Category: TOP STORIES

Ex-minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expresses disappointment after missing Karnataka Cabinet berth

Bengaluru, Aug 3 (IANS) Former Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader, Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Monday expressed disappointment after being left out of the expanded State Cabinet, saying he had not been given any reason for his exclusion despite decades of service to the party and the State.

In a statement issued after the Cabinet expansion, Gundu Rao said he had always remained committed to the party and the people of Karnataka, adding that his dedication had never wavered throughout his political career.

Reflecting on his political journey, the six-time MLA said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka as both an MLA and a Minister, and credited his repeated electoral victories to the trust reposed in him by the people.

“Being a six-time MLA is only possible because of the trust people keep placing in me, and that means everything,” he said.

Gundu Rao highlighted that he had served the Congress in various organisational roles, beginning with the Youth Congress and later in the District Congress, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), and the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

He said he had always worked hard, remained loyal to the party, upheld its ideology, and strived to serve the people who had supported him.

Expressing his disappointment over being overlooked for a Cabinet berth, Gundu Rao said, “It is disappointing that after so many years of service to the State and the party, I have not been considered to serve the government in this Cabinet. I am disappointed by decisions taken without being given any reason for my exclusion.”

Despite his disappointment, the senior Congress leader reiterated his commitment to public service, saying he would continue to work for the welfare of the people and the development of Karnataka.

He also maintained that his guiding principles would continue to be good governance, integrity, and honest public service, irrespective of whether he held a ministerial position or not.

Dinesh Gundu Rao is the son of former chief minister late S. Gundu Rao and he handled the Health Ministry in the Siddaramaiah government.

It can be noted that Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Monday appealed to Congress leaders to remain patient after the Cabinet expansion triggered protests, resignation threats and widespread disappointment among legislators who failed to secure ministerial berths.

CM Shivakumar said many deserving and senior legislators could not be accommodated in the ministry and urged them not to lose hope.

“I am now heading to Lok Bhavan after sending the final list there. There are many deserving and senior leaders. I do not deny that. However, the party has to take decisions based on various considerations,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

It can be noted that bringing an end to months of speculation and prolonged political suspense, the Congress government on Monday expanded the Karnataka Cabinet, with the party high command approving the induction of 20 legislators as ministers.

The Congress party is believed to have balanced experience and fresh faces in the expanded Karnataka Cabinet.

–IANS

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Pakistan’s forceful occupation, looting of natural resources fueled call for Baloch nationalism: Report

Islamabad, Aug 3 (IANS) Pakistani authorities have described the Baloch resistance as the handiwork of foreign intelligence agencies but the truth is that the forceful occupation and looting of natural resources in the province have led to the call for Baloch nationalism, a report has detailed.

Pakistani security forces have been facing heavy casualties due to coordinated rebel attacks in Balochistan. The Pakistani army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) was forced to launch operations that were described as “large-scale and intelligence-based.” Pakistani forces and law enforcement agencies have jointly announced the launch of ‘Operation Shaban’ and ‘Operation Al-Azm’ in response to Baloch rebel attacks, a report in The Times of Israel mentioned.

“With these extensive assaults, the Baloch fighters once again showcased their capacity to coordinate intricate attacks, as well as their reach and capability. However, this is despite the fact that nearly all of the federal and state security and intelligence agencies of Pakistan have a substantial presence in Balochistan. All branches of the Pakistan military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, have a presence in Balochistan, with the Army being the most significant,” the Times of Israel report stated.

It added that the Pakistani military establishment is embarrassed after facing the recent attacks and has initiated a military operation. However, each operation initiated by GHQ in Balochistan inevitably fails, irrespective of the number, due to various reasons like the vast geography of the province. Balochistan’s border with Iran and Afghanistan is poorly guarded and porous and Pakistan is unable to allocate the level of force required in the province. Baloch armed groups have also enhanced their capabilities and the Pakistani forces receive no support from the local population as they consider the Pakistani deep state as looters who are exploiting their land and using it as a colony.

“At the core of the ethno-nationalist armed resistance is the deep-rooted feeling of oppression among the Baloch people. The Pakistani deep state has always labelled this resistance as the handiwork of foreign intelligence agencies. But the truth is that the forceful occupation and looting of vast natural resources have fueled the call of Baloch nationalism. With limited or no access to education, jobs, electricity, roads, and clean water,” the report said.

“A common Baloch fails to understand why he is forced to live in abject poverty. While Islamabad is benefiting from the natural resources of his homeland. The Baloch movement seems to have spread deeper into Baloch society. Anti-state sentiments have gripped the entire province. It’s a hard truth that Balochistan has already slipped from Pakistan’s hands, and it’s only a matter of time before Islamabad will witness a second division of the so-called country,” it added.

