‘Security, Not Secularism’: Amit Shah’s Message Sets NDA’s Bihar Tone

Khagaria, Bihar – Union Home Minister Amit Shah is setting a clear tone for the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) campaign in Bihar, emphasizing security and development over secularism. Addressing public gatherings in Khagaria and Samastipur, Shah framed the upcoming elections as a battle against corruption, infiltration, and "jungle raj," while promoting the NDA's commitment to Bihar's progress and the nation's security.

Shah has been directly attacking the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance, accusing them of corruption and of protecting what he described as "infiltrators". He urged voters to remember the alleged "jungle raj" associated with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, and to instead choose the "development" offered by the NDA. Shah claimed that leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi are protectors of infiltrators and are prioritizing their own dynastic ambitions over the needs of the state. He stated that Lalu Prasad Yadav wants to make his son Tejashwi Yadav the Chief Minister and Sonia Gandhi wants her son Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister, although neither post is vacant.

A key element of Shah's message is the promise to remove "every single infiltrator" from Bihar if the NDA is re-elected. Speaking on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Shah asserted that the purity of voters' lists is the foundation of Indian democracy. He stated that the inclusion of infiltrators in the voters' list pollutes the spirit of the Constitution and voting rights should only be available to citizens of the country. He has urged the Election Commission to cleanse the voters' list. He clarified the distinction between refugees, who seek refuge due to religious persecution, and infiltrators, who enter illegally for economic reasons. Shah's remarks underscore the BJP's focus on national security and its commitment to identifying and deporting illegal immigrants.

Shah also highlighted the Modi government's achievements in securing India, citing actions taken after attacks in Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. He lauded Prime Minister Modi's efforts in combating Naxalism and terrorism, promising to eliminate Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026. He also mentioned the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), alleging that the organization was flourishing in Bihar with the aim of turning the state into an "Islamic state".

Drawing parallels between the NDA and the Mahabharata, Shah depicted the alliance as the "five Pandavas" fighting to free Bihar from "jungle raj". He lauded the unity within the NDA, contrasting it with the multiple parties in the Mahagathbandhan. He expressed confidence in the NDA's victory, asserting that "Lalu and Rahul's game will be over" when the votes are counted. He emphasized the NDA's strength, citing the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the experience of other alliance leaders.

As the Bihar elections approach, Amit Shah's messaging indicates the NDA's strategy to consolidate Hindu voters by focusing on security, development, and anti-corruption. By directly attacking the opposition and highlighting the Modi government's achievements, the BJP aims to mobilize its base and secure a victory in the crucial state.