Thursday, December 25, 2025

Bihar—setback to Mahagathbandhan, ally JMM to contest independently

By
Vibha Sharma
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The move signals real issues within the INDIA bloc—not a very good sign ahead of the high-stake polls

Photo: Hemant Soren social media

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections independently, distancing itself from allies in the INDIA bloc — the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The party also indicated it would reconsider its alliance with these parties in Jharkhand after the Bihar elections.

Speaking to the media, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said the party will field candidates in six constituencies — Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC) — which poll in the second phase on November 11. Bhattacharya said the JMM had communicated its dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangement to INDIA bloc leaders

The party reportedly demanded 12 seats and warned it would go solo if not allotted a “respectable” share. “We had requested seat adjustments from our alliance partners — the Congress, Left parties, and the RJD, which is a major player in Bihar. In the 2019 Jharkhand elections, we supported them, giving RJD seven seats and even accommodating their MLA from Chatra as a minister,” he was quoted as saying.

Describing the upcoming Bihar contest as a multi-cornered battle, he said both the NDA and INDIA bloc are both grappling with internal tensions. “We will fight, we will win, and we will ensure no government is formed in Bihar without the JMM,” Bhattacharya asserted, also indicating that the party may revisit its alliance strategy in Jharkhand after the Bihar elections.

The JMM’s decision to contest six Bihar Assembly seats independently is a setback for the Mahagathbandhan alliance, risking splitting the opposition vote in key constituencies, potentially aiding the NDA by weakening anti-incumbency momentum. The move signals real issues within the INDIA bloc—not a very good sign ahead of the high-stake polls.

This development damages the Mahagathbandhan’s image of unity, especially as other partners like the Left have also expressed discontent over seat distribution, say observers. In contrast, the NDA has projected a stable front with a finalized seat-sharing deal. “If more regional allies begin asserting independence, the opposition’s ability to present a united national front could weaken further. In a closely contested election, even a few thousand diverted votes per seat could shift outcomes — making JMM’s solo contest a strategically significant move with broader consequences,” they add.

ICC, BCCI condole death of Afghan cricketers killed in alleged Pak airstrike

By
Vibha Sharma
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For India, the BCCI’s sharp condemnation subtly reinforces New Delhi’s alignment with Kabul’s concerns, while isolating Islamabad on moral and sporting grounds

Photo: social media

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three young Afghan cricketers — Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — reportedly killed in an alleged Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.

In a strongly worded statement, the BCCI described the incident as a “cowardly cross-border airstrike” and extended its condolences to the victims’ families and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

“The BCCI expresses its deep sorrow and condolences on the tragic loss of three young Afghan cricketers… The Board stands in solidarity with the ACB, the cricket fraternity, and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief. The loss of innocent lives, especially those of promising sportspersons, is deeply distressing and a matter of great concern,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.

He added that the BCCI “shares in the pain and loss of the people of Afghanistan” and called the attack “ghastly and unwarranted.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also condemned the deaths and assured the ACB of its support in these difficult times. “Deeply saddened by the loss of three young Afghan cricketers, Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, whose dreams were cut short by a senseless act of violence. The loss of such promising talent is a tragedy not just for Afghanistan but for the entire cricketing world. We stand in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and all those mourning this heartbreaking loss,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said

In response to the tragedy, Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation series involving Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Despite the withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly announced that the series would proceed as scheduled and revealed that talks are already underway with other teams to fill Afghanistan’s slot.

This development also adds a diplomatic undertone to the ongoing cricketing tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI and PCB have been at odds since the Asia Cup incident, when PCB chief and Pakistan cabinet minister Mohsin Naqvi walked away with the trophy after the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side declined to accept it amid the backdrop of “Operation Sindoor.”

The deaths have cast a long diplomatic shadow across South Asia. Afghanistan’s decision to withdraw from the tri-nation series is being seen as a symbolic rebuke to Pakistan, amplifying calls for accountability over cross-border strikes. For India, the BCCI’s sharp condemnation subtly reinforces New Delhi’s alignment with Kabul’s concerns, while isolating Islamabad on moral and sporting grounds. The incident risks escalating regional tensions, intertwining cricket with geopolitics once again. It also exposes how South Asia’s fiercest rivalries often spill beyond diplomacy and into the heart of its most beloved game.