Last month, Baloch armed fighters launched a series of attacks targeting Pakistani forces and installations across multiple districts of Balochistan, leaving several personnel dead, local media reported citing sources.

The fighters also seized and torched multiple vehicles transporting minerals, after opening fire on a convoy in the Nokchah area of Chagai district.

The incident came against the backdrop of an “economic blockade” declared by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Since the announcement, the group has established control over major highways across Balochistan, with reports indicating that over 200 vehicles have been set ablaze, The Balochistan Post reported.

In a separate incident, a large Pakistani military convoy heading to Noshki city was attacked on the N-40 highway near the Killi Batto area. The convoy included bulletproof vehicles and was accompanied by police personnel.

Reports suggest Pakistani security personnel were killed in the attack, although the number could not immediately be confirmed. A police vehicle assigned to the deputy commissioner was struck, but the official reportedly escaped without injury.

–IANS

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Milma rejects any role in Sabarimala ghee scam, raises questions over alleged tampering

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 3 (IANS) The controversy over the alleged irregularities in the supply of ghee to Kerala’s revered Sabarimala temple took a fresh turn on Monday, with state government cooperative Milma strongly denying any role in the episode and questioning how the alleged tampering could have gone unnoticed until now.

The latest row comes close on the heels of the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, in which around 15 officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board and others were arrested, adding to concerns over the handling of temple assets and offerings.

Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) , or Milma, as it is popularly known, Chairman K.S. Mani dismissed reports linking the dairy cooperative to the alleged ghee scam as baseless and asserted that no adulteration or manipulation had taken place in any ghee supplied by Milma.

He said every batch of ghee sent to Sabarimala was tested at the state laboratory and dispatched only after meeting prescribed quality standards.

According to him, the Travancore Devaswom Board has never officially informed Milma that the quality of its ghee was found to be deficient.

Mani maintained that if any irregularity had occurred, Milma had no role in it.

He also raised the possibility that outside traders could have been involved and warned that strict legal action would be initiated if Milma’s name, logo, or emblem had been misused.

Questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, the Chairman asked why any replacement of ghee during transit from Pathanamthitta to Sabarimala had not been detected at the inspection point at Pampa.

He also sought to know why the temple authorities had not immediately informed Milma if they had noticed any discrepancy.

The Milma chief said the cooperative would extend full cooperation to the ongoing investigation.

At the same time, he made it clear that if any Milma official was found to have been involved, stringent action would follow.

Despite the controversy, Mani claimed that the sale of Milma ghee had remained unaffected.

He said a decision on ordering an internal inquiry would be taken after receiving a report from the Managing Director of the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Union.

With investigations now focusing on another sensitive issue involving Sabarimala, the spotlight has once again turned on the systems meant to safeguard the affairs of one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage centres.

–IANS

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Agricultural scientists help South Gujarat farmers revive flood-hit orchards with restoration methods

Gandhinagar, Aug 3 (IANS) Agricultural scientists and horticulture officials have begun visiting flood-affected farms across South Gujarat to help growers restore uprooted fruit trees, with experts saying that many horticultural trees can be saved if their roots remain connected to the soil and are treated using scientific methods.

The field initiative follows heavy rainfall across the region, which has damaged orchards in several districts.

Acting on the directions of State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, joint teams from the State Horticulture Department and Navsari Agricultural University have been visiting affected villages since last Friday to provide hands-on demonstrations on restoring uprooted trees and managing them after replanting.

Despite continuous rainfall and without waiting for floodwaters to recede, the teams have been working in Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Dang and Tapi districts, training farmers directly in their fields on techniques to minimise long-term crop losses.

Agricultural experts said that uprooted saplings and trees whose roots remain attached to the soil can often be revived through proper scientific care, helping farmers protect orchards built up over many years.

Progressive farmer Mohan Patel of Ghej village in Navsari said the same approach had proved successful after Cyclone Tauktae.

Recalling his experience, he said several small and large mango trees in his orchard had been uprooted during the cyclone.

With guidance from scientists of the Horticulture Department and Navsari Agricultural University, he attempted to restore them.

“As a result, nearly 70 to 80 per cent of the uprooted mango trees recovered successfully, and today it is difficult to even identify which trees had once fallen,” Patel said.

He added that farmers could save orchards developed over years of hard work if they adopted scientific methods instead of abandoning damaged trees after floods or cyclones.

Dr Ankur Patel, Associate Research Scientist at Navsari Agricultural University, advised farmers not to lift uprooted saplings abruptly, as doing so could damage their roots.

