that some senior RJD leaders attempted to persuade Tiwari to reconsider his decision. However, he reportedly remained firm and has not indicated whether he plans to join another political party.

Tiwari's political journey began during his student years before he joined the RJD, where he gradually emerged as one of its most recognisable spokespersons. Over the years, he became a familiar face in Bihar's political discourse, frequently articulating the party's stand on governance, elections and state politics.

His departure comes at a sensitive time for the opposition party, which is expected to play a central role in the upcoming Assembly elections. Any signs of internal discord are likely to attract attention as rival parties intensify their campaigns.

For now, Mrityunjay Tiwari has not announced his next political move. Whether he remains independent or joins another party is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as Bihar's political landscape continues to evolve.

The CBI had approached the top court challenging the High Court's 2019 decision to grant Yadav bail and suspend his sentence in the case, arguing the move was made without any substantial change in circumstances. The agency contended that Yadav was the kingpin and main conspirator behind the scam, accused of fraudulently withdrawing funds from the Deoghar District Treasury between 1991 and 1994 using forged allotment letters, during his tenure as Bihar Chief Minister. A special CBI court in Ranchi had convicted Yadav in December 2017, sentencing him to seven years in prison under multiple sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the CBI, argued that the High Court had erred by granting bail on the grounds that Yadav had completed 50 percent of his sentence, calling that basis factually incorrect since the sentences involved weren't meant to run concurrently. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Yadav, countered that the provision governing concurrent versus consecutive sentences applies only at the stage of final adjudication, not while a sentence suspension is being considered on an interim basis, and argued the High Court judge had simply applied a consistent standard within his discretion.

After hearing both sides, a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale declined to interfere with the High Court's order, noting that roughly seven years had passed since the bail was granted and that the CBI's appeal itself dates back to 2018. Rather than revisiting the bail question, the bench indicated it was more inclined to prioritise resolving the underlying appeal itself, directing the Jharkhand High Court to expedite the hearing and requesting that it be completed within six months. The court disposed of the CBI's plea while keeping the underlying legal question open for the High Court to address.

The ruling echoes the same bench's position at an earlier hearing in February, when it had already signalled reluctance to disturb Yadav's bail and a preference for fast-tracking the pending appeal instead.

Yadav, the RJD supremo and a central figure in Bihar politics for decades, has remained on bail through multiple fodder scam cases for several years now, with this latest order removing the immediate prospect of his return to custody while the underlying appeal continues.

The Jan Suraaj Party founder arrived at the Patna Sadar sub-divisional office after his supporters gathered earlier in the morning at the Scout and Guide Ground in Chhajjubagh, with the party organizing the filing as a show of public support. It marks Kishor's first-ever run for elected office, after years spent shaping other parties' campaigns as a strategist. He has described the contest as effectively a referendum on the performance of the BJP-led state government since the November 2025 assembly elections.

The Bankipur seat fell vacant after sitting BJP MLA and party national president Nitin Nabin resigned following his election to the Rajya Sabha in April. The constituency has been a BJP stronghold going back to the 1990s, making the party's handling of its own candidacy this time somewhat unusual: the BJP's original nominee withdrew from the race citing family reasons shortly after being selected, prompting the party to name Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its replacement candidate. Kishor seized on the switch, arguing it showed the BJP "struggling to find a candidate" in a seat it had long treated as safe, and accused the party of failing to deliver on the change it had promised voters in the last election cycle.

The RJD, meanwhile, has re-nominated Rekha Gupta, who contested and lost the seat to Nabin in the 2025 assembly election by a wide margin, securing under 30 percent of the vote at the time. Announcing her renewed candidacy, Gupta expressed confidence the RJD would perform better this time, citing what she described as public dissatisfaction with the state government, and argued Bankipur's voters should give the seat to a woman candidate after decades of BJP representation. She was also dismissive of Kishor's candidacy specifically, arguing that being a successful strategist for other campaigns doesn't necessarily translate into being a successful candidate oneself.

Congress and RJD, allies within the INDIA bloc, remain divided over how to treat Kishor's entry into the race. A Congress leader had suggested the opposition alliance should consider backing Kishor to maximise pressure on the BJP, a suggestion the RJD publicly dismissed as an individual opinion rather than any official party position, reaffirming that the RJD would contest the seat on its own as it did in 2025.

Beyond the three main contenders, the field also includes Veena Manvi, fielded by Tej Pratap Yadav's Janshakti Janata Dal, whose own nomination filing was disrupted by her arrest over the weekend.

