Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly criticized the opposition alliance in Bihar, referring to them as a “lathbandhan,” which he described as a coalition of criminals whose leaders are currently out on bail. Speaking to young BJP workers via the NaMo App, the Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Bihar have not forgotten the alleged misdeeds of the “Jungle Raj” era and will not do so for many years to come.
Modi encouraged all NDA partners to campaign collaboratively for the upcoming two-phase Bihar elections, focusing on the achievements of the NDA government in the state. He introduced a new campaign slogan, “Raftaar pakad chuka Bihar, phir se NDA sarkar,” highlighting the state’s ongoing development, including new schools, hospitals, and railway lines, which he attributed to a stable government at both the national and state levels.
During the interaction, which took place under the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Majboot: Yuva Samvaad’ initiative, Modi urged the youth to actively participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ on October 31, celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. The Prime Minister is scheduled to commence his campaign for the Bihar elections with rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai.
He reiterated that the “Jungle Raj” would not be forgotten by the people of Bihar for a century, stating that no amount of effort by the opposition could hide their past misdeeds. Modi commended the work done by Nitish Kumar and the NDA in steering Bihar away from the “Jungle Raj” and establishing the rule of law, noting that citizens now take pride in their identity as ‘Biharis’.
Modi advised BJP workers to engage with the public constantly for the next 20 days, particularly focusing on first-time voters to educate them about the significance of their vote. He specifically targeted the RJD-Congress alliance, drawing a parallel between their leaders being out on bail and the term “lathbandhan,” asserting that their primary focus remains self-interest rather than the welfare of Bihar’s youth.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the historical suffering of youth due to Naxalism and Maoist terrorism, accusing the opposition of prioritizing their own political gains. He stressed the power of the vote, believing that the people of Bihar understand this best, which is why they are determined to prevent the return of the “Jungle Raj.”
He urged party workers to encourage elders to share their experiences of the “Jungle Raj” with younger generations at every polling booth. Modi sees the upcoming Bihar assembly polls as an opportunity to write a new chapter in the state’s history, with the youth playing a pivotal role.
Looking ahead, Modi expressed confidence that a new era of women’s empowerment would dawn in Bihar on November 14, following the NDA’s anticipated return to power. He instructed BJP workers to identify women eligible for the CM Mahila Rozgar Yojana and ensure their inclusion in the scheme. He also emphasized the importance of creating technology and start-up hubs in Bihar to provide local employment opportunities for the youth, reducing the need for migration.