Bihar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has commenced his ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, positioning it as a direct challenge to the Social Impact Register (SIR), which he alleges undermines the democratic rights of citizens. The march seeks to rally support against what the party views as a systematic attempt to weaken electoral participation and curtail people’s voting rights. By choosing Bihar—a politically vibrant state with a history of mass movements—Gandhi is attempting to galvanize public sentiment and rejuvenate the Congress’s presence ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

The Congress party has intensified its criticism of alleged electoral malpractice, releasing a video it claims demonstrates “vote chori” (vote theft). Party president Mallikarjun Kharge used the opportunity to call on citizens to actively raise their voices against what he described as an attack on democracy. The move signals the party’s intent to keep electoral integrity at the forefront of political discourse ahead of upcoming state and national polls.

Adani Power Ltd., one of India’s leading private-sector energy producers, has announced plans to develop a 2,400 MW thermal power plant in Bihar. The project underscores the company's continued push to expand its generation capacity while addressing India’s growing electricity demands, particularly in underserved regions. Strategically located to enhance grid reliability in eastern India, the facility will be developed in phases and is expected to boost local employment and catalyze regional infrastructure development.

Senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has criticized election authorities for serving him a notice regarding the possession of two Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). Yadav claims the mistake lies with the poll officials and not with him. The issue has sparked a fresh round of political tension, with Yadav suggesting the move is an attempt to tarnish his reputation. He asserts that he has always cooperated with electoral norms and any duplication in records is due to administrative error.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh issued a sharp critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the people of Bihar are prepared to deliver a clear electoral message to him and his party. Framing the upcoming polls as a referendum on performance and credibility, Singh accused the Congress of failing to address the core issues affecting the nation.

The recently released draft voter roll in Bihar has triggered concern across political and civil rights circles after preliminary reviews indicated disproportionately high exclusion rates, particularly among women and residents of Muslim-majority districts. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, this uneven representation threatens to undermine both democratic participation and electoral fairness. Observers have flagged inconsistencies in enrollment, gaps in field verification, and the potential marginalization of vulnerable communities.

Avaada Group, a leading player in India’s renewable energy sector, has unveiled plans to invest Rs. 5,000 crore in Bihar as part of its broader strategy to expand clean energy infrastructure across the country. The investment will be directed toward solar power generation, green hydrogen, and related energy storage solutions. With Bihar actively pursuing sustainable energy development, this strategic commitment is expected to significantly bolster the state's renewable energy capacity, create jobs, and align with India’s national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

In a critical move ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections, the Election Commission has announced that approximately 83.66% of the state’s eligible voters will be incorporated into the upcoming draft electoral roll. This revision exercise, pivotal for strengthening the democratic framework, aims to ensure comprehensive inclusion while minimizing discrepancies. The Commission has also laid out schedules for claims and objections to uphold transparency and give citizens ample opportunity to correct or update their records.

In a decisive push toward sustainable growth, the Bihar government has introduced a sweeping renewable energy policy aimed at attracting Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in investments while generating extensive employment opportunities across the state. The initiative underscores Bihar’s intent to reposition itself as a green energy hub, leveraging solar, biomass, and small hydro projects to meet rising demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In a pivotal development for India’s electoral processes, the Supreme Court has advised the Election Commission to explore leveraging Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration card databases during the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. This suggestion stems from concerns over widespread duplication and the integrity of the voter lists. The court’s observations underscore the need for a more robust, technology-driven approach to voter verification, aiming to safeguard the democratic framework while balancing privacy concerns.