Bihar's first election phase saw a record 64.66% voter turnout, with enthusiastic participation from women. Despite peaceful polling, stray incidents of violence and accusations between leaders, including deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha and RJD MLC Ajay Kumar, were reported. Prashant Kishor's party also made its presence felt, advocating for prohibition law repeal.

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Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha accused RJD supporters of attacking his convoy and hurling stones and cow dung. He reprimanded the Lakhisarai SP, calling him «weak and cowardly» for failing to control the situation and prevent voters from exercising their franchise. The SP stated tensions arose upon Sinha's arrival.

A woman Naxal with a Rs 17 lakh bounty surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Kamla Sodi, active for 14 years, was influenced by regional development and the state's rehabilitation policy. This follows a trend of nearly 360 Naxalites surrendering in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra last month. The government aims to end Naxalism by March 2026.

A Brazilian model, Larissa, expressed shock after her photograph appeared multiple times in Haryana's voter list, a claim highlighted by Rahul Gandhi alleging widespread voter fraud. Gandhi presented evidence of a single foreign model's image being used for various Indian names, questioning the integrity of the electoral rolls. The Congress leader asserted that approximately 25 lakh voter records were manipulated.

As Bihar's first phase of voting commenced, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav advocated for a «young government» led by his son Tejashwi Yadav, emphasizing the need for change after two decades. Meanwhile, Rabri Devi sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi and the BJP regarding law and order, accusing party members of violence and abduction.

A CBI probe is ordered into the mysterious death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab minister Razia Sultana. Emerging videos show Aqil making shocking allegations against his family, including his father, former DGP Mohammed Mustafa. Haryana police filed an FIR following a complaint, raising suspicions about foul play and a potential cover-up.

Prime Minister Modi fiercely attacked the RJD and Congress in Bihar, accusing them of protecting infiltrators. He highlighted the NDA's development initiatives under Nitish Kumar, contrasting it with the RJD's 'jungle raj' era of zero development. Modi praised the enthusiastic voter turnout in the first phase of polling, urging citizens to safeguard Bihar's progress.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal has raised serious allegations during Bihar's first phase of polling. The party claims police personnel and BJP workers intimidated voters and attacked RJD members. Incidents were reported in Mohiuddinagar constituency where police allegedly threatened residents. BJP workers were also accused of assaulting an RJD member. The Election Commission has not yet commented on these claims.

Bihar is voting today in the first phase of its Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on all eligible voters to cast their ballots with enthusiasm. He specifically congratulated young first-time voters. The elections will determine the state's political direction. Major political alliances are competing for control.

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Namita Devidayal is the author of Music Room, Aftertaste and Sixth String of Vilayat Khan. She discusses her latest book, Tangerine: How to Read the Upanishads Without Giving Up Coffee

Ahmedabad Police unearthed a chilling murder plot, finding a man's remains buried beneath his kitchen floor. His wife, allegedly in league with her lover and his relatives, is accused of killing him nearly a year ago. The couple reportedly plotted the murder after the victim confronted his wife about an affair.

Rahul Gandhi's recent rally remarks in Bihar, targeting PM Modi's performative politics and corporate ties, subtly highlighted Congress's own aspirations. This comes amid a tense seat-sharing tussle with ally RJD, exposing the INDIA bloc's internal power dynamics. The situation mirrors similar patterns where allies, like RJD, once emerged by eroding Congress's base, now vie for dominance.

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of widespread voter fraud during the Haryana assembly elections. Gandhi presented 'H-Files' alleging a theft of 25 lakh votes, including duplicate and invalid entries. Saini accused Gandhi of misleading the nation with lies, while Rijiju questioned the impact of Gandhi's 'atom bomb' allegations.