PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that the NDA’s manifesto for Bihar is a sincere and forward-looking plan for the state’s growth, in stark contrast to what he described as the Mahagathbandhan’s manifesto being filled with lies and deceit.
“The public understands everything. Those who once plunged Bihar into ‘jungle raj’ with lawlessness, closed down industries like Dalmianagar, and forced migration cannot be trusted to bring development,” Modi remarked. He recalled the pre-2005 era as a time of massacres, where even doctors needed security due to the constant threat of abduction and salary hikes were overshadowed by extortion fears.
Addressing rallies in Ara and Nawada, Modi cautioned against the “dangerous agendas” of the Congress and RJD, characterising the opposition as a fractured alliance comprising “the most corrupt family of Bihar and the most corrupt family of India.”
“The NDA, conversely, is a unified force driven by the common goal of Bihar’s development,” he stated. Modi acknowledged the challenges faced by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA in rehabilitating the state from its difficult past, asserting that there is no place for ‘jungle raj’ or Maoist ideologies in Bihar, which now boasts a robust network of institutions across various sectors.
He further alleged that the Congress was compelled to announce a Chief Ministerial candidate under pressure from the RJD, highlighting internal conflicts and the disregard for Congress’s demands in the opposition’s manifesto.
Modi drew parallels between the RJD’s ‘jungle raj’ and appeasement politics and the Congress’s history, referencing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He criticized both parties for their lack of remorse and for disrespecting traditions like Chhath Puja, which he noted had been dismissed as ‘faltu’ (bogus) by RJD leaders and called ‘drama’ by a Congress leader, while he himself offered prayers to the Sun God for energy.
Emphasizing ‘Viksit Bihar’ as crucial for ‘Viksit Bharat’, Modi expressed confidence in an overwhelming NDA victory in the upcoming elections, predicting a crushing defeat for the ‘jungle raj’ proponents. He urged voters to be wary of the RJD-Congress alliance, warning that they would deter investors.
Modi reiterated his “guarantee” for Bihar’s rapid industrial and agricultural growth, citing the abrogation of Article 370 and other decisive actions as proof of his commitment. He criticized the Congress and RJD for their opposition to such nationalistic measures.
He also highlighted initiatives like the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme and the ₹10,000 assistance for women under the CM Mahila Rozgaar Yojana, which have benefited 1.30 crore women. He mentioned the Nitish government’s enhancement of the Kisan Samman Yojana.
Modi underscored the NDA government’s efforts to support small farmers, ensuring they receive PM Kisan Nidhi directly into their bank accounts, contrasting this with past government failures. He also mentioned the government’s focus on education and skill development to leverage Bihar’s large youth population, aiming to create job opportunities within the state and boost its role in the ‘Make in India’ initiative as a hub for textiles, tech, and tourism.
Finally, he spoke of developing Bihar’s historical sites, honoring figures like Babu Veer Kunwar Singh and Sachidanand Sinha, in line with the philosophy of heritage preservation.