With nominations now closed, scrutiny of papers is scheduled for July 14, followed by the last date for withdrawal on July 16. Counting will take place on August 3, following polling on July 30.

The controversy erupted after disciplinary action was taken against Harelal Yadav, who was reportedly removed from the party over remarks and activities considered inconsistent with the party's official position. While the RJD leadership has maintained that organizational discipline is paramount, the decision has drawn criticism from within the party ranks.

Rohini Acharya, daughter of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, openly questioned the move and expressed support for the expelled spokesperson. In a strongly worded response, she reportedly said that if expressing certain views amounts to indiscipline, action should first be taken against her.

Her remarks quickly gained political attention, with opposition parties and political observers viewing them as an indication of differences within the party at a crucial time. The development comes as the RJD seeks to strengthen its position in Bihar's evolving political landscape and prepare for future electoral challenges.

Party insiders suggest that the dispute reflects broader conversations within the organization about communication strategy, internal democracy and the handling of dissenting voices. However, senior RJD leaders have largely refrained from commenting publicly on the matter.

The episode has once again highlighted the challenges faced by major political parties in balancing organizational discipline with differing opinions among members. Political analysts note that internal disagreements are not uncommon in large parties, but public expressions of dissent often attract significant attention because they can influence perceptions of unity and leadership control.

Opposition leaders have seized upon the controversy, claiming it exposes divisions within the RJD. Party supporters, on the other hand, argue that debates within political organizations are natural and do not necessarily indicate a deeper crisis.

The RJD leadership has not issued any detailed public response to Rohini Acharya’s remarks so far. Whether the party chooses to address the issue internally or make an official clarification remains to be seen.

The development is significant because Rohini Acharya has emerged as a prominent political voice in recent years, frequently commenting on party affairs and political developments. Her intervention has ensured that what might have remained an internal disciplinary matter has now become a broader political discussion.

As reactions continue from party workers and political rivals, attention is likely to remain on how the RJD leadership responds and whether the controversy has any lasting impact on the party’s internal dynamics.

A first information report has been registered against Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tej Pratap Yadav in Patna following a complaint by Akash Yadav, brother of Anushka Yadav, who has been at the centre of a months-long controversy involving the former Bihar minister. The case alleges forced entry into the family's residence, criminal intimidation, and phone threats — including one in which the caller claimed to represent jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

According to the complaint, the incident at the family's home in Patliputra colony took place on 6 June. Akash alleged that Tej Pratap and his associate Motilal Yadav arrived at the property and attempted to force their way in, threatening family members present at the time. Akash himself was away visiting Khatushyam when the alleged intrusion occurred.

What followed, according to Akash, was a series of threatening phone calls. One caller, who identified himself as Mohit, allegedly told him: "I am Lawrence Bishnoi's man. Think carefully before speaking against Tej Pratap." Akash has claimed that recordings of these calls have been submitted to police as evidence, and that Tej Pratap himself allegedly spoke during one call, suggesting no FIR could be filed against him given his political standing. Motilal Yadav, he claimed, separately warned him to keep the events of 6 June secret.

The path to the FIR was not straightforward. Akash alleged he submitted a written complaint at Patliputra police station as early as 10 June but that no case was registered at the time. He subsequently moved Patna Civil Court on 17 June, after which proceedings began and police registered the FIR. Patna ASP Divyanjali Jaiswal confirmed the complaint had been received and said investigators are now examining voice notes, call records and other material placed on record — including calls allegedly traced to a US-based number.

The controversy involving Tej Pratap and Anushka Yadav stretches back to May 2025, when a post appeared on Tej Pratap's Facebook account claiming the two had been in a relationship for twelve years. The post was deleted soon after, and Tej Pratap maintained his account had been hacked and the photographs doctored. The issue resurfaced sharply in February when Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi posted a congratulatory message on X following the reported birth of Anushka's daughter. Tej Pratap denied paternity at a press conference the same evening.

Since then, the RJD leader has alleged that a group of five individuals — naming Mukesh Roshan, Sanjay Yadav, Rameez, Shakti Singh and Sunil Singh — orchestrated a campaign to defame him by hacking his accounts and circulating manipulated content. He has described the entire episode as a bid to damage his reputation as he works toward establishing his own political platform. In a post on X, Tej Pratap called the FIR a political conspiracy.

He has also announced plans to pursue legal action against those he believes are behind the allegations, drawing a parallel with his father Lalu Prasad Yadav's legal battles. The investigation is ongoing.