Patna, Bihar: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has intensified the political rhetoric in the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, questioning the opposition's choice of a Chief Ministerial candidate. Speaking at a series of rallies across the state, Singh raised concerns about the integrity of the opposition's nominee, suggesting they failed to find a "clean" individual to represent them.

While addressing the gatherings, Rajnath Singh did not explicitly name the leader he was referring to. However, his statement is widely interpreted as a dig at Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Grand Alliance. Yadav has faced scrutiny and allegations in the past, which may be the basis for Singh's remarks.

Singh lauded the incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's clean governance record. He stated that in his 20 years of governance, no one can accuse him of corruption. He further affirmed that Nitish Kumar would continue to be the Chief Minister after the elections, settling any speculation about the NDA's leadership. Singh highlighted the enthusiasm and large crowds at NDA rallies, expressing confidence that the alliance would secure a comfortable two-thirds majority with over 160 of the 243 seats.

Rajnath Singh also downplayed the potential impact of smaller parties and independent candidates, particularly strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, asserting they would not win a single seat. According to Singh, the main contest is between the NDA and the Grand Alliance.

In addition to questioning the opposition's choice of leader, Singh attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims of voter fraud, urging him to lodge a written complaint with the Election Commission if he believed votes were being stolen. He accused the Congress party of divisive politics, alleging they create rifts among people based on caste, creed, and religion. He also criticized Gandhi for raising the issue of reservation in the defense forces, asserting that the armed forces are above such considerations.

Furthermore, Rajnath Singh commented on the Deputy Chief Minister post, stating that any decision would be taken with the consent of all NDA allies, amid speculation over potential claims from the BJP and Chirag Paswan's party. He also highlighted the NDA's perceived support among female voters, saying women had confidence in the state's law and order under Nitish Kumar, contrasting this with concerns over previous administrations led by the RJD.

Rajnath Singh's statements reflect the intensifying battle for votes in Bihar, with both the NDA and the Grand Alliance vying for dominance. The focus on leadership integrity, governance records, and social divisions indicates the key themes influencing voter sentiment as the election draws closer.