RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son and Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has alleged that his life is “under threat” amid the ongoing Bihar assembly elections. Tej Pratap, who recently floated his own political outfit after being expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is contesting from the Mahua constituency.

Tej Pratap says security increased amid growing fears

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Tej Pratap said his security cover has been strengthened due to potential threats. “My security has been increased… I am under threat. My enemies may even get me killed. Everyone seems like an enemy,” he claimed, without revealing any specific names.

The former minister’s statement comes months after he was expelled from the RJD on May 25 for six years following a controversy over a social media post in which he allegedly admitted to being in a relationship. The post was later deleted, with Tej Pratap claiming that his account had been “hacked.”

Wishes brother Tejashwi on birthday

Despite the ongoing political rift, Tej Pratap extended his wishes to his younger brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, saying, “My blessings are always with him. He should continue to grow further.”

Tej Pratap had earlier alleged a “conspiracy” to create a divide between him and Tejashwi, referring to internal party issues and describing those responsible as “Jaichand,” a metaphor for traitors in Indian history.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s criticism regarding the upcoming winter session of Parliament, asserting that the opposition should participate in debates instead of obstructing parliamentary proceedings.

Rijiju responds to Congress claims

The winter session of Parliament is scheduled from December 1 to December 19. Reacting to Ramesh’s remarks questioning the shortened duration, Rijiju said in a post on X that Congress leaders appear uninterested in running parliamentary sessions. “As if Congress leaders are interested in running Parliament Session! But I will never get tired of repeatedly appealing to the Congress Party to participate in the Parliament debates and discussions and also not to create obstacles for other sincere MPs. Let Parliament function,” he stated.

Rijiju emphasised that the government is ready for a “constructive and meaningful session” that will strengthen democracy and serve public aspirations.

Congress questions delay and timing

Earlier, Jairam Ramesh alleged that the winter session was “unusually delayed and truncated.” He said that Parliament sessions are typically convened between November 20 and 23 and last until December 24. “This time, the session will begin on December 1 and last only 15 days. I don’t understand what the government is running away from,” he said while speaking to media.

Ramesh also speculated whether the session was being shortened because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that the government has no legislative business or debate agenda.

Congress lists key issues for discussion

The Congress leader listed several issues that the opposition plans to raise during the session, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy, economic slowdown, unemployment, and foreign policy matters. Ramesh criticised the government’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s remarks about mediation in the India-Pakistan conflict and the unresolved situation at the India-China border.

He further linked the high voter turnout in Bihar to public dissatisfaction with the ruling NDA, asserting that the “Mahagathbandhan will form the government” there.

President Droupadi Murmu has already approved the government’s proposal to convene the winter session from December 1 to 19, subject to parliamentary business requirements.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has received several complaints from political parties in West Bengal against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for distributing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms at tea stalls, street corners, local clubs, and schools—violating official guidelines.

Reports suggested that people were seen rushing to street corners to collect their forms. The state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) reportedly faced embarrassment as these irregularities came to light.

Poll body issues warning

After receiving multiple complaints, the ECI issued a strict advisory to senior poll officers, reminding them to follow the official rules of form distribution. BLOs were instructed that enumeration forms must be delivered only by visiting voters’ homes. The poll body cautioned that the practice of distributing forms in public places was unacceptable.

District Magistrates (DMs) were also told to remain extra vigilant and warned of disciplinary action if further negligence was observed.

‘Follow the Bihar model’

The ECI directed BLOs to follow the “Bihar model” — where officers personally deliver the enumeration forms at voters’ homes, explain the process, and clear any doubts. Additionally, the Commission ordered district-level control rooms to be set up for supervision, with one BLO supervisor assigned for every ten booths.

The ECI reiterated that these measures aim to ensure fair and transparent voter list revisions, and warned of action against those failing to comply.