A protest by candidates demanding changes in the Bihar Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) escalated in Patna on Tuesday as students attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence were stopped by security forces, leading to clashes, stone-pelting and police action.

The protesting candidates are demanding changes in the proposed TRE-4 examination process, including removal of negative marking, a single-stage examination and 100% domicile-based recruitment. Students have been staging a sit-in at Gardanibagh and on Tuesday a group attempted to march towards the CM’s residence.

The situation turned tense at Dak Bungalow Chowk, where police and CRPF personnel were deployed to prevent the protesters from moving further. According to the information provided, police used water cannons and later resorted to lathi-charge as the crowd attempted to cross the barricades.

Students Break Barricades

The marchers were initially stopped near JP Golambar, where heavy police deployment and barricading had been arranged. The protesters reportedly broke through the barricades and moved towards Dak Bungalow.

Security personnel, including CRPF troops equipped with protective gear, were deployed in the area. At Dak Bungalow Chowk, iron shields were used to stop the protesters from advancing towards the Chief Minister’s residence.

The confrontation intensified when some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting. Patna Town DSP Kamakhya Narayan Singh was injured during the incident, while several other police personnel were also reported to have sustained injuries.

Water Cannon, Lathi-Charge

Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters gathered at the busy intersection. Visuals from the protest showed students remaining on the road despite the water being sprayed at them.

One student was reportedly injured in the head during the confrontation and was taken away by fellow protesters for medical attention. A female student was also reported to have fainted during the unrest.

After the water cannon action, police moved to clear the road and detained several protesters. Videos from the spot showed security personnel chasing and removing students from the area.

Students’ Key Demands

The protesters have been seeking changes in the TRE-4 recruitment examination. Their main demands include removal of negative marking, conducting the examination in a single stage and implementing 100% domicile-based recruitment.

Students have also referred to the earlier TRE-1, TRE-2 and TRE-3 recruitment examinations while arguing that the TRE-4 process should follow a similar pattern.

The protesters said they had been sitting on the agitation for several days and wanted the government to address their concerns directly. One protesting candidate claimed that students had been staying at the protest site without adequate facilities.

Government Says Issues Resolved

Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the issues raised by the protesting students had already been addressed by the government.

He said the administration had worked on the concerns raised by the candidates and questioned the basis of some of the demands being made regarding the examination process.

The protest comes amid growing tension between the government and groups of candidates over recruitment examinations and selection procedures.

BPSC Remark Adds To Tension

The agitation was also fuelled by controversy over a remark attributed to BPSC examination controller Rajesh Kumar Singh during a press conference on Monday. Singh had used a Hindi proverb while referring to the students’ protest, which triggered criticism from candidates.

Following the controversy, the examination controller reportedly issued an apology. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also directed that action be taken against the official, including suspension, according to the information provided.

The episode has added another layer to the ongoing dispute between the protesting candidates and authorities.

Traffic Hit In Central Patna

The protest and security arrangements affected traffic movement in several parts of central Patna. Roads around Dak Bungalow, Income Tax, High Court and Veerchand Patel Path witnessed disruptions as barricades were installed and large numbers of security personnel were deployed.

Police later said the protesters at Dak Bungalow were removed from the area and that traffic movement would gradually return to normal.

The administration's response and the students' demands are likely to remain a key issue as candidates continue to seek changes in the TRE-4 examination process.

PhD holders and guest assistant professors protesting in Patna marched towards Lok Bhavan on Saturday, nearly three weeks into their indefinite hunger strike. The protesters gathered at the R Block intersection and raised slogans against the state government while demanding changes in the rules governing appointments in higher education.

The protesters are seeking implementation of UGC rules for the appointment of professors, an increase in the upper age limit and withdrawal of proposed rules they say could affect the future of guest faculty. During the march, some protesters climbed barricades as security personnel tried to control the movement towards Lok Bhavan.

The agitation has continued for 19 days, with the protesters maintaining that guest faculty members who have worked for several years should not be removed without adequate consideration of their experience and service. The movement has also begun receiving support from political leaders and teachers.

