Vamsikrishna

UAE faces rockfalls and road hazards after heavy rains in eastern region

UAE faces rockfalls and road hazards after heavy rains in eastern region

Heavy rain in Masafi caused rockfalls, waterfalls, and hazardous roads, prompting multiple official safety warnings/Image: Instagram Parts of the UAE’s eastern region, especially Masafi in Fujairah, witnessed intense rainfall on Sunday afternoon, resulting in falling rocks, road hazards, and the formation of waterfalls across mountainous terrain. With further rain forecasted into next week, authorities have…

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Satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu. The Department of Telecommunications and BSNL intervened to bring back Inmarsat connectivity. A private operator also provided temporary service. This enabled stranded fishermen to receive weather alerts and return safely. Efforts are ongoing to ensure full service restoration for all. Representational image  (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: More than 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded at sea amid rough weather, have regained satellite phone connectivity after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) restored Inmarsat services, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. Sitharaman said a private operator had also temporarily resumed connectivity for several users, helping many stranded fishermen receive weather alerts and take precautions to return safely. In a post on X, she wrote, “Heartening to note that Inmarsat satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen currently out in the deep sea, following the intervention of BSNL and DoT. The private operator has temporarily resumed connectivity successfully for many users, enabling communication with those at high sea.”Sitharaman also mentioned that BSNL and the DoT are working with the private operator to ensure full service restoration for the remaining fishermen. On Sunday, she had said the Centre was working to restore connectivity after being informed about the loss of contact with several fishermen at sea.  Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a low-pressure area forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into a deep depression and cause rough sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Comorin area, and coastal regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and south Tamil Nadu till October 21. The warning extends to parts of the Arabian Sea on October 22 and 23.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories  Are you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In picturesWhat makes the Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site?Photos: Bengaluru’s Ejipura Flyover Taking Shape Ahead of June 2026 Deadline; DK Shivakumar Inspects SiteHarvard gastroenterologist warns against three foods that quietly raise cancer risk123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu. The Department of Telecommunications and BSNL intervened to bring back Inmarsat connectivity. A private operator also provided temporary service. This enabled stranded fishermen to receive weather alerts and return safely. Efforts are ongoing to ensure full service restoration for all. Representational image (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: More than 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded at sea amid rough weather, have regained satellite phone connectivity after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) restored Inmarsat services, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. Sitharaman said a private operator had also temporarily resumed connectivity for several users, helping many stranded fishermen receive weather alerts and take precautions to return safely. In a post on X, she wrote, “Heartening to note that Inmarsat satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen currently out in the deep sea, following the intervention of BSNL and DoT. The private operator has temporarily resumed connectivity successfully for many users, enabling communication with those at high sea.”Sitharaman also mentioned that BSNL and the DoT are working with the private operator to ensure full service restoration for the remaining fishermen. On Sunday, she had said the Centre was working to restore connectivity after being informed about the loss of contact with several fishermen at sea. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a low-pressure area forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into a deep depression and cause rough sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Comorin area, and coastal regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and south Tamil Nadu till October 21. The warning extends to parts of the Arabian Sea on October 22 and 23.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories Are you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In picturesWhat makes the Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site?Photos: Bengaluru’s Ejipura Flyover Taking Shape Ahead of June 2026 Deadline; DK Shivakumar Inspects SiteHarvard gastroenterologist warns against three foods that quietly raise cancer risk123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Representational image (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: More than 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded at sea amid rough weather, have regained satellite phone connectivity after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) restored Inmarsat services, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. Sitharaman said a private operator had…

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‘Perth will decide Ashes’: Australian cricket legend predicts 3-1 loss for England | Cricket News

‘Perth will decide Ashes’: Australian cricket legend predicts 3-1 loss for England | Cricket News

England captain Ben Stokes with coach Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has cautioned England about the crucial nature of the Perth Test in the upcoming Ashes series, predicting a potential 3-1 series loss if England fails to win the opening match at Perth starting November 21. England enters…

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‘Unnecessary!’ – Former India captain slams Deepti Sharma following India’s World Cup defeat | Cricket News

‘Unnecessary!’ – Former India captain slams Deepti Sharma following India’s World Cup defeat | Cricket News

Smriti Mandhana of India speaks to teammate Deepti Sharma (R) during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) Former India skipper Anjum Chopra criticised all-rounder Deepti Sharma’s approach as Team India suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Women’s ODI World Cup, narrowly falling short by just four runs against England…

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IT sector outlook: Demand shows early stabilisation; AI productivity gains keep growth muted

IT sector outlook: Demand shows early stabilisation; AI productivity gains keep growth muted

