Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently leveled a scathing accusation against the “Modi-Nitish” government, claiming it has systematically stifled the hopes and dreams of Bihar’s young generation. He stated that the state has been left neglected and lags significantly across nearly all crucial development metrics.
In a social media post, Mr. Gandhi shared a video featuring his recent conversations with young people from Bihar, where they discussed pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and employment. “The BJP-JDU government is solely responsible for Bihar’s deplorable condition,” declared the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He reiterated the Mahagatbandhan’s (Grand Alliance) dedication to justice, emphasizing that the moment for transformative change has arrived.
Mr. Gandhi asserted, “The youth of Bihar are acutely aware of how, over the past two decades, this Modi-Nitish government has choked their ambitions, abandoned the state, and plunged it into an abyss on every single parameter.”
He further highlighted the dismal state of affairs by citing government statistics. Bihar, he noted, ranked 27th out of 29 states in school dropout rates for Classes 9 and 10, 28th in enrollment for Classes 11 and 12, and an equally low 28th in female literacy. Regarding employment, Bihar stood at 21st in the service sector and 23rd in both industry and manufacturing. In health, the state ranked 27th in infant mortality rate, 27th in insurance coverage, and was last in terms of household toilet access. Additionally, he pointed out Bihar’s 27th position in the Human Development Index (HDI) and 25th in per capita income. “These aren’t merely figures,” Mr. Gandhi stressed, “they vividly illustrate how the so-called ‘double engine’ government has pushed Bihar further into decline.”
While praising the inherent talent and hard work of Bihar’s youth, the Opposition leader accused the government of offering them “unemployment and despair instead of genuine opportunities.” He concluded with a rallying call for change: “Now is the time to restore Bihar’s pride,” urging widespread support for the Grand Alliance’s vision of justice and progress in the upcoming elections.
During a separate interaction with Bihari students studying in Delhi, Mr. Gandhi inquired if they were compelled to leave their home state for better educational prospects, a sentiment widely echoed by the students who cited poor conditions in local institutions. Some students also shared experiences of discrimination, noting that the term “Bihari” was sometimes used offensively in universities. In a lighter moment, Mr. Gandhi attempted to speak in Bhojpuri to extend Chhath festival greetings to the people of Bihar.
These statements were made ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, where polling for the 243-member assembly was scheduled to be held and results declared later in the month.