Guest Faculty Raise Concerns

Dr Nikhil Kumar, who is participating in the protest, said guest assistant teachers continue to work under uncertainty because their appointments are temporary.

He said the protesters were marching towards Lok Bhavan not only for their own demands but also over concerns about the future of higher education. Kumar said the government should hear their concerns and allow them to present their demands peacefully.

Assistant Guest Professor Dr Nitin Kumar said many guest assistant professors were initially appointed for 11 months but have continued working for several years.

He claimed that some teachers have been associated with the education system for around eight years and argued that their experience should be taken into account before any decision is taken regarding their continuation.

Demand For UGC Rules

At the centre of the protest is the demand that appointments to teaching positions should follow UGC norms. The protesters are also seeking an increase in the age limit and opposing changes proposed by the Bihar government.

The protesting PhD holders say the new rules could create uncertainty for experienced guest faculty and affect their employment prospects. They have therefore been demanding that the government reconsider the proposed framework.

The issue has attracted political attention as well. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has previously extended support to the protesting PhD holders and called for guest faculty to be given priority.

Security Tightened In Patna

The administration increased security arrangements in and around the R Block area ahead of the Lok Bhavan march. More than 100 security personnel were deployed at the R Block intersection.

Police deployment was also increased at various intersections on the route towards Raj Bhavan. Rapid Action Force personnel were brought in as authorities prepared for possible law-and-order concerns during the protest.

Water cannons were also stationed at the site as a precautionary measure. Officials monitored the situation closely as protesters attempted to proceed towards Lok Bhavan.

The march comes as the PhD holders' indefinite hunger strike enters its 19th day, with the protesters continuing to press the Bihar government over recruitment rules, age limits and the future of guest faculty in higher education.

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.

At least seven women were killed and more than a dozen people injured after a massive crowd surge at the Indramaneshwar Shiv Temple, popularly known as Ashok Dham Temple, in Bihar's Lakhisarai district on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at around 6:40 am, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple on Teesri Somwari, the third Monday of the holy Shravan month. Large numbers of devotees had arrived to perform Jalabhishek and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Officials said the tragedy was linked to a combination of an exceptionally large crowd, damaged barricades, congestion at entry points and panic following the fall of a utility pole near one of the queues.

Massive Crowd Builds Overnight

The temple complex had begun filling up during the night, with officials estimating that around 50,000 devotees had gathered in and around the premises.

By approximately 6 am, the queue reportedly extended for more than six kilometres towards Ashok Dham Halt railway station.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said the situation became particularly difficult between 6:30 am and 6:45 am, when two passenger trains arrived at the nearby railway station within a short interval.

Thousands of passengers reportedly got off the trains and proceeded towards the temple, adding to the already heavy crowd waiting to enter.

Barricades Give Way

As the number of devotees increased, pressure began building at the temple's entry points.

According to the district administration, a group of young men allegedly attempted to move ahead in the queue and broke through barricades near the entrance. The movement further compressed an already congested section of the crowd.

Police personnel had reportedly been deployed at the temple from around 3 am to manage the gathering. However, officials said the scale of the crowd created significant difficulties for personnel attempting to maintain separate queues and control movement.

Fallen Pole Sparks Panic

The situation escalated after a utility pole fell near the queue for male devotees.

Officials said the pole was carrying cable wires rather than high-voltage electrical lines. However, a rumour reportedly spread among devotees that a live electric wire had fallen and people could be electrocuted.

The rumour triggered a sudden movement within the crowd.

People standing in the men's queue reportedly moved towards one side, pushing into the adjacent women's queue. The sudden pressure caused several women to fall, with others falling on top of them.

The resulting crush lasted only a few minutes but was enough to trap several people in the densely packed area.

Seven Women Die

Police personnel, volunteers and temple workers rushed to the affected area and began removing people from the crowd.

The victims were taken to Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital, where seven women were declared dead.

