Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan, accusing them of pushing Bihar into years of “jungle raj” and mocking the state’s cultural and religious values.
Addressing a public rally in Araria, the Prime Minister invoked ‘Chhathi Maiya’, one of Bihar’s most sacred festivals, and criticised the Opposition for allegedly disrespecting it. “Will you accept anyone referring to Chhathi Maiya as drama? Will you accept anyone insulting Chhathi Maiya?” he asked, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Taking a swipe at what he called the ‘naamdars’-a reference to dynastic leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav—PM Modi accused them of showing “irreverence and disrespect” toward the Maha Kumbh and Lord Ram. “They don’t hesitate to mock our spiritual beliefs. They didn’t visit Ayodhya or attend the Pran Pratistha ceremony,” he said, adding that temples dedicated to Maharshi Valmiki, Mata Sabri, and Nishad Raj near Ayodhya also represent the state’s deep-rooted faith.
Highlighting the NDA’s focus on inclusive development, he contrasted it with what he termed as the RJD’s neglect of the poor, Dalits, and backward communities. “They detest the backward and the Dalits, while for us, their empowerment and upliftment is our mission,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to the 15-year rule of RJD as “jungle raj,” PM Modi said that period was marked by “katta (guns), katuta (bitterness), krurta (cruelty), kushasan (misrule), kusanskar (bad values), and corruption.” He said, “From 1990 to 2005, Bihar saw zero expressways, zero bridges over the Kosi River, zero sports complexes, and zero tourist circuits. The state was completely ruined.”
He added that those who ruled during that time “considered themselves the mai-baap (masters)” of the people. “But Modi is different. For me, the people are my mai-baap, my guiding force. You are my masters; you hold the remote control,” he declared.
Listing the NDA government’s achievements, PM Modi said that after the formation of the “double-engine government” in 2014, Bihar’s development gained new momentum. “An IIT has opened in Patna, IIM in Bodh Gaya, AIIMS in Patna, and work on AIIMS Darbhanga is progressing rapidly. Bihar now also has a National Law University and an IIIT in Bhagalpur. Four central universities have also been established,” he said.
The Prime Minister also alleged that the Opposition parties were protecting infiltrators for political gains. “The NDA government is working honestly to identify and deport infiltrators. But these RJD and Congress leaders are busy saving them and misleading people through their rallies,” he said.
Applauding the voter enthusiasm in the ongoing Assembly polls, PM Modi said, “From early morning, long queues have formed at polling booths. Mothers, sisters, daughters, and the youth are voting in large numbers. I congratulate all voters and urge everyone to exercise their franchise.”
Expressing confidence in the NDA’s victory, he said, “Today, one voice echoes throughout Bihar—‘Phir ek baar NDA sarkaar, phir ek baar sushasan ki sarkaar.’ This is the voice of Bihar’s mothers, sisters, and youth. Modi’s guarantee is that your dream is Modi’s resolve.”
Voter turnout in the first phase of the elections reached 42.31 per cent as of 1 p.m., according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Among the 18 districts, Gopalganj recorded the highest turnout at 46.73 per cent, followed by Lakhisarai (46.37%) and Begusarai (46.02%). Patna continued to see relatively lower participation at 37.72 per cent.
Voting began at 7 a.m. across 121 constituencies in 18 districts and will continue till 6 p.m., except for six Naxal-affected constituencies, where polling ends at 5 p.m.
(ANI)