CPI M holds conventions in Bihar; Pipra candidate attacked

Patna: The CPI M organised conventions of party activists in Vibhutipur (Samastipur) and Pipra (East Champaran) constituencies on August 12 and 13 as part of its preparations for the Bihar assembly elections. More than 600 activists attended the two meetings. The conventions were addressed by Polit Bureau member Dr. Ashok Dhawale and Central Committee members Lalan Choudhary, the state secretary, and Awadhesh Kumar. Local leaders including Raj Mangal Prasad, Ajay Kumar MLA, and others also spoke, emphasising organisational preparedness for the upcoming polls. Tributes were paid to CPI M general secretary Sitaram Yechury on his birth anniversary, late state secretary Vijay Kant Thakur on his death anniversary, and Cuban leader Fidel Castro at the start of his birth centenary year. Contributions worth Rs 10,500 were collected for the Cuba Solidarity Fund.

Two days later, on August 14, CPI M’s Pipra candidate Raj Mangal Prasad survived a knife and gun attack in East Champaran. His driver was seriously injured while trying to protect him. One assailant was caught by locals and handed over to police, while another escaped.

The CPI M said BJP leaders were directly involved in the attack, adding that Prasad had earlier faced what it described as a false murder charge under IPC Section 302, which was later withdrawn.