During a recent rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the Congress party was initially reluctant to endorse Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial candidate but was ultimately compelled by the RJD, claiming the RJD held a ‘katta’ (country-made pistol) to the Congress’s head to secure the nomination.
Speaking at a rally in Arrah, the heart of Bhojpur district, the Prime Minister seemingly aimed to exploit the internal tensions within Bihar’s INDIA bloc.
He confidently predicted a historic win for the ruling NDA, promising that their government would remain ‘upright’ and ‘foresighted,’ dedicated to fostering a ‘developed Bihar’ – an essential step towards a ‘developed India.’
Modi reiterated his accusation, stating, “The Congress never wished to declare a Chief Ministerial candidate in favor of the RJD. The RJD forced their hand by holding a katta (country-made pistol) to the Congress’s head. After the elections, these two alliance partners will inevitably turn against each other. Such groups can never bring prosperity to Bihar.”
Clearly buoyed by the massive attendance, the Prime Minister commented, “The youth here have invigorated me. Political analysts in Delhi, consumed by poll predictions, should come here and witness the true sentiment on the ground.”
He declared that the ‘jungle raj’ proponents are facing their most decisive defeat ever, asserting that the people of Bihar vividly remember those chaotic times.
Mr. Modi contrasted the NDA’s ‘honest’ manifesto, which offers a clear vision for the future, with the INDIA bloc’s list of promises, which he dismissed as “a dossier of lies.”
Highlighting Bhojpur and its neighboring districts as significant contributors to the armed forces, he emphasized his government’s unwavering commitment to national security and the personnel who uphold it.
He noted that the ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme has led to the disbursement of ₹1 lakh crore, directly benefiting the families of servicemen.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that it was ‘Modi’s guarantee’ to revoke Article 370, a promise now fulfilled with the Indian Constitution fully applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.
He proudly stated, “We vowed to confront terrorists on their own ground, and we delivered on that promise with Operation Sindoor, making the nation proud once again.”
Turning his criticism towards the opposition, Mr. Modi alleged, “While terror hideouts in Pakistan were being bombed, the ‘royal family’ of Congress lost sleep. Both Pakistan and the Congress are yet to recover from the impact of Operation Sindoor.”
Recalling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Mr. Modi remarked, “It was around this very time of year, on November 1-2, when Sikhs were massacred in Delhi. Those responsible are now being promoted by the party, and the Congress remains unapologetic about the carnage.”
In an indirect reference to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ the Prime Minister claimed it was designed to protect ‘infiltrators’ (ghuspaithiye) who, he argued, must be expelled to prevent them from seizing resources meant for the people of Bihar.
He warned, “The ‘jungle raj’ proponents harbor extremely dangerous intentions. Be wary of them,” adding a Bhojpuri proverb roughly translating to “the one who destroyed the field is now claiming to sow fresh seeds.”
The Prime Minister, consistent in highlighting specific examples of alleged misgovernance under the RJD, brought up the abduction of a doctor in Tarari near Arrah two decades prior, and the devastating Naxal insurgency in Dalmia Nagar, a once-thriving industrial town in the neighboring Rohtas district.
Mr. Modi also announced the NDA’s plans to develop the birthplace of Veer Kunwar Singh, the revered ruler of Jagdishpur and a hero of the 1857 Revolt, affirming, “We are committed to development while simultaneously safeguarding our cultural heritage.”
However, he criticized the Congress and RJD for allegedly disrespecting India’s heritage, citing their disparagement of the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj and the recent mockery of the Chhath Puja festival by the Congress ‘naamdaar’ (Gandhi). “These individuals must be taught a lesson,” he urged, appealing to those returning home for Chhath Puja to remain and cast their votes in the election.