Bihar Cabinet Portfolio Allocation: CM Samrat Choudhary keeps 29 departments; Dy CMs Vijay Kumar gets education, Bijendra Prasad finance

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 15, 2026 | top-stories

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday allocated portfolios to the ministers. While CM Chouhdary kept 29 departments with himself, he gave 10 to Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary and eight to Deputy CM Bijendra Prasad. Notably, the names of the ministers are yet to be announced. Choudhary became Bihar’s 24th and BJP’s first Chief Minister in Bihar on Tuesday, after Nitish Kumar resigned from the post following his election to the Rajya Sabha.

Samrat Choudhary has kept 29 departments. These departments are General Administration, Home, Cabinet Secretariat, Vigilance, Election, Revenue & Land Reforms, Food & Consumer Protection, Urban Development & Housing, Health, Law, Industries, Road Construction, Agriculture, Minor Water Resources, Labour Resources & Migrant Workers Welfare, Youth, Employment & Skill Development, Tourism, Art & Culture, Animal & Fisheries Resources, Disaster Management, Backward & Extremely Backward Class Welfare, Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe Welfare, Information Technology, Sports, Cooperative, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Sugarcane Industry, Public Grievance Redressal, Panchayati Raj, and any other departments not allocated to anyone.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has got Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs, Information & Public Relations, Building Construction, Minority Welfare, Education, Science, Technology & Technical Education, Rural Development, Transport and Higher Education.

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Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav has been given Energy, Planning & Development Finance, Commercial Taxes & Excise (Revenue-related) Registration, Commercial Taxes Rationing / Supply Consumer Protection, and Rural Works.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to Samrat Chaudhary upon taking the oath as the Bihar Chief Minister, succeeding Nitish Kumar. Taking it on X, he said that Choudhary’s excellence, enthusiasm, and experience will benefit the state and drive it towards development.

“Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Samrat Chaudhary on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar! His energy, dedication to public service, and grassroots experience will prove extremely beneficial for the state. I am fully confident that under his capable leadership, while fulfilling the aspirations of the people, Bihar will touch new heights of all-round development,” he wrote.

PM Modi also congratulated Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav on assuming charge as the Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar.

Notably, Bihar can have a total of 36 ministers including the CM and the Deputy CMs. There are scope for 33 more inductions with the Cabinet expansion, which is likely to take place over the next few days.

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Brigadier assault case: Delhi LG Sandhu lauds police for arresting 2 accused

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 14, 2026 | top-stories

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Tuesday praised the Delhi Police for promptly arresting the two accused involved in the assault of a senior serving Army officer and his son in Vasant Vihar.

In a message on social media platform X, L-G Sandhu said, “Appreciate the much-needed swift action by @DelhiPolice in the Vasant Enclave case. With two key accused now apprehended and the vehicle seized, the investigation must be fast-tracked to ensure all accomplices are brought to justice.”

The L-G said, “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens and maintaining the accepted standards of law and order.”

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One of the accused has been identified as Satender alias Sonu (49), the son of Banwari Lal and a resident of 8/123, Mehram Nagar.

He is a director at Chaudhary Aviation Private Limited, a firm that provides chartered and cargo flight services, and deals in the sale and purchase of aircraft and related parts.

The second accused, Sanjay Sharma (56), the son of Laxmi Narayan Sharma, resides at 8/142, Mehram Nagar and runs Pandit Ji Dhaba.

Earlier on Tuesday, L-G Sandhu expressed deep concern over the incident in Vasant Enclave involving the assault on the Brigadier, his wife, and their son, a 23-year-old IIT Delhi graduate.

He said that he has directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the Army officer and his family.

“Deeply concerned by the incident in Vasant Enclave involving the assault on a serving Brigadier of the Indian Army, his wife and son, a 23-year-old IIT Delhi graduate.”

L-G Sandhu said that he has personally spoken with the Brigadier to enquire about the incident and their well-being.

“I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible,” the L-G added.

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Noida protest update: UP government committee holds late-night talks over Rs 20,000 minimum wage demand

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 14, 2026 | top-stories

In a high-pressure bid to stop escalating industrial unrest in Gautam Buddh Nagar, a government-appointed high-level committee met with labour representatives from Greater Noida for all-night discussions. The negotiations lasted until the early hours of Tuesday after massive demonstrations from workers at industrial locations throughout the region forced the Uttar Pradesh state government to intervene.