Star campaigner’ or ‘star divider’-Akhilesh believes Adityanath is a divider

By
Vibha Sharma
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The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Yogi Adityanath meeting the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on February 10, 2018.

In a veiled attack on Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was going to poll-bound Bihar not as a BJP star campaigner but as a “star divider.”

“People would not accept ‘communal figures’,” he argued 

Adityanath is one of the BJP’s star campaigners for Bihar.

“He has gone to Bihar not as a star campaigner but as a star divider. The people of Bihar will not accept him. People can never accept communal figures,” Yadav was quoted as saying, alluding to Adityanath at a press conference, accusing the BJP of following a “divide and rule” policy because it is scared of PDA.

In the SP parlance, the acronym “PDA” stands for Pichde (Backward Classes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (minorities). Yadav also criticised the state government over worsening traffic and civic conditions in Uttar Pradesh’s cities.

Adityanath is a crowd-puller and also a deeply polarizing figure in Indian politics primarily because of his dual role as a Hindu monk (Mahant of the Gorakhnath Math) and a powerful political leader. He is considered divisive because his way of governance and rhetoric appeals to his base in ways that alienate a large section of critics, particularly those from minority communities and liberal backgrounds.

His supporters hail him as a “tough administrator” who has dramatically improved law and order in Uttar Pradesh, a state previously known for high crime and corruption. They point to infrastructure projects, a crackdown on crime, and successful social welfare schemes as evidence of his effectiveness. For many Hindus, he is an icon of the Hindutva ideology, a leader dedicated to protecting and promoting Hindu culture and interests with integrity and dedication.

Conversely, critics accuse him of being a hardline Hindu nationalist. His government’s policies, like highly publicized “bulldozer” demolitions of properties belonging to alleged criminals (often Muslims), are viewed by critics as politically motivated.

Silver squeeze ahead of Diwali exposes cracks in India’s precious metals market, policy-making

By
Vibha Sharma
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While gold continues its steady ascent amid global geopolitical and economic tensions, its often-overlooked cousin—silver—has emerged as the unexpected disruptor in India’s precious metals market. The sharp rally in silver prices has caught both investors and institutions off guard, prompting major mutual fund houses such as Kotak, SBI, and UTI to temporarily halt fresh lump-sum investments in their Silver ETF Fund of Funds (FoFs).

Silver ETFs, which are traded on stock exchanges, offer investors a way to gain exposure to silver without the logistical challenges of physical ownership. These ETFs are typically backed by high-purity (99.9%) physical silver bars stored in secure vaults. Each unit represents fractional ownership of the metal. However, this model has come under pressure due to an acute shortage of physical silver in India. Combined with rising investor demand, this has pushed domestic silver prices to a staggering 10–12 percent premium over international benchmarks—far above the typical 0.5 percent.

India’s silver prices are now among the highest globally. One key reason is a government-imposed restriction on silver jewellery imports just ahead of the festive season. In September, the Indian government moved to curb imports of plain silver jewellery in a bid to protect domestic manufacturers. A directive from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) cited a surge in silver jewellery imports—particularly from Thailand—as a threat to local producers and employment in India’s labour-intensive jewellery sector, which employs over 43 lakh people.

While the move aimed to support domestic industry, it also contributed to a supply crunch at a time of peak demand, further inflating prices. The unintended consequence of policy intervention—meant to safeguard jobs—has, in part, deepened the physical silver shortage and pushed prices beyond reach for many retail buyers.

Will the situation improve if trade restrictions are lifted? Unlikely, say analysts. They point out that silver’s long-term fundamentals remain strong, driven by sustained industrial demand—especially from the green energy and electronics sectors—and chronic global supply constraints. And the ETFs also have to buy to fulfil their demands. At the same time, they caution retail investors against making large lump-sum investments at current elevated levels, telling them to allocate 10 to 15 percent of portfolios to gold and silver in a gradual, staggered manner.