India’s information technology (IT) services sector is showing tentative signs of demand stabilisation, even as visibility into calendar year 2026 remains uncertain, according to a report by Goldman Sachs.The report highlighted that major IT firms reported sequential revenue growth in the latest quarter, with the sector expanding 1.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter. “While there are early…

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Tennessee law requires special education pre-kindergartens, but state funding falls short

Tennessee law requires special education pre-kindergartens, but state funding falls short

Tennessee law requires special education pre-K, but state funding falls short Tennessee school districts are shouldering the cost of special education pre-kindergarten programs for children as young as three. Many districts are redirecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from their K-12 budgets to meet the needs of students with disabilities, while receiving limited federal funding…

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‘Socks over iPhone’: Amitabh Bachchan’s 5 am post leaves netizens confused

‘Socks over iPhone’: Amitabh Bachchan’s 5 am post leaves netizens confused

Fans are scratching their heads over Amitabh Bachchan’s late-night X post at 4:30 AM, showcasing a perplexing combination of a sock and a phone shadow. The actor’s quirky tagline, “Socks above iPhone, iPhone beneath socks. Someone explain this mystery, brother!” has ignited a wave of playful confusion and laughter across social media. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan…

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3 ways Google aims to support the 2024 Indian General Elections

3 ways Google aims to support the 2024 Indian General Elections

Google supports the Indian General Election by providing easy access to voting information and countering misinformation. Initiatives include partnering with the Election Commission, prioritizing trusted content on YouTube, and implementing advertising policies for transparency. Measures against AI-generated content are also taken. Google has announced a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the democratic process and…

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Weight management: A key strategy for arthritis relief and better joint health

Weight management: A key strategy for arthritis relief and better joint health

Having arthritis may be problematic, particularly if joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation disrupt daily life. Osteoarthritis is an incapacitating whole joint disease leading to severe pain and disability with huge healthcare burden. There are no disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs that have been approved, and therefore much of the attention is geared toward addressing modifiable risk factors…

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Horoscope Tomorrow, October 21, 2025: These Zodiac Signs Will See Positive Shifts in Work and Love

Horoscope Tomorrow, October 21, 2025: These Zodiac Signs Will See Positive Shifts in Work and Love

Embrace everything that life has to offer! Tomorrow’s horoscope unfolds the agenda set forth by the universe for each sign of the zodiac. Whether its relationship matters, job changes, or simply the reflection and realization moments, let celestial guidance take the lead. Be mindful; trust your instinct, and walk through the day confidently. Aries (Mar…

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151-million-year-old fly changes what we know about insect evolution

151-million-year-old fly changes what we know about insect evolution

A remarkable fossil discovery in China is rewriting our understanding of insect evolution. Scientists have identified a 151-million-year-old fly preserved in amber with features not seen in any modern species. The fossil, found in Liaoning Province, retains ancient wing structures, bristles, and mouthparts that reveal an evolutionary branch previously unknown. According to a 2025 report…

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai shares Diwali wishes with photo of ‘Barfi plate’; says: This is the only way we serve Barfi in my house

Google CEO Sundar Pichai shares Diwali wishes with photo of ‘Barfi plate’; says: This is the only way we serve Barfi in my house

Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared a festive Diwali post on Instagram, humorously connecting the Google logo with the traditional sweet Barfi. “Obviously this is the only way we serve the barfi in my house,” Pichai wrote, adding, “Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali filled with light, joy, and your favorite festive treats (Google themed or otherwise!).”The…

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Artillery blast over closed I-5 at marine corps anniversary damages vehicles, sparks backlash amid JD Vance’s visit

Artillery blast over closed I-5 at marine corps anniversary damages vehicles, sparks backlash amid JD Vance’s visit

Shrapnel from a prematurely detonated artillery round struck patrol vehicles during JD Vance’s Marine Corps event at Camp Pendleton/Image: X A major US Marine Corps anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton turned into a public safety and political controversy after a live artillery round exploded prematurely over a closed stretch of California’s Interstate 5. The blast…