Officials said the victims died from traumatic asphyxiation caused by the crowd crush. More than a dozen people were injured, with some reportedly suffering from suffocation and heat exhaustion.

Authorities continued to assess the condition of those injured and coordinate medical assistance following the incident.

Investigation Into Crowd Management

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha expressed condolences to the families of those who died and said an investigation would examine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The inquiry is expected to examine several aspects of the incident, including crowd-management arrangements, barricading, the movement of devotees arriving from the railway station and the circumstances surrounding the fallen utility pole.

Authorities are also looking into the role of rumours about a live electrical wire in triggering the sudden movement that led to the crush.

Officials have warned that action could be taken against people found responsible for deliberately spreading false information that contributed to the panic.

Security Tightened Across Bihar

The tragedy comes during the ongoing Shravan festival, when large numbers of devotees visit Shiva temples across Bihar and other parts of the country.

Following the incident, authorities have strengthened security and crowd-control arrangements at major religious sites across Bihar.

The incident has also renewed concerns over crowd management at temples during major religious occasions, particularly when large numbers of devotees arrive simultaneously through railway stations and other transport points.

Officials are expected to review arrangements at Ashok Dham Temple and other major pilgrimage sites to prevent a repeat of the tragedy as the Shravan season continues.

PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday alleged that Bihar Police detained several of his supporters just hours before voting in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, accusing the ruling BJP of using the police machinery because it feared losing the seat. Kishor, who is contesting the by-election, claimed that more than 16 people associated with his campaign had been picked up ahead of polling. He alleged that the action was taken at the behest of the BJP and questioned why his supporters were being detained at such a crucial stage of the election. The allegations surfaced on polling day, immediately adding a political controversy to the closely watched contest. According to the report, police officials had not immediately responded to Kishor’s allegations, meaning his claims about political pressure had not been independently established at the time.

Kishor linked the alleged police action directly to the electoral battle in Bankipur, claiming the BJP was nervous about the outcome and therefore targeting people working with his campaign. The Jan Suraaj leader has been attempting to expand his party’s political presence in Bihar and the Bankipur bypoll has emerged as an important test for the organisation. His decision to personally enter the contest has also increased attention around the seat. With polling underway, the alleged detention of campaign workers quickly became part of the political narrative surrounding the election. Kishor maintained that the action against his supporters was politically motivated and portrayed it as an attempt to weaken his organisation immediately before voters went to polling stations. The BJP, however, was accused by Kishor; the available report did not establish evidence showing that the party had directed Bihar Police to carry out the alleged detentions.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the Bankipur electorate votes to choose its representative, with political parties closely watching turnout and developments on the ground. Kishor’s allegation that his supporters were picked up shortly before voting is likely to keep the focus on the conduct of the administration as well as the political contest itself. For Jan Suraaj, the bypoll is significant because it provides another opportunity to measure the party’s support on the ground after Kishor’s transition from political strategist to active politician. Bankipur, located in Patna, has consequently become a closely watched battleground. The immediate question now is whether Bihar Police will provide a detailed explanation regarding the alleged detentions and the reasons behind them. Until such an official response emerges, the claim that the action was carried out under political pressure remains an allegation made by Kishor. With voting taking place amid the controversy, the final result will also show whether Jan Suraaj has been able to convert its campaign and Kishor’s personal political appeal into electoral support in the constituency.

Treating the Bankipur by-election as a high-stakes contest, the BJP has deployed its top leadership to oversee campaign activities. BJP National President Nitin Naveen arrived in Patna on Saturday, where he was welcomed at the airport by Bihar BJP President Sanjay Sarawagi.

Following his arrival, Naveen held meetings with senior party leaders to review election preparedness, booth management, voter outreach, and campaign strategy. Discussions also focused on highlighting the NDA government's achievements during its initial months in office and effectively communicating them to voters.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to Address Mega Rally

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to address a major public rally at Mandiri Nala (Golghar Mandal) in the Bankipur Assembly constituency on Saturday evening. The rally is expected to be a key event in the BJP's campaign.

