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Bihar Flood: A Blame Game erupts between BJP, JDU as Patna remains flooded

The BJP and Janata Dal United leaders in Bihar got into a blaming game after the ongoing Flood killed more than 70 people across the state and left large parts of the capital Patna submerged, with water levels failing to recede even four days after the rain stopped, NDTV reported.

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6 years ago

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Bihar Flood

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The BJP and Janata Dal United leaders in Bihar got into a blame game after the ongoing Flood killed more than 70 people across the state and left large parts of the capital Patna submerged, with water levels failing to recede even four days after the rain stopped, NDTV reported.

Residents have described the situation as a “living hell” with malfunctioning water pumps hampering drainage operations and carcasses of dogs and pigs floating around the city, sparking fears of a disease outbreak.

The blame game erupted after the BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh, a long-time critic of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated the state authorities had not been sufficiently ready for the floods. 

“The government issued an alert asking people to be on guard. But was it on guard itself? Had it been so, people would not have been forced to suffer misery,” Singh said on Wednesday, October 3.

Giriraj Singh’s comment comes after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Wednesday said drainage operations in Patna by the BJP-controlled Urban Development Ministry were “far from satisfactory” and that he would personally monitor the situation.

He was supported by Bihar BJP President Sanjay Jaiswal, who accused Kumar’s government of “administrative negligence” in a Facebook post, according to news agency PTI. Another BJP leader, Minister of State Ashwini Choubey, was similarly critical.

The Chief Minister, whose leadership of the fragile BJP-JDU alliance in the state has come under pressure with Assembly elections expected next year, also hit out at critics, accusing them of “doing publicity and propaganda”.

“I am dedicated to janhit (public welfare) and not to publicity. I don’t believe in doing publicity and propaganda. Those who don’t work only do publicity,” he said.

JDU leaders have hit back by reminding their alliance partners (BJP) that they, in fact, control key administrative and planning posts for the state and Patna, such as the Mayor’s office and the Urban Development and Health Ministries.

JDU leader and Industries Minister Shyam Razak also accused BJP leaders of grandstanding in front of potential voters with one eye on next year’s polls.

The Chief Minister, who had to face a swarm of angry residents in Patna on Tuesday, earlier drew a parallel to the floods in Mumbai, for which he was criticized by junior BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand, who reminded Kumar that flood waters in Mumbai receded quickly.

Bihar is expected to hold Assembly elections next year and the floods, which Nitish Kumar described as a “natural calamity”, have provided BJP leaders looking for a change of leadership in the state with early campaign ammunition.

Kumar, who has come under pressure from BJP leaders looking for a change of leadership in the state, said last month that the NDA would secure more than 206 seats it won in 2010 polls, despite those “trying to do internal sabotage”.

According to the government, the floods have hit 959 villages across 15 districts. Around 21.45 lakh people have been affected. 45 relief camps and 324 community kitchens have been set up and more than 1,000 boats have been deployed.

In addition to flooded streets and houses, carcasses of dogs and pigs floating across the city have given rise to health concerns. Civic officials have begun removing these but their progress is slow.

Rain Alert in Patna – Forecast Updates

The Flood situation in Bihar is likely to worsen as the weather department predicted a light to moderate showers to continue for the next three to four days. The reason can be attributed to Cyclonic Circulation over Jharkhand and adjoining Bihar along with a Trough extending from East Uttar Pradesh to Northeast India across Bihar, Skymet Weather reported.

Areas like Rajendra Nagar and Kankarbagh remain submerged for the eighth day on Friday, October 4. Rajendra Nagar, one of the worst hit areas, is under four feet of stagnant water adding to the misery of locals.

Therefore, the upcoming showers may worsen this situation, thus posing a great threat to already waterlogged areas. The situation may remain grim in the state for another week or so.

 ‘The river Ganga had already breached its banks and the water level is expected to rise further, considering chances of more rains’, Skymet Weather said. 

The heavy rains have claimed 73 lives so far. 

Several people have alleged that there was no arrangement from the government to provide drinking water and food, though the administration said it has brought in heavy duty pumps to flush out water, the situation has not improved much. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Delhi air quality plunges to severe as thick smog blankets the capital

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply with AQI entering the ‘severe’ zone across several areas, prompting enforcement of GRAP stage-IV measures.

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4 hours ago

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December 23, 2025

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Delhi's air quality

Delhi woke up to hazardous air conditions on Tuesday as dense smog covered large parts of the national capital, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘severe’ category across several locations. Poor visibility and rising health concerns marked yet another spell of extreme pollution in the city.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the overall AQI in Delhi touching 413 in the morning, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ bracket. Several areas across the National Capital Region (NCR) reported alarming pollution levels, indicating a widespread deterioration in air quality.

