Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a public rally in Siwan, Bihar today, June 20, 2025, a visit laden with political significance ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections slated for October-November. This marks his fourth visit to Bihar this year, and his 51st as Prime Minister, underscoring the importance the BJP is placing on the state.

Siwan, a district bordering Saran and Gopalganj, is considered a stronghold of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and home to a sizeable Muslim, Yadav, and Scheduled Caste population. Political observers suggest that Modi's address will likely target RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, especially following a recent controversy surrounding an alleged act of disrespect towards a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during Lalu's birthday celebrations. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and other BJP leaders have strongly criticized Lalu for the incident, demanding a public apology and accusing him of insulting the Dalit icon.

The BJP aims to consolidate the support of Dalit voters in the region. Political analyst RK Verma noted that Modi might highlight the "double engine" government's commitment to development and counter the opposition's narratives regarding Dalit issues. There's also speculation that the Prime Minister might address the topic of the caste census, for which his government recently issued a notification.

Adding fuel to the fire, Tejashwi Yadav has accused PM Modi of only visiting Bihar to "abuse Lalu Prasad and me." Yadav also took a swipe at the NDA, calling it the "National Damaad Aayog" (National Sons-in-Law Commission), pointing to relatives of NDA leaders being appointed to various commissions within Bihar.

Beyond the political rhetoric, Modi is scheduled to launch multiple development projects in Siwan worth ₹9.5 crore, including the inauguration of the Vaishali-Deoria railway line and the flagging off of a new train service on the route. He will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express train connecting Patliputra (Patna) and Gorakhpur, enhancing connectivity in North Bihar.

In line with the "Make in India" initiative, the Prime Minister will flag off the first export locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra Plant, destined for the Republic of Guinea. Furthermore, he will inaugurate six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange project, worth over ₹1800 crore, to address pollution and improve sanitation in the region. He is also expected to lay the foundation stone for new water supply and sanitation projects.

These projects are intended