Unlike gold, whose value is largely aesthetic and symbolic, silver plays a crucial industrial role. It is an important material in solar panels, electric vehicles, batteries, circuit boards, and medical devices. India and China remain the world’s largest silver consumers, driven by both industrial needs and cultural preferences. Thus, silver prices can be sensitive to many global factors from manufacturing cycles and interest rates to shifts in renewable energy policies. When industrial demand rises during economic booms, silver prices tend to spike.

The current silver squeeze highlights not only market dynamics but also the broader implications of reactive policy-making.

Bihar’ elections — ‘This time, nothing Is well’ in NDA, Mahagathbandhan

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Observers believe candidates within the Mahagathbandhan have already been informed, as such last-minute decisions are common during elections, with all parties striving to maximise their electoral prospects. “This type of posturing is common, sometimes the names are declared on the last day also,” they add

With just three days left before the nomination deadline for the first phase of elections, trouble continues regarding seat-sharing in both major alliances — the BJP-JD(U) led NDA and the RJD-Congress-Left Mahagathbandhan.

Cracks appeared in the Janata Dal (United) after party MP Ajay Kumar Mandal offered to resign on Tuesday, alleging he was being denied access to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. On the same day, senior BJP leaders such as Samrat Choudhary and Nityanand Rai met Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha at his Patna residence to assuage him following reports of his dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangements. After the closed-door meeting, Kushwaha reportedly expressed his discontent, stating, “This time, nothing is well in the NDA.”

The allocation of 29 seats to Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has upset NDA allies. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi announced that his party would field candidates in two of the constituencies allotted to Paswan’s party.

Under the seat-sharing agreement, the BJP and JD(U) are contesting 101 seats each, while HAM and RLM have been given six seats each. The biggest beneficiary appears to be Chirag Paswan, with 29 seats allocated to his faction.

After the NDA announced the seat-sharing formula on social media, Manjhi was the first to publicly express his dissatisfaction, saying his party’s importance had been underestimated and warning of possible consequences. Kushwaha too posted an “open message” on social media, apologising to party workers and admitting the party failed to secure the number of seats it had hoped for. This is despite official claims by leaders from all NDA constituents that ticket distribution was completed amicably.

Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan is also facing internal challenges ahead of the October 17 deadline for filing nominations for the first phase. Alliance partners are still finalising their list of candidates amid last-minute negotiations and seat swaps. The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) on Tuesday released a list of 18 candidates, only to later withdraw it, saying the final list would be announced at a press conference.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), candidates can file nomination papers until October 17 (Friday). Scrutiny of nominations will take place the following day, and the last date to withdraw candidatures is October 20. Effectively, only three days remain for filing nominations. Observers believe that candidates within the Mahagathbandhan have already been informed, as such last-minute decisions are common during elections, with all parties striving to maximise their electoral prospects. “This type of posturing is common, sometimes the names are declared on the last day also,” they add

Haryana IPS suicide case: ASI’s death flips core narrative of caste to corruption, internal rot

By
Vibha Sharma
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Another death, another note: Fresh allegations shake foundations of Haryana police probe Sandeep Kumar’s death has completely altered the trajectory of the Puran Kumar case — flipping its core narrative from one of caste-based victimization to possible corruption and internal rot within the police force.

Photo: social media

The suicide of Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar sparked national outrage, painting a grim picture of caste-based harassment within police ranks. But in a shocking turn of events an officer connected to the case — ASI Sandeep Kumar — on Tuesday allegedly died by suicide, leaving behind a video and handwritten note accusing Puran Kumar of corruption, intimidation, and sexual misconduct.

Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was found dead at his official residence in Chandigarh on October 7. His nine-page suicide note named several senior officers, accusing them of humiliating him over his Dalit identity and subjecting him to relentless harassment. His death triggered massive protests with wife, IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, leading demands for justice. Now, ASI Sandeep Kumar’s family is demanding Amneet’s arrest, igniting debate over corruption, institutional integrity, leaving the Haryana government, in particular its police department, under intense scrutiny.

In a video reportedly recorded just hours before his suicide, ASI Sandeep Kumar made serious allegations against Puran Kumar, accusing him of being deeply corrupt, not some helpless victim of caste oppression as portrayed in his suicide note. Sandeep accused him of running a “pay money, get your posting” system after being posted in Rohtak, alleging that transfers and promotions were up for sale.