Pollution hotspots report hazardous readings

Some of Delhi’s major pollution hotspots recorded extremely high AQI levels. Anand Vihar topped the list with an AQI of 466, followed by Ashok Vihar at 444 and Chandni Chowk at 425. These areas remained in the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Even central parts of the city were not spared. India Gate, Kartavya Path and the Rashtrapati Bhavan area were shrouded in toxic smog, with AQI levels around 384, categorised as ‘very poor’.

GRAP stage-IV measures enforced across Delhi-NCR

In response to the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced all actions under GRAP Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR. As part of these emergency measures, truck-mounted water sprinklers were deployed to suppress dust and reduce particulate matter in the air.

As per AQI standards, readings between 401 and 500 fall under the ‘severe’ category, while levels above 300 are considered ‘very poor’, highlighting the seriousness of the current conditions.

Delhi government reviews pollution control steps

The Delhi government has reiterated its commitment to tackling rising pollution levels with strict enforcement measures. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that a zero-tolerance policy will be followed against all sources contributing to air pollution in the capital.

A high-level review meeting was held at the Delhi Secretariat to assess existing measures and take further decisions. The meeting focused on enforcing Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms without any relaxation, exploring pooled and shared electric bus services across Delhi-NCR, issuing fresh guidelines for e-rickshaws, and rationalising Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus routes.

Senior officials from the Environment and Transport Departments, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Public Works Department (PWD) and Delhi Traffic Police, along with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, attended the meeting to finalise immediate and long-term steps to address the pollution crisis.

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Rahul Gandhi alleges institutional bias, questions electoral system during Berlin address

Rahul Gandhi alleged that India’s institutions and electoral system have been weaponised to favour the BJP, remarks that sparked a strong political response.

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5 hours ago

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December 23, 2025

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Rahul-Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has said that India’s institutional framework is facing a serious challenge and has been used to favour the ruling BJP. Speaking during an interaction at the Hertie School in Berlin, Gandhi questioned the functioning of key institutions and the electoral machinery, remarks that triggered a sharp political response from the BJP.

Gandhi said the Congress believes there is a problem with the electoral system and alleged that several institutions have been captured. Referring to investigative agencies, he claimed that bodies such as the CBI and the ED have been used as political tools. According to him, cases filed by these agencies overwhelmingly target those opposing the BJP, while leaders from the ruling party face none.

He also pointed to what he described as a stark financial imbalance between the BJP and the opposition, claiming a funding ratio of 30:1. Gandhi said this disparity reflects how institutions are being used to consolidate political power.

Opposition strategy and INDIA alliance

The Congress leader said merely pointing out problems in elections is not enough and stressed the need for the opposition to build a system of resistance that can effectively counter the ruling party. He added that the challenge now goes beyond electoral contests and is about presenting an alternative vision for the country.

On the INDIA alliance, Gandhi said the unity among opposition parties is rooted in their rejection of the ideological position of the RSS. While acknowledging that tactical contests between alliance partners will continue, he said they remain united when it comes to opposing laws they disagree with and working together in Parliament.

BJP hits back at remarks abroad

Gandhi’s comments delivered overseas drew a strong reaction from the BJP. Party president and Union minister JP Nadda accused him of speaking against India while Parliament is in session and claimed that he was undermining the country’s image at a time when the Prime Minister is receiving global recognition.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised Gandhi, alleging that he routinely travels abroad to defame India. He accused the Congress leader of making misleading claims about the country’s institutions and economic activity while praising China.

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DU VC Prof Yogesh Singh entrusted with additional charge of AICTE Chairman

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22 hours ago

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December 22, 2025

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Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the post of Chairman, AICTE till the appointment of a Chairman of AICTE or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

It is noteworthy that AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam was relieved of his duties after his term ended on December 20, 2025. According to a letter issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on Monday, Prof. Yogesh Singh’s appointment is until the appointment of a regular AICTE Chairman or until further orders whichever is earlier.

Prof. Yogesh Singh is a renowned academician with excellent administrative capabilities, who has been the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delhi since October 2021. He has also served as the Chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education. In August 2023, he was also given the additional charge of Director of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA).

Prof. Yogesh Singh served as the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Technological University from 2015 to 2021; Director of Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi from 2014 to 2017, and before that, he was the Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda (Gujarat) from 2011 to 2014. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra. He has a distinguished track record in quality teaching, innovation, and research in the field of software engineering.

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