Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently intensified his criticism of the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar, highlighting what he claims are deep divisions between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Addressing rallies in the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Modi asserted that the two parties are riddled with internal conflicts and are only united by a desire to seize power.
Modi has repeatedly used analogies to illustrate the alleged incompatibility between the Congress and the RJD. He described their relationship as being like "water and oil," suggesting that they do not mix well and lack the cohesion necessary for effective governance. He has also mockingly referred to the Mahagathbandhan as "Mahalathbandhan" and "Lathbandhan," implying that the alliance is held together by force rather than genuine unity or ideology.
The Prime Minister has claimed that the RJD has been sidelining the Congress, neglecting their input in crucial decisions such as the election manifesto. He alleged that the RJD forced Congress into announcing Tejashwi Yadav as their Chief Ministerial candidate amid internal discord. Modi has also accused the RJD of "gundagardi" (hooliganism), suggesting that post-election tensions within the alliance could escalate.
Modi's attacks also included reminders of the RJD's past tenure in Bihar, often referred to as "jungle raj," which was marked by alleged misgovernance, corruption, and a breakdown of law and order. He has presented the NDA as a stark contrast, emphasizing its commitment to development, good governance, and cultural pride. Modi has urged the people of Bihar to recall those past events and to consider the future of the state.
The Prime Minister structured his criticism by outlining what he termed the "five identities" of the RJD-Congress alliance: "katta" (country-made pistols), "kroorta" (cruelty), "katuta" (social resentment), "kushasan" (misgovernance), and corruption. He argued that these elements represent the failures of their previous rule and highlight their unsuitability for leading Bihar.
These attacks come at a time when the Mahagathbandhan has been struggling with visible seat-sharing disputes and organizational challenges. Reports have surfaced of friendly contests between alliance partners in several constituencies, raising concerns about a split in the vote base and potentially benefiting the NDA. The Congress, seeking to expand its base, has been assertive in demanding a larger share of seats, while the RJD, according to sources, has been unwilling to budge significantly from its previous seat allocation.
Senior leaders from both the Congress and the RJD have attempted to downplay the rifts, expressing hope for a resolution and emphasizing their commitment to ousting the NDA. However, the Prime Minister's continued focus on the perceived divisions within the alliance suggests that the BJP sees it as a key vulnerability to exploit in the upcoming elections.
As Bihar prepares for the assembly elections, the political atmosphere remains charged, with the NDA and Mahagathbandhan trading barbs and vying for the support of the state's electorate. The Prime Minister's strategy of highlighting the alleged discord within the opposition alliance is a clear attempt to sway voters and consolidate the NDA's position in the state.