Instead, he recommended raising the tree slowly, pausing briefly after partially lifting it before continuing until it is upright.

He also advised pruning long and drooping branches to reduce the tree’s nutrient demand after flood damage, leaving only a limited number of leaves so that new shoots can develop.

The exposed surfaces of pruned branches should be treated with a Copper Oxychloride (COC) paste to prevent rotting and encourage fresh growth.

For soil and root treatment, Dr Patel advised against applying cow dung manure immediately after flooding during the monsoon.

Instead, he recommended mixing 50 grams of Carbendazim powder with one kilogram of vermicompost, turning the mixture for four to five days before applying it around the base of the tree.

To prevent root rot, he suggested drenching the soil with a solution prepared by mixing one kilogram of Trichoderma viride and two kilograms of urea in 200 litres of water, applying one litre of the solution to each sapling two to three times a month.

Dr Patel also advised farmers to prepare for future monsoons by constructing protective bunds at least two feet high around saplings before the rainy season, taking into account the direction of water flow from nearby rivers or streams.

Such bunds, he said, help protect young trees from flowing water, provide additional support and reduce the risk of uprooting during heavy rainfall.

–IANS

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Italy has not lived up to expectations on Ceuta crisis: Spanish Foreign Minister

Madrid, Aug 3 (IANS) Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Monday said that Italy has not lived up to expectations while reacting to the Ceuta migration crisis, noting that Italy is the country with the highest number of irregular entries in Europe, local media reported.

“There have been countries and governments that have not lived up to expectations, as well as politicians and parties, even in Spain,” Albares stated to broadcaster RTVE. “The Italian government was one of them. Here in Spain, I hear irresponsible statements from the Popular Party and Vox,” he continued, Italian News Agency Adnkronos reported.

“As for Italy,” Albares recalled, “it is the country with the highest number of irregular entries in Europe, while Spain has the lowest number. Italy would like to resolve the situation in Lampedusa as the one in Ceuta was resolved,” he stressed further.

Convinced of the “specificity” of the border of both autonomous cities, he demanded unity from all political forces around two Spanish cities, Ceuta and Melilla, and unity from all Europeans around two European cities at the current moment.

“It is the only external land border of the European Union (EU) with Africa. We cannot treat that border as we would any other border city in Europe,” argued the head of Spanish diplomacy, insisting that this also be recognised by Brussels, in view of the meeting of Interior Ministers to be held on Tuesday.

“Strengthen these mechanisms and remind all EU states that without solidarity, there is no Europe,” he emphasised.

Albares also emphasised Morocco’s collaborative attitude from the outset.

“The vast majority of those who entered have already returned to Morocco, and we continue to offer our collaboration so that even the last person who entered can return,” the minister declared in an interview with the program ‘La Hora de la 1’, Adnkronos reported.

According to Albares, what happened in the autonomous city between last Thursday and Friday, when at least 50,000 people from Morocco arrived irregularly, by swimming, is an “unprecedented event,” but equally so is “the repatriation” in 48 hours of those thousands of people, with the “full collaboration” of Morocco.

Asked if the African country is a reliable partner, the minister was categorical: “I stick to the facts. And the facts are that, from the very first moment, Morocco offered its collaboration to try to stop that flow of people and, above all, for them to return immediately.”

–IANS

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Punjab Assembly passes resolution, blames Centre for repeated exam leaks

Chandigarh, Aug 3 (IANS) Punjab Finance Minister, Harpal Cheema, on Monday moved a resolution in the Legislative Assembly, urging the House to hold the Centre accountable for repeated examination scandals, paper leaks and institutional failures that have impacted the future of millions of students and job aspirants across the country. The Assembly unanimously passed the resolution.

Speaking in the House, Cheema said, “Under the arrogant rule of a dictatorial BJP-led Union Government, every vital sector in the country, especially the future of millions of hardworking youth, has been put up for sale.”

The minister said the systemic corruption and repeated paper leaks in high-stakes examinations such as NEET have broken the morale of young aspirants and more than 2.50 lakh students stayed away from the re-examination out of sheer despair after realising that merit had been traded for cash and political patronage.

He pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently took to social media and digital platforms for superficial outreach, the state machinery responded to peaceful and democratic appeals by students with shock batons, pellet guns, tear gas and AK-47 assault rifles.

“Even minors, schoolgirls apologising under duress and renowned climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk have been booked under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita instead of receiving justice,” he said.

“The resolution strongly condemns more than 70 major examination scandals, digital remote-access hacks and recruitment scams that have plagued the country over the past decade.

