Bihar

• 14 May 2024

Bihar Ex- Deputy CM Passes Away

Why in News?

Recently, Senior Political leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi passed away in New Delhi at the age of 72. He was suffering from cancer.

Key Points

• He was a Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar as well as the Finance Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and 2017 to 2020.
• He was a lifelong member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
• He was appointed the Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers for the Implementation of Goods and Service Tax in July 2011.

Deputy Chief Minister

• The post of Deputy Chief Minister in India is not a constitutional post, but a political arrangement to appease allies or factions within a party.
• He is equivalent to a Cabinet Minister in terms of rank and perks but does not have any specific financial or administrative powers.
• The Deputy CM has to report to the Chief Minister and seek his or her approval for any decision related to his or her portfolio.
• The Deputy CM does not have access to the files or matters that are meant for the Chief Minister.
• Neither Article 163 nor Article 164(1) explicitly mentions the position of Deputy Chief Minister.
  • Article 163(1) establishes a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor.
  • Article 164(1) outlines the appointment process, with the Chief Minister appointed by the Governor, and other Ministers appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.

Bihar Lok Sabha Elections

Why in News?

Bihar recorded over 54% of voting across five constituencies in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Key Points

• Begusarai registered the highest polling percentage at 58.40, followed by Samastipur at 58.10, Darbhanga at 56.63, Ujiarpur at 56% and Munger at 55%.
• The fate of 55 candidates was decided by over 95.85 lakh voters in 5,398 polling stations during the fourth phase of the polls in the state.

Facts and Figures by Election Commission of India (ECI)

• The Lok Sabha Election 2024 will happen in seven phases.
• The Lok Sabha 2024 election will witness a total of 96.8 crore electors.
• There are 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the ages of 20-29 for the Lok Sabha election in 2024.
• In 12 states, the ratio of female voters is higher than that of male voters.
  • Over 85 lakh first-time female voters will participate in the 2024 general election.
• This will be the first general election after landmark events such as the abolition of Article 370, the creation of the Temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.
• The Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will be held simultaneously with the general election, along with the by-elections for 35 seats among 16 states.
• The result of the 2024 general elections, also known as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will be announced on 4^th June 2024.