During his address, the Chief Minister will highlight the state government's development initiatives, welfare schemes, and the NDA's governance agenda while appealing to voters to support the NDA candidate in the by-election.

Rituraj Sinha Leads Extensive Public Outreach

BJP National Secretary Rituraj Sinha has also intensified his campaign across the constituency. Throughout the day, he is participating in multiple public engagements, interacting with various sections of society and promoting the BJP's policies and development agenda.

His schedule includes public meetings at Annapurna Bhavan, an interaction with intellectuals at Rotary Bhavan, a women's outreach program at Pulse Palace in Gautam Nagar, a public meeting in Kachhi Talab, and discussions with community leaders in Mithapur.

Prashant Kishor Focuses on Direct Voter Interaction

On the other side, Jan Suraj founder and Bankipur candidate Prashant Kishor has adopted a grassroots campaign strategy centered on direct engagement rather than large political rallies.

He is conducting tea meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and ward-level interactions throughout the constituency, using these platforms to connect personally with voters and discuss local issues.

Jan Suraj is contesting the by-election under the slogan "Beginning of Change", with the party emphasizing education, employment, corruption, and civic issues as its primary campaign themes. Party workers are also promoting the election symbol, "School Bag," through door-to-door outreach.

Booth-Level Mobilization in Final Phase

As campaigning enters its final stage, all major political parties have activated their booth-level organizations. While the BJP is focusing on structured booth management and extensive door-to-door campaigns, Jan Suraj is relying on small community meetings and direct voter engagement.

With senior leaders actively campaigning and workers reaching out across every ward, the Bankipur Assembly constituency is witnessing an intense political battle as parties make their final push before polling.

The uproar began soon after the House assembled for the day. Opposition MLAs raised slogans against the state government, demanding accountability for the police action against students during protests held in Patna a day earlier. Carrying banners and placards, they accused the government of suppressing students' voices and sought action over the alleged use of force.

Amid the protests, BJP MLA Shyam Babu Yadav stood up in the Assembly and alleged that those involved in Wednesday's protest were "not students but hooligans." He claimed that he and his security personnel were attacked during the demonstration near Dak Bungalow Chowk and said his life had been in danger.

"Had things gone differently, I could have been killed yesterday," the BJP legislator alleged while addressing the House.

His remarks immediately triggered strong objections from opposition members, who moved towards the Well of the House in protest. BJP legislators also advanced towards the Well, leading to a tense face-off between members of both sides.

As the confrontation intensified, Assembly marshals stepped in to separate the legislators and restore order. Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav repeatedly appealed to members to return to their seats, reminding them that "this is the Assembly, not a battlefield." Despite repeated requests, the commotion continued, leaving the Chair with little option but to adjourn the proceedings until 2 pm, barely eight minutes after the session had begun.

The disruption was not limited to the Assembly. The Bihar Legislative Council also witnessed protests and disorder, with proceedings lasting only around 15 minutes before being adjourned until 2:30 pm.

Opposition Protest Outside the House

Before the Assembly session commenced, opposition legislators staged a sit-in protest in the Assembly portico, holding banners and raising slogans against the police action on students. Demonstrators accused the government of mishandling student protests and demanded transparency in recruitment examinations.

Placards carried by opposition members featured slogans such as "Remove BJP, Save Education," "Why 152 paper leaks in 10 years?", "Students demand transparent examinations and dignity," and "Police brutality against students will not be tolerated."

The opposition also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated failures in preventing examination paper leaks and protecting students' interests.

Supplementary Budget to Be Tabled

Despite the disruption, the Assembly's listed business for the day includes the presentation of the Second Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2026-27. Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to present the supplementary expenditure statement along with the Bihar Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026, seeking legislative approval for the proposed additional expenditure.

The House is also expected to take up starred questions related to the Education and Cooperative Departments during Question Hour, subject to the restoration of normal proceedings.