“It calls for complete restructuring and decentralisation of testing bodies such as the National Testing Agency, exemplary action against paper leak syndicates and the immediate withdrawal of unjust criminal proceedings against peaceful student protesters,” he added.

The minister said the contrast between the situation in several BJP-ruled states and Punjab is evident.

“While the Union Government protects corrupt syndicates and exploits students, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has provided nearly 70,000 government jobs purely on merit and restored Scheduled Caste scholarships, ensuring that more than half a lakh marginalised students can pursue their education without economic barriers,” Cheema said.

Concluding his address, Cheema said, “It is the unstoppable power and awakening of India’s youth that has finally forced the arrogant BJP leadership to bend before public pressure.

“This House should send the resolution to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office so that the concerns of the people and the aspirations of the country’s youth are formally placed before them.”

–IANS

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‘Why the hurry?’: Kerala HC raps govt over under-probe IPS officer’s promotion

Kochi, Aug 3 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Monday came down heavily on the state government for promoting IPS officer S. Sreejith to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) while corruption allegations against him are still under consideration, questioning the undue haste behind the decision.

Justice A. Badharudeen orally observed that the government should have obtained a fresh vigilance clearance before granting the promotion, especially when two separate allegations against the officer are pending.

The court noted that vigilance clearance is a mandatory requirement while promoting an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to the rank of DGP.

It questioned why the government proceeded with the promotion despite earlier court orders directing reconsideration of allegations against the officer.

“You have sought time repeatedly to consider sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Then why the hurry to promote an officer against whom allegations are pending? Without a fresh vigilance clearance, the appointment appears hasty,” the court orally observed.

The observations came while hearing a petition alleging corruption in the appointment of bodybuilders Shinu Chovva and Chitharesh Natesan as police inspectors.

In an earlier order, the High Court had directed the Additional Chief Secretary to consider granting sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for an inquiry into the allegations.

The court also recently set aside a report that had cleared Sreejith over allegations that he had undertaken an unauthorised foreign trip to Dubai to attend the inauguration of a private business establishment while serving as an ADGP.

During Monday’s hearing, the state again sought two weeks’ time to decide on sanction.

The court refused the request and directed the Additional Chief Secretary to take a decision on or before August 10, warning that failure to comply could invite adverse remarks.

The state government had only days earlier promoted Sreejith, who is currently serving as Prisons Chief, to the rank of DGP through a government order.

Despite the promotion, he will continue as head of the Prisons Department.

The promotion came after ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar was placed under suspension in connection with allegations relating to attempts to derail the investigation into the gunmen deployment episode during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme under the previous LDF government.

While making it clear that the legality of the promotion was not under consideration in the present proceedings, the High Court observed that if the promotion violated the prescribed rules or procedure, it could be challenged separately before the appropriate forum.

The case will be taken up again on August 10.

–IANS

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Odisha govt intensifies flood relief measures, announces compensation; over 8 lakhs affected

Bhubaneswar, Aug 3 (IANS) Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday said that the state government has intensified relief, rehabilitation and damage-assessment measures in flood-affected areas and assured that compensation would be provided to eligible people as per government norms.

The Minister said the flood situation has affected 22 districts, 85 blocks and 656 Gram Panchayats, with around 1,458 villages and 15 urban local bodies. As many as 8,63,909 persons have been affected by the flood situation in these districts.

According to the Minister, 2,67,301 people have so far been evacuated and shifted to safer locations or relief shelters.

He said the government has directed officials to ensure that people staying in relief centres are properly looked after and are not allowed to return to vulnerable areas until the situation becomes safe.

Relief operations are continuing in the affected areas, with 529 relief centres and 31 animal relief centres functioning. Relief materials including milk, biscuits, bread and other essential items, particularly for elderly persons, are being supplied.

He also said the government is coordinating with the Agriculture Department to assess crop damage through field-level verification and ensure that farmers affected by crop losses receive appropriate compensation. A detailed assessment will be carried out at the district and ground levels before final compensation is released.

He said compensation would be provided to people whose houses, livestock, crops and other properties have been damaged, strictly according to government norms. Under the existing norms, Rs 1.20 lakh will be provided for a completely damaged house, while Rs 6,500 will be provided for a partially damaged pucca house. The government will provide Rs 8,000 for a damaged hut and Rs 3,000 for a damaged cowshed.

Compensation will also be provided for other categories of damage, including livestock loss and damage to household property, as applicable under the norms. The Minister said compensation would also be provided for crop losses.

He said the Agriculture Department has been asked to conduct a detailed assessment and prepare the required crop-damage lists so that eligible farmers can receive compensation.

