Sitamarhi, Bihar – Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his criticism of opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) at a rally in Bihar today, as the state prepares for the second and final phase of its Assembly elections. Modi's remarks, delivered in Sitamarhi and Bettiah, focused on what he characterized as the RJD's history of "jungle raj" and took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi's recent engagement with local fishermen.
Addressing the crowd, Modi mocked Rahul Gandhi's attempt to fish during his campaign trail in Bihar, suggesting that the Congress leader was merely "practicing diving in ponds". He contrasted this with the NDA government's efforts to develop Bihar's fishery sector, implying that Gandhi's actions were superficial and lacked genuine commitment to the state's progress. Modi highlighted the significant development in fisheries and said that while there has been significant development in fisheries, some people are practicing diving in ponds.
The Prime Minister then turned his attention to the RJD, accusing the party of presiding over an era of "jungle raj" during its 15-year rule from 1990 to 2005. He asserted that Bihar had witnessed zero development during that period, including no expressways, bridges over the Kosi River, sports complexes, or tourist circuits. Modi told the crowd that the RJD's rule was marked by "katta (guns), katuta (bitterness), krurta (cruelty), kushasan (misrule), kusanskar (bad values), and corruption". He cautioned voters against a return to such a state, suggesting that incidents of crime and extortion would surge if the RJD were to regain power.
Modi also referenced the high voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, describing it as a "65-volt jhatka" (shock) to the RJD's "jungle raj". He lauded the voters of Bihar, especially women, for turning out in large numbers and breaking records. He also claimed that the high turnout indicated the public's trust in the "track record of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar" and signaled their desire to retain the NDA government in Bihar. He said that nearly 65% of voters participated in the first phase, which, according to him, clearly shows that the people of Bihar have taken the lead in ensuring the return of the NDA government.
The Prime Minister also attacked the opposition's manifesto, calling it a "bunch of lies" that even Congress leaders did not trust. He claimed that the RJD had coerced the Congress into accepting unfavorable seat allocations.
In contrast to the RJD's alleged misrule, Modi emphasized the NDA government's commitment to development and good governance. He credited the NDA, under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for restoring public confidence in Bihar and attracting investors to the state. He said that his government is providing students with computers, footballs, and hockey sticks. Modi contrasted this with the RJD's alleged focus on guns ("katta").
Modi also invoked 'Chhathi Maiya', one of Bihar's most sacred festivals, and criticized the opposition for allegedly disrespecting it. He accused them of showing "irreverence and disrespect" toward religious traditions.
The Prime Minister's rallies in Aurangabad, Bhabhua, Sitamarhi and Bettiah are part of a broader campaign effort by the NDA to secure a decisive majority in the Bihar Assembly elections. The second phase of voting is scheduled for November 11.