Background

The confrontation in the Assembly comes a day after large-scale protests over the alleged paper leak issue and police action against demonstrators in Patna. The incident has intensified political tensions during the ongoing monsoon session.

On Wednesday, the Bihar Assembly had passed 13 Bills, taking the total number of legislations cleared during the first three sittings of the monsoon session to 20. While the opposition raised objections to several Bills, the government succeeded in passing all proposed legislation with the support of its majority.

Thursday's disruption has further sharpened the political divide between the ruling alliance and the opposition over student protests and law-and-order issues in the state.

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 announcement was made during a Janata Dal (United) workers’ felicitation programme held at the Ghoswari block auditorium in Patna district’s Barh subdivision on Sunday. The event was attended by local party leaders, supporters and workers, while Abhishek Singh was also present on the stage alongside his father.

Anant Singh, popularly known as “Chhote Sarkar” in the region, has repeatedly indicated in recent months that he does not intend to contest another Assembly election himself. On Sunday, he gave the clearest indication yet about the future leadership of his political camp.

Addressing party workers, Singh said his son would carry forward the responsibility of representing the constituency. He added that he would continue to remain available whenever the people of Mokama needed him and would stay connected with local issues despite stepping back from electoral politics.

The announcement comes at a significant time for Bihar politics, with political parties already beginning groundwork ahead of the next Assembly election cycle.

Speaking after the event, Abhishek Singh said he intends to spend the coming years working closely with residents and understanding local concerns before formally entering the electoral arena.

He said public acceptance would ultimately determine his political future and stressed that education and healthcare would be among his key priorities if given an opportunity to represent the constituency.

The move marks the latest chapter in the long and often controversial political journey of Anant Singh, one of Bihar’s most recognised regional strongmen-turned-politicians.

Born in Patna district’s Nadwan village, Singh rose to prominence in the 1990s and gradually built a powerful political network across Mokama and the surrounding Barh region. Over the years, he became known for his influence in local politics, his close association with major state leaders and his ability to retain electoral support despite numerous legal and political challenges.

His political rise coincided with a turbulent period in Bihar’s history when caste-based mobilisation, criminal networks and regional power centres played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes.

Singh first entered the Bihar Assembly on a JD(U) ticket and went on to become one of the most influential political figures in central Bihar. He maintained a strong voter base in Mokama across multiple elections, winning contests under different political circumstances and alliances.

His career, however, has also been marked by legal battles, arrests and high-profile criminal cases that repeatedly placed him at the centre of public debate. Despite those controversies, Singh continued to remain a significant electoral force in the constituency.

The decision to project Abhishek Singh as his successor suggests a deliberate effort to preserve the family’s political influence in the region while preparing for a generational transition.

Political observers note that family succession remains a common feature of Indian politics, particularly in constituencies where individual leaders have built strong personal networks over decades. In such cases, political capital is often transferred to the next generation through sustained public engagement and organisational support.

For JD(U), the development is also noteworthy because Mokama remains an important constituency in the Patna region. The party will be keen to retain its influence there amid changing political equations in Bihar.

Whether Abhishek Singh can replicate his father’s electoral appeal remains to be seen, but Sunday’s announcement has effectively launched his public political journey.

With several years still remaining before the next Assembly election, attention is now likely to shift toward how actively he engages with voters and whether he can establish an independent political identity beyond the legacy of one of Bihar’s most talked-about political figures.

Rahulendra Kumar has been selected for the post of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), while his sister, Sushmita Gupta, has been appointed as a Block SC/ST Welfare Officer. Their achievement has drawn attention across Bihar, with many describing it as a rare example of two siblings entering the state civil services together.

The siblings belong to Bairgania in Sitamarhi district, where their success has become a source of pride for the local community. According to reports, the family has long prioritised education despite facing personal and financial challenges over the years. Their journey is now being seen as an inspiration for thousands of civil services aspirants preparing for the highly competitive BPSC examination.