As part of the preliminary assessment, several hectares of crop area have been damaged, including paddy; other crops have also been affected. He added that departments concerned have been mobilised to expedite compensation to people affected by the floods. A comprehensive assessment report will be prepared after receiving reports from all districts.

Pujari also stated that the preliminary assessment amount of Rs 110 crore will be debited to the different districts on Monday itself as a provisional compensation amount. The Minister said the government would provide compensation to every eligible person as per the prescribed norms and ensure that no genuine beneficiary is deprived of assistance.

–IANS

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Two notorious drug offenders in J&K’s Pulwama booked under PIT-NDPS Act

Srinagar, Aug 3 (IANS) Police in J&K’s Pulwama district said on Monday that it has booked two notorious drug offenders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act 1988.

A police statement said that in its sustained drive against drug trafficking and habitual narcotics offenders, Pulwama police has booked Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar, son of Ali Mohammad Dar and resident of Kakapora, Pulwama and Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Habib Ullah Sheikh and resident of Bongam Hanji Mohalla, Kakapora, Pulwama.

Both are repeat offenders involved in multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act at Police Station Kakapora.

Considering their persistent involvement in narcotics-related activities and with a view to preventing them from continuing illicit drug trafficking, detention orders under the PIT-NDPS Act were issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

Following the execution of the detention orders, both detenues have been lodged at Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

Pulwama police remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and stringent legal and preventive action will continue against drug peddlers and all those involved in the illegal narcotics trade, the statement said.

The public is urged to continue supporting the police by sharing credible information related to drug trafficking to help build a drug-free society.

Punishments for drug smugglers and drug peddlers in J&K include attachment of immovable property bought with funds generated by these activities, imprisonment, preventive detention, cancellation of passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence, etc.

During the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, over 2,300 FIRS were registered against drug networks and traffickers.

Over 2,600 arrests were made of individuals involved in the drug trade, 1,500 kg of narcotics were seized by security and police forces, and 331 illegal properties, valued at around Rs 200 crore, of narco-terrorists and drug smugglers were attached.

Other penalties imposed include cancellation of over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations, alongside recommendations to cancel nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards linked to offenders.

–IANS

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Prashant Kishor gives Jan Suraaj its maiden victory by bagging Bankipur; BJP accepts public mandate in bypoll

Patna, Aug 3 (IANS) The counting of votes for the Bankipur Assembly bye-election has concluded after 31 rounds, with Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor emerging as the clear winner in the counting trends. This is the first poll victory for the party which is still in the nascent stage in Bihar.

Prashant Kishor secured 63,203 votes, while BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha received 44,250 votes. RJD candidate Rekha Gupta finished third with 14,085 votes.

Kishor’s winning margin over Neeraj Sinha stood at 18,953 votes.

However, at the time of the latest update, the result had not yet been formally declared by the Election Commission, meaning the official declaration is still awaited.

Reacting to the outcome, Bihar minister and senior BJP leader, Vijay Kumar Sinha said the party respects the democratic mandate and would accept the people’s decision.

He emphasised that the BJP does not blame the Election Commission or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) when it loses an election.

According to Sinha, the party has complete faith in democracy and constitutional institutions and will accept whatever verdict the electorate delivers.

He said the Bankipur result would be thoroughly reviewed at the organisational level to identify shortcomings and understand why the party failed to retain the seat.

Sinha also pointed out that the NDA had won 202 seats in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, arguing that the latest result should be viewed in that broader context.

He said the party continues to have the people’s support and will move forward with renewed determination.

BJP Bihar state President Sanjay Saraogi also acknowledged the importance of the public mandate.

“Whatever the result, the BJP will accept it with humility. In a democratic system, the people’s decision is supreme, and our party fully respects it,” Saraogi said.

Saraogi said that the BJP will conduct a detailed organisational review to determine why Bankipur voters shifted away from it and what shortcomings need to be addressed.

He maintained that significant development work had been undertaken in Bankipur before and after the BJP government came to power.

Nevertheless, he said, the party would respect the electorate’s verdict and seek to understand the expectations of voters.

Saraogi also stated that the BJP’s commitment to the development of Bankipur would continue regardless of the election outcome.

The Bankipur result is particularly significant for Prashant Kishor, who contested an Assembly election for the first time.

Bankipur has traditionally been considered a BJP stronghold, making Kishor’s victory a major political development.

With the counting completed, all that remains is the formal declaration of the result by the Election Commission.

Once officially confirmed, Prashant Kishor will enter the Bihar Assembly as the new MLA from Bankipur, marking a major electoral breakthrough for Jan Suraaj.

–IANS

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