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Stage set for Bihar assembly elections 2025 NEW DELHI: The seat-sharing deal for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly election revealed a subtle but significant shift in internal power dynamics within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). For the first time since the early 1990s, the two principal partners — the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by chief minister Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — will contest 101 seats each in Bihar’s 243-seat assembly, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)), led by Chirag Paswan, got 29 seats. For the first time, the BJP has secured equal seat-sharing in Bihar, ending the long-standing tradition of Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) playing the “big brother.” This parity between BJP and JD(U) underscores how BJP has shifted from the “junior” to an equal (or perhaps dominant) status in Bihar’s ruling coalition — while continuing to present Nitish as the face of stability.Meanwhile, LJP(RV)’s allocation of 29 seats — though modest in absolute terms — is significantly larger than typical junior-ally shares and includes visibility-rich constituencies: for example, in districts such as Jamui, Hajipur and Khagaria, where Dalit and youth demographics are strong.The logic seems clear: BJP is hedging its bet—maintaining Nitish for his experience and stability, while elevating Chirag as a long-term ally and potentially a future power centre.2020 fallout: When Chirag went soloThe backdrop to this shifting balance lies in the 2020 assembly election. In that election, JD(U) won just 43 seats, down from 71 in 2015 elections. Meanwhile, LJP fielded candidates on its own and acted as a vote-splitter. The result of this vote-cutting was a massive drop in the JD(U)’s seat tally, which fell from 71 seats in 2015 to just 43 seats in 2020. This was the JD(U)’s lowest tally in years and resulted in the party becoming the junior partner to the BJP for the first time in the NDA coalition in Bihar.As Chirag famously declared in October 2020, “I am Prime Minister Modi’s Hanuman… the PM lives in my heart.” His solo campaign was widely seen as an effort to weaken JD(U) while maintaining warmth toward the BJP.Nitish, for his part, responded with restraint. He welcomed the NDA’s overall victory but could not overlook how his party’s reduced tally had shifted the internal arithmetic — paving the way for BJP’s greater influence in coalition decisions.Nitish’s declining arcNitish Kumar’s political journey has been defined by his reputation as “Sushasan Babu” — the administrator who once dominated Bihar’s politics. But by 2020, JD(U)’s footprint had shrunk and its strike rate fell sharply.Now, in 2025, BJP appears to be pursuing a dual strategy: keep Nitish visible as the stabiliser and face of continuity, while also nurturing Chirag as a parallel power centre. For BJP, that solves two problems at once: one, it retains the organisational strength and governance credentials associated with Nitish; two, it prepares for a future in which the LJP’s Dalit-youth base and rising profile may become more central. What’s at stake?For Nitish, the 2025 election is not just about retaining power—it’s about preserving relevance. If JD(U) fails to hold ground, Nitish may become a symbolic leader within his own alliance rather than its fulcrum.For Chirag, the 29-seat allocation marks his political breakthrough. He revealed that his party chose from a “pool of 38 seats” offered by BJP, stressing “quality over quantity.” His negotiation skills were on full display during the seat-sharing talks: engaging in multiple rounds with senior BJP and JD(U) leaders, he held firm until securing favourable terms. As a result, LJP(RV) emerged as the largest junior ally in the NDA. While BJP and JD(U) settled for 101 seats each, smaller allies — Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM — received only six seats apiece.This distribution positions Chirag as a key player in post-poll arithmetic, regardless of how the NDA performs overall.As for the BJP is concerned, the party seems to trying to thread the needle between coalition harmony and long-term dominance. If Nitish remains on board, BJP retains stability; if Chirag’s LJP strengthens, BJP gains leverage and a younger, more dynamic ally with reach into new caste and regional segments.Whether this triangular arrangement can sustain itself through the campaign — and beyond — will test the NDA’s cohesion like never before. Whether Nitish and Chirag truly coexist within the same alliance without their ambitions colliding remains to be seen.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories  10 traditional snacks from Italy one needs to tryFrom ‘Vicky Donor’ to ‘Article 15’: Films that prove why ‘Thama’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana is Bollywood’s king of contentAlia Bhatt wore a 30-year-old saree to Kareena Kapoor’s Diwali party and made it 2025’s top festive trendAre you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In pictures123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Stage set for Bihar assembly elections 2025 NEW DELHI: The seat-sharing deal for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly election revealed a subtle but significant shift in internal power dynamics within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). For the first time since the early 1990s, the two principal partners — the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by chief minister Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — will contest 101 seats each in Bihar’s 243-seat assembly, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)), led by Chirag Paswan, got 29 seats. For the first time, the BJP has secured equal seat-sharing in Bihar, ending the long-standing tradition of Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) playing