Samastipur, Bihar – Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections in Samastipur on Friday, expressing strong confidence that the NDA, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, would surpass all previous records in the state. Addressing a public rally, Modi invoked the legacy of socialist icon Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, emphasizing the NDA's commitment to development and social justice across Bihar.

Modi asserted, "This time, under the leadership of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, NDA will break all its previous records of victory. Bihar will give NDA its biggest ever mandate". This statement is viewed as an endorsement of Kumar as the NDA's chief ministerial face. He also took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, alleging it was led by individuals "out on bail". Modi highlighted Bihar's progress since 2005 and urged voters to reject "jungle raj" in favor of good governance. He symbolically contrasted mobile flashlights with the RJD's lantern symbol, suggesting Bihar has moved beyond the need for the latter.

The Prime Minister reminisced about October 2005, when Bihar "got rid of 'Jungle Raj'" and the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, initiated good governance. He criticized the Congress-RJD alliance for allegedly hindering Bihar's development during their time in power at the Centre. Modi claimed that the NDA government has invested three times more money in Bihar compared to the previous Congress governments.

Prior to the rally, Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, calling him an "inspiration". He met with Thakur's family, acknowledging Thakur's role in uplifting weaker sections of society. Modi also stated that the NDA government fulfilled the long-pending demand of granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission.

The Prime Minister's campaign strategy focuses on the NDA's achievements in restoring law and order and promoting development in Bihar. He is scheduled to address further rallies across Bihar in the lead up to the election.

While BJP leaders have lauded Nitish Kumar's administrative record, there has been no formal declaration of him as the alliance's chief ministerial candidate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the decision would be made after the elections, with all allies involved in choosing their leader. This has led to some uncertainty regarding Kumar's position, even if the NDA secures another term.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance has announced Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate, campaigning with the slogan "Chalo Bihar... Badle Bihar". The RJD and Congress are contesting 143 and 61 seats, respectively.

Bihar is scheduled to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes on November 14.