Rahulendra Kumar secured a place in the Bihar Administrative Service after successfully clearing the 70th BPSC examination. The SDM post is among the most sought-after positions offered through the state civil services, carrying responsibilities related to revenue administration, law and order, and implementation of government schemes at the subdivision level.

His sister, Sushmita Gupta, also achieved success in the same examination by earning selection as a Block SC/ST Welfare Officer. The role focuses on implementing welfare programmes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, monitoring social welfare initiatives and ensuring that government benefits reach eligible communities at the grassroots level.

Reports indicate that the siblings remained focused on their preparation despite setbacks and competition associated with the BPSC examination. Their disciplined study routine and consistent efforts eventually resulted in both securing government service through the same recruitment process.

The 70th BPSC Combined Competitive Examination witnessed intense competition from candidates across Bihar. Thousands of aspirants appeared for the examination, which involved preliminary, mains and interview stages before the final merit list was announced. Successful candidates were allocated various administrative and allied services based on their ranks and preferences.

Stories of candidates overcoming difficult circumstances have become a defining feature of this year's BPSC results. Alongside Rahulendra Kumar and Sushmita Gupta, several candidates from economically weaker backgrounds and rural areas secured top government posts, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of successful aspirants.

The simultaneous success of the Sitamarhi siblings has generated widespread appreciation on social media and among civil services aspirants. Many have described their achievement as proof that perseverance, planning and family support can help candidates overcome the challenges associated with one of Bihar's toughest competitive examinations.

For Rahulendra Kumar and Sushmita Gupta, the BPSC results mark the beginning of careers in public service. While Rahulendra will take charge as an SDM, Sushmita will work in the state's welfare administration, with both expected to contribute to governance and development in Bihar through their respective roles.

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.

The General Administration Department has issued instructions directing employees to use the Human Resource Management System (HMRS) portal or mobile application for all types of leave applications. The new rule covers Casual Leave (CL), Earned Leave (EL), and other categories of leave available to government employees.

Officials said the move is part of the state's broader effort to improve governance through technology and reduce dependence on manual paperwork. Under the new system, leave requests submitted through traditional handwritten or printed applications will no longer be accepted.

To use the facility, employees must first register themselves on the HMRS platform by downloading the mobile application or accessing the online portal. Once registered, they can submit leave requests digitally from any location without visiting their office to file an application.

The approval process has also been integrated into the online system. Concerned officers will review applications electronically and either approve or reject them through the HMRS platform. This means the complete workflow—from application submission to final approval—will be handled digitally.

Government officials believe the change will significantly improve efficiency in personnel management. Employees will be able to track the status of their leave requests in real time and receive updates regarding approvals or pending applications without relying on manual communication.

The transition is also expected to reduce delays that often occur in traditional file-based processing. Since applications will be available instantly to authorized officers, decisions can be made more quickly, improving overall administrative functioning.

Another key feature of the new system is the creation of a comprehensive digital leave record for every employee. The HMRS platform will automatically maintain details of leave availed, remaining leave balance, pending requests and past approvals. This information will be accessible whenever required, eliminating the need to search through physical records.

Administrative experts view the move as an important step toward modernising human resource management in government departments. Digital records not only improve transparency but also help departments monitor workforce availability and plan staffing requirements more effectively.

The Bihar government has increasingly focused on technology-driven governance initiatives in recent years. The mandatory online leave system aligns with broader efforts to enhance accountability, improve service delivery and streamline administrative processes across departments.

Employees are expected to benefit from the convenience offered by the system. Instead of preparing physical applications and obtaining signatures through multiple levels, staff members can complete the process using a smartphone or computer. This is particularly useful for employees posted in remote areas or those requiring urgent leave approvals.

Officials have also indicated that the digital platform will help reduce paperwork and administrative costs over time. By maintaining centralized records, departments can improve data management while ensuring greater transparency in leave administration.

With the new rules now in effect, government employees across Bihar are being encouraged to complete their HMRS registration and familiarize themselves with the online process. The administration expects the transition to create a more efficient, transparent and technology-enabled leave management system for the state's workforce.