The government steps in after the CM ordered it

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quickly directed the committee to form yesterday (Monday). The committee is chaired by the Industrial Development Commissioner and includes senior government officials from the MSME and labour departments. The committee’s responsibility is to look into the complaints of thousands of workers and to help restore industrial peace in a crucial manufacturing district in Northern India.

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Key demands: Fair pay & dignity

The labour group has presented a very detailed request list to the committee, but they are mostly focused on the widening gap between what they currently receive in wages and the high cost of living in the NCR markets.

Revising wages: Workers are protesting to increase their current salaries, which are between £10,000 – £15,000/month, to a minimum wage of £18,000 – £20,000/month, citing the higher wage scales provided in their neighbouring state of Haryana.

Week offs and overtime: Workers have raised concerns about no guaranteed rest periods. Workers have asked for strict compliance with the law regarding double time pay.

Respect at work: Employees indicated they would like to see better workplace conditions beyond meeting their financial needs. Respect in the workplace is required in making sure all workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions.

Focused attention on labour laws

District Magistrate Medha Roopam stated that her administration will be relying on open dialogue to settle disputes. In addition to working wages, there have been many non-compliance issues regarding current labour law implementation as well as job security concerns.

Once the committee reaches an agreement on how best to resolve these issues, it will provide a written recommendation to the state government. While representation from many industrial units has been well represented in consultations, the committee has taken significant measures to ensure that input from all affected parties (not just union members) is included in the discussions.

An urgent call for order in face of dialogue

District officials have made a strong appeal to workers for them to not fall into a trap of rumour or cause unrest for the workers. They also want workers to know that their interests will be respected when the process is completed.

ALSO READ | Noida factory unrest: Why industry workers are on the streets — Haryana factor and key demands explained

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‘Blow up the Vidhan Sabha with 15 RDX bombs’: Fresh threat mail to Delhi assembly

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 13, 2026 | top-stories

Days after a security breach sparked concerns at the Delhi Assembly, the House received two bomb threats on Monday warning of plans to “blow up the Vidhan Sabha with 15 cyanide gas-filled RDX bombs.” The threat message also made the reference to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, adding to the seriousness of the threat.

The threat emails, sent to the official ID of the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat and to Speaker Vijender Gupta’s official ID, claimed that the Delhi Assembly would be “blown up because S V Shekhar was sent to South India and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as a ‘BJP Brahmin agent’.

The emails, written completely in Hindi and sent to both IDs, contained the same content. According to Hindustan Times, the threat emails read, “Within 3 hours, we’ll carry out blasts in your Delhi Vidhan Sabha with 15 cyanide gas-filled RDX bombs. Only the Muslim employees should be evacuated from the premises.”

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The email also have a mentions of the Tamil Nadu politics ahead of scheduled Assembly polls.

As per the Hindustan Times, the threat reads: “Staff, no Brahmin should be a part of the DMK. If at all, they become a part of the party, they should chant the slogan ‘Periyar-Ambedkar zindabad’ in a naked state. Only then will we allow them to be one among us.”

It further said that S V Shekhar, “a Brahmin,” has joined the DMK. “This is why we are going to blow up your Vidhan Sabha because you have sent him to South India and the DMK as a BJP Brahmin agent.”

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold its Assembly elections in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4. Key contenders in the 2026 polls include the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and a new entrant, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

Last week, a masked man drove a car through an iron gate at the Delhi Legislative Assembly complex, triggering a security scare. The accused, identified as Sarabjit Singh from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, was later detained. He breached Gate 2, designated for VIP entry, stepped out of his Tata Sierra SUV, walked up to Speaker Vijender Gupta’s car, placed a bouquet on it, and then drove away.

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TMC appeasing ‘Tukde Tukde Gang’: PM Modi in poll-bound Bengal

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 12, 2026 | top-stories

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the strategic significance of the Siliguri region in West Bengal, citing national security concerns in the poll-bound state, and accused the ruling party of adopting a lenient stance towards secessionist elements.