the “big brother.” This parity between BJP and JD(U) underscores how BJP has shifted from the “junior” to an equal (or perhaps dominant) status in Bihar’s ruling coalition — while continuing to present Nitish as the face of stability.Meanwhile, LJP(RV)’s allocation of 29 seats — though modest in absolute terms — is significantly larger than typical junior-ally shares and includes visibility-rich constituencies: for example, in districts such as Jamui, Hajipur and Khagaria, where Dalit and youth demographics are strong.The logic seems clear: BJP is hedging its bet—maintaining Nitish for his experience and stability, while elevating Chirag as a long-term ally and potentially a future power centre.2020 fallout: When Chirag went soloThe backdrop to this shifting balance lies in the 2020 assembly election. In that election, JD(U) won just 43 seats, down from 71 in 2015 elections. Meanwhile, LJP fielded candidates on its own and acted as a vote-splitter. The result of this vote-cutting was a massive drop in the JD(U)’s seat tally, which fell from 71 seats in 2015 to just 43 seats in 2020. This was the JD(U)’s lowest tally in years and resulted in the party becoming the junior partner to the BJP for the first time in the NDA coalition in Bihar.As Chirag famously declared in October 2020, “I am Prime Minister Modi’s Hanuman… the PM lives in my heart.” His solo campaign was widely seen as an effort to weaken JD(U) while maintaining warmth toward the BJP.Nitish, for his part, responded with restraint. He welcomed the NDA’s overall victory but could not overlook how his party’s reduced tally had shifted the internal arithmetic — paving the way for BJP’s greater influence in coalition decisions.Nitish’s declining arcNitish Kumar’s political journey has been defined by his reputation as “Sushasan Babu” — the administrator who once dominated Bihar’s politics. But by 2020, JD(U)’s footprint had shrunk and its strike rate fell sharply.Now, in 2025, BJP appears to be pursuing a dual strategy: keep Nitish visible as the stabiliser and face of continuity, while also nurturing Chirag as a parallel power centre. For BJP, that solves two problems at once: one, it retains the organisational strength and governance credentials associated with Nitish; two, it prepares for a future in which the LJP’s Dalit-youth base and rising profile may become more central. What’s at stake?For Nitish, the 2025 election is not just about retaining power—it’s about preserving relevance. If JD(U) fails to hold ground, Nitish may become a symbolic leader within his own alliance rather than its fulcrum.For Chirag, the 29-seat allocation marks his political breakthrough. He revealed that his party chose from a “pool of 38 seats” offered by BJP, stressing “quality over quantity.” His negotiation skills were on full display during the seat-sharing talks: engaging in multiple rounds with senior BJP and JD(U) leaders, he held firm until securing favourable terms. As a result, LJP(RV) emerged as the largest junior ally in the NDA. While BJP and JD(U) settled for 101 seats each, smaller allies — Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM — received only six seats apiece.This distribution positions Chirag as a key player in post-poll arithmetic, regardless of how the NDA performs overall.As for the BJP is concerned, the party seems to trying to thread the needle between coalition harmony and long-term dominance. If Nitish remains on board, BJP retains stability; if Chirag’s LJP strengthens, BJP gains leverage and a younger, more dynamic ally with reach into new caste and regional segments.Whether this triangular arrangement can sustain itself through the campaign — and beyond — will test the NDA’s cohesion like never before. Whether Nitish and Chirag truly coexist within the same alliance without their ambitions colliding remains to be seen.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Justin Trudeau Destroyed…’: Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik Questions Safety Of Indians In CanadaA War Cry In Melody: Navy Dedicates Op Sindoor Song To PM During Diwali Celebration on INS Vikrant’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy Ties123 Photostories 10 traditional snacks from Italy one needs to tryFrom ‘Vicky Donor’ to ‘Article 15’: Films that prove why ‘Thama’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana is Bollywood’s king of contentAlia Bhatt wore a 30-year-old saree to Kareena Kapoor’s Diwali party and made it 2025’s top festive trendAre you an introvert? 5 smart ways to prepare for an interview without losing yourselfBollywood stars’ best Diwali looks over the years: Alia Bhatt to Allu Arjun, here’s everyone who took desi looks to the next levelFrom Manholes to Machines: Maharashtra Transforms Sewer Cleaning 100 Robotic Sewer-Cleaners, Rs 100 Crore Investment High-Tech Move to End Manual Scavenging (Photos)7 creatures that eat dead animals to keep the ecosystem balanced11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In pictures123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Stage set for Bihar assembly elections 2025 NEW DELHI: The seat-sharing deal for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly election revealed a subtle but significant shift in internal power dynamics within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). For the first time since the early 1990s, the two principal partners — the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by…

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Updated: Oct 20, 2025, 16:00 IST

Updated: Oct 20, 2025, 16:00 IST

Parvez Rasool (TOI Photo) MUMBAI: Parvez Rasool, the first player from Jammu & Kashmir to represent India in international cricket and also the first from the region to feature in the IPL, on Saturday retired from all formats of the game.In an epic 17-year career, during which he played first-class cricket for 15 seasons (he…

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