Half a dozen MLAs from RJD, Cong to join BJP soon: State party chief
Patna (PTI): Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal on Friday claimed the party was set to receive a boost ahead of the assembly polls, as “half a dozen MLAs of the RJD-Congress combine” will jump ship in the next few days.
He made the claim at a press conference where he welcomed back into the party Ajay Nishad, a two-time MP from Muzaffarpur, who had contested the seat in the last Lok Sabha polls on a Congress ticket, after the BJP fielded Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, now a Union minister.
“With Nishad’s return to the BJP, our party will be strengthened further in the Tirhut region,” Jaiswal said.
Nishad is the son of former Union minister, late Capt Jayanarayan Nishad, who had been with the RJD and the JD(U), led by arch rivals Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar, respectively.
“In the next few days, about half a dozen MLAs of the Congress and RJD will be joining the party, in a clear indication of the growing trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,” Jaiswal asserted.
The state BJP president, however, did not divulge whom he expected to jump ship.
The Bihar assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, while counting of votes will take place on November 14.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