Speaking at a rally in Siliguri, north Bengal, on Sunday, PM Modi alleged that the Trinamool Congress had “rewarded” the “Tukde-tukde gang,” which he claimed posed a threat of separating the Northeast away from India, NDTV reported.

While accusing the party of having an “ill-advised policy” to wards the security of the country, PM Modi said, “Our Siliguri is a major gateway for India’s security as well. The Siliguri corridor is not just a word but it’s the arm of Mother India. But you should remember friends, what TMC did for appeasement, to make their vote bank happy?”

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“There’s a ‘tukde-tukde’ gang (secessionists) in the country. This gang had given a threat to cut the Siliguri corridor. They had spoken about separating the North-East from the country. The TMC gave support to such people from the street to the Parliament,” he added.

The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” connects mainland India to the Northeast. At its narrowest point, the stretch is roughly 20–22 km wide and is strategically located near the borders of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

The Prime Minister, however, did not specify who he was referring to as the “Tukde tukde gang” in this instance. The BJP had earlier used the term to describe Left-leaning students. Over time, the phrase has evolved into a broader label and has even been used by some party leaders to target the Congress.

PM Modi also accused Trinamool Congress and the state government of creating hindrances for the Union government to implement the Central welfare projects in the state.

“Because of the illegal infiltrators, who are pampered by the state’s ruling party, the overall development of West Bengal is facing hindrances. The local people are losing jobs because of these infiltrators. This needs to be stopped. So let the lotus bloom in West Bengal this time and enable us to drive away the illegal infiltrators from the state. The days will change for the better automatically,” the Prime Minister said.

“You have allowed the Left Front to rule you for 34 years. Then you gave Trinamool Congress three consecutive chances. Now give us a chance. Give Modi a chance to protect women, create jobs, establish the rule of law, provide free medical treatment to the poor, and save Bengali culture from appeasement,” he added.

Reacting to the remarks, Bengal minister and Trinamool candidate Bratya Basu dismissed the comment, saying, “They call everyone who are against BJP, tukre tukre gang’.”

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13 Dead, several injured in a multiple-vehicle collision in Katihar; CM announces ex gratia

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 12, 2026 | top-stories

The death toll from a road accident in Katihar district has climbed to 13 after a bus collided with a pickup vehicle near Gerabari under the Korha police station area, officials said on Saturday.

The District Magistrate of Katihar confirmed the fatalities and stated that compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Rescue and relief operations are underway, and the injured are being treated at nearby medical facilities.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and announced ex gratia assistance for the families of the victims.

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In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, “The tragic loss of lives in the horrific road accident in the Kodha police station area of Katihar district is heartbreaking. Deep condolences to the bereaved families. The dependents of the deceased will be provided with ex-gratia assistance of ₹2-2 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the injured will receive ₹50-50 thousand each. Senior officials have reached the accident site and are carrying out relief and rescue operations. Instructions have been issued to ensure proper treatment for the injured. Wishing them a speedy recovery.”

Katihar District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi said that multiple victims were rushed for treatment following the collision.

“A tragic accident happened after a bus and a pickup vehicle collided near Gerabari. 10 bodies of the people who died in the accident were brought here, and the 23 injured people have been sent for treatment. Most of the deceased victims belong to Purnea. Out of the 23 injured people who were sent for treatment, 3 have died, and one of them belonged to Katihar. All the victims have been granted ex gratia by the Prime Minister,” he said.

He further noted that ex gratia assistance has been sanctioned for the victims as per government provisions.

Meanwhile, Katihar Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary said the incident is deeply tragic and confirmed that around 13 people have died, while nearly 27 injured persons are undergoing treatment in Purnia.

“The accident occurred following a collision between a bus and a pickup truck, wherein the bus lost control. An FIR regarding the accident is being registered in this matter, and post-mortem examinations are being conducted. The bus driver also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims,” he said.

A devastating head-on collision between a bus and a pickup van near Gerabari, under Korha Police Station jurisdiction in Katihar district, claimed 10 lives on April 11, 2026.

Local authorities and police swiftly launched rescue operations. Around 25 injured victims received first aid before transfer to nearby hospitals for advanced treatment, Katihar police stated.

(with ANI inputs)

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