He alleged that Puran Kumar replaced honest officers with loyalists, blocked critical files, and accepted bribes to manipulate outcomes. He also claimed that women police personnel were sexually exploited in exchange for transfers. Sandeep said he was offering his life as a sacrifice for the sake of truth. “The country will awaken when we sacrifice ourselves on the path of truth,” he declared, praising former Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarnia—one of those named in Puran Kumar’s note— as an honest officer and demanding a probe into the assets of Puran Kumar and his family, saying their property should be scrutinized.

He ended the message by asserting that his act was meant to “awaken” public consciousness and reiterated that he had lived honestly.

Puran Kumar was found dead in Chandigarh, leaving a note alleging caste-based harassment by senior Haryana officers. Following outrage, DGP Shatrujeet Kapur was sent on leave, Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarnia was transferred, and an SIT was formed. His wife Amneet P. Kumar sought charges under the SC/ST Act.

But Sandeep Kumar’s death has completely altered the trajectory of the Puran Kumar case — flipping its core narrative from one of caste-based victimization to possible corruption and internal rot within the police force.

Until now, the death of Puran Kumar was being viewed largely through the lens of caste discrimination and institutional harassment. His nine-page note, his wife’s emotional appeals, and protests by Dalit groups built a picture of a victimized officer crushed by systemic bias. But ASI Sandeep Kumar’s suicide has thrown the entire narrative into question.

By directly accusing Puran Kumar of corruption, intimidation, and sexual misconduct, Sandeep’s death introduces a counter-narrative that challenges the martyr image built around the IPS officer. It also raises uncomfortable questions about the credibility of Puran Kumar’s own allegations and the conduct of those demanding justice in his name. Politically, the incident has complicated things for the Haryana government, which is already under pressure over police accountability and caste sensitivities. The SIT now faces the task of investigating both suicides into the multi-layered case.

Is Vijay joining AIADMK—buzz intensifies after Karur tragedy, DMK’ heat

By
Vibha Sharma
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Actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party—the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)—have been under scrutiny since the September 27 Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. Of late, the tragedy also sparked speculation of a possible alliance between TVK and the AIADMK, though both sides have denied formal talks. Such an understanding, if it materialises, may disrupt the AIADMK’s existing equation with the BJP given that the TVK describes the BJP as its “ideological enemy.”

Adding fuel to alliance buzz is a cartoon shared by the DMK’s IT wing on X depicted AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Vijay carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a palanquin. Captioned “IYKYK” (“if you know, you know”), the image mocked them as “slaves” of the BJP, echoing a line from an MGR film. The TVK hit back, calling the allegation baseless and reminding that the DMK itself had once allied with the BJP.

While the ruling DMK has blamed the TVK for the Karur incident, both the AIADMK and BJP have defended Vijay, accusing the ruling party of administrative lapses — inadequate police arrangements and failure to allocate a suitable venue for the rally.

The DMK’s dig came soon after the Supreme Court allowed a CBI probe into the Karur stampede, as requested by the TVK, and appointed a three-member committee led by former Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the investigation. The move triggered unease among DMK allies, with Congress and the VCK cautioning Vijay that the BJP could exploit the probe to influence him politically.

Reports suggest that Palaniswami recently spoke to Vijay to offer condolences after the tragedy and used the opportunity to propose a possible alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, aimed at “removing the DMK from power.” Sources indicated that Vijay sought time and said he would take a call after Pongal 2026. Adding to the speculation were TVK flags at AIADMK rallies, though the TVK has maintained that there are no formal talks.

Analysts believe that if the DMK continues to target Vijay, a political understanding between TVK and AIADMK could become more likely, potentially denting the ruling party’s electoral prospects. Since launching his party, Vijay has attacked the DMK’s governance but avoided direct confrontation with the AIADMK. His calibrated criticism of the BJP as an ideological foe while maintaining cordiality with the AIADMK suggests he is keeping options open

‘End drama, allow funeral,’ ‘inaction sending wrong message to crores of Dalits’—Rahul Gandhi berates Haryana CM, PM Modi

By
Vibha Sharma
-
Photo: courtesy AICC

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today blamed Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for failing to deliver “justice” to the family of Haryana IPS Y Puran Kumar, urging him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action, end the “drama” and let his wife and daughters hold the funeral.    

A 2001-batch IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police, Kumar was found dead with a gunshot wound at his Chandigarh home on October 7.

Gandhi said the Haryana CM had assured the family that justice would be done but three days had passed and no action had been taken. “Y Puran Kumar has two daughters who have lost their father ….the delay in the Haryana government’s action is sending a wrong message to crores of Dalits,” he said

“He was an IPS officer… It sends a wrong message to crores of Dalits that no matter how successful or intelligent you are, you can be suppressed. My message as the LoP to the PM and Haryana CM is fulfil the commitment given to the daughters, allow the funeral, end this drama and stop exerting pressure on the family,” he said

The Chandigarh Police last week set up a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into an FIR registered after taking cognisance of a “final note” left behind by the late IPS officer who purportedly died by suicide. On Monday, the Haryana government sent Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on leave after transferring Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya.

Photo: courtesy AICC

Earlier Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi expressed deep grief over the death by alleged suicide, calling the incident “shocking” and “deeply painful.” In a strongly worded condolence letter to his wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, Sonia Gandhi highlighted the systemic issues underlying the tragedy, subtly attributing blame to governance failures in BJP-ruled states like Haryana and Bihar.  “The untimely and tragic passing of Mr. Y. Puran Kumar reveals a harsh truth — that even officers at the highest ranks are not spared from social injustice, discrimination, and the deeply entrenched biases of those in power,” Gandhi wrote, adding “crores of Indians stand with you in your fight for justice.”

The family wants that officers named in the deceased’s suicide note be formally included as suspects in the FIR, and that appropriate legal action be initiated against them.

While the death occurred in Haryana, its reverberations may be felt in poll-bound  Bihar where caste injustice remains a politically volatile issue. If the opposition succeeds in sustaining the narrative and mobilising Dalit communities, the Nayab Singh Saini government’s handling of the case, it could influence electoral outcomes in caste-sensitive constituencies. Timing is crucial — particularly if the investigation is seen as delayed or lacking credibility.

The nine-page “final note” left by the late officer reportedly details caste-based harassment, systemic discrimination, and repeated public humiliation — all contributing to his mental distress. These claims have touched a raw nerve, particularly with Bihar heading into elections. Dalits constitute approximately 16% of the state’s population and frequently play a decisive role in close electoral contests.  Puran Kumar’s death and the circumstances around it are being cited by BJP rivals as evidence that even those who rise through merit are not spared from casteist oppression.

The Congress has called the incident a reflection of the BJP’s “Manuvadi” mindset. In Bihar, where the Congress is allied with the RJD under the INDIA bloc, the tragedy aligns with their long standing narrative around social justice.

Amneet P. Kumar, the officer’s widow, lodged a formal complaint with Chandigarh Police, seeking an FIR against DGP Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarnia and demanding their arrest under BNS Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and relevant sections of the SC/ST Act. “This is not a case of ordinary suicide, but the direct result of systematic persecution of an honest officer from a Scheduled Caste community by powerful superiors,” her complaint read. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done — even for families like ours, shattered by the cruelty of the powerful.”

Haryana Dalit IPS suicide—under mounting pressure, CM Saini sends DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave  

By
Vibha Sharma
-
Photo: courtesy Haryana Police website

Facing mounting political and social pressure, the Haryana government led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reportedly sent Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on leave. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations made in connection with the recent suicide of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar.

Kumar’s tragic death, which shook both administrative and political establishments, was accompanied by a nine-page suicide note in which he named DGP Kapur, Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarnia, and several other senior IAS and IPS officers. The note alleged systemic harassment, biased administrative practices, and caste-based discrimination.

An FIR was registered after the suicide, and while SP Bijarnia has already been removed from his post, the move to relieve Kapur of his duties is seen as a stronger response from the government, likely aimed at addressing public outrage—particularly within the Dalit community. The opposition has heavily criticized the state government, accusing it of shielding officials involved in caste-based injustices.

The backlash grew further after a dispute between Kumar’s family and the government over the post-mortem process. In a possible attempt to de-escalate tensions, the government also cancelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned rally in Sonepat on October 17. The event was scheduled to mark the one-year anniversary of the Saini government.

Shatrujeet Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer, assumed the role of Haryana DGP on August 16, 2023. Having completed his two-year tenure, his leave is seen by many as a quiet exit amidst controversy, though the government has yet to announce a successor or officially clarify the reason for his departure.

The suicide note reportedly accuses several senior officers—serving and retired—of manipulating postings, influencing Annual Performance Reports (APRs), and engaging in discriminatory practices. Kumar, who was married to senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, is said to have faced prolonged professional distress stemming from these alleged biases.

This incident has sparked a wider debate on caste dynamics and accountability within the Indian administrative system. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the Haryana government’s next steps in ensuring justice and restoring public trust.

Over two-thirds of Bihar’s sitting MLAs have serious criminal charges against them

By
Vibha Sharma
-

According to the ADR, a staggering 158 MLAs (66%) have declared criminal cases against themselves. More alarmingly, 119 MLAs (49%) face serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and crimes against women.

Image courtesy ADR

It is a story of India’s fraying democratic fabric. A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch has laid bare some disturbing criminal and financial details about Bihar’s sitting MLAs, highlighting a political system where crime, wealth, and power go hand in hand.

Consider this: Out of 241 sitting MLAs analysed from Bihar’s 243-member Assembly, a staggering 158 MLAs (66%) have declared criminal cases against themselves. More alarmingly, 119 MLAs (49%) face serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and crimes against women.

Of the 241 sitting MLAs whose affidavits were analysed, 66% have criminal cases filed against them. That’s two out of every three lawmakers. And these are not just minor run-ins with the law. Nearly half of them (49%) are facing serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and crimes against women. Think about that — the people responsible for making the laws are, in many cases, accused of breaking the most serious ones.

Sixteen MLAs have declared murder charges under IPC Section 302. Thirty more are facing charges for attempted murder. Eight are charged with crimes against women. Apparently it is not an aberration, it is a norm.

Across party lines

No single political party can claim moral high ground here. Every major party in Bihar is steeped in this pattern of criminality.

•         BJP: 64% of its MLAs face criminal cases; nearly half face serious charges.

•         RJD: 74% with criminal cases; 60% with serious ones.

•         JD(U): 45% criminal cases, 28% serious.

•         Congress: 82% of its MLAs have criminal records.

•         Smaller parties like CPI, CPI(M), and AIMIM? In some cases, 100% of their MLAs have criminal cases.

Image courtesy ADR

And then, there’s money

Bihar is said to be a poor state but in the Assembly, the rich don’t just run the show — they own it. Out of the 241 MLAs, 194 are crorepatis—that’s 80%. And the average wealth per MLA—a cool Rs. 4.65 crore.

The total assets of 241 sitting MLAs are Rs. 1121.61 Crores.

Party-wise as many as 72 (87%) out of 83 MLAs from BJP, 63 (88%) out of 72 MLAs from RJD, 39 (83%) out of 47 MLAs from JD(U), 13 (76%) out of 17 MLAs from INC,  2 (50%) out of 4 MLAs from Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), 1 (50%) out of 2 MLAs from CPI(M), 1 (50%) out of 2 MLAs from CPI, 1 (9%) out of 11 MLAs from CPI(ML)(L) and 2 (100%) out of 2 Independent MLAs have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore.

Here’s how it looks party by party:

•         JD(U) tops the wealth chart with an average of Rs. 7.08 crore per MLA

•         RJD follows with Rs. 5.21 crore

•         Congress: Rs. 5.57 crore

•         BJP: Rs. 3.51 crore

Even independent MLAs are crorepatis — both of them.

The message is clear: to get elected in Bihar, you either need deep pockets, a criminal network, or both.

The question is when lawmakers walk into the Assembly hall with murder charges pending and crores in their bank accounts, what kind of governance can people expect? And the issue is that it is not just Bihar, the pattern repeats across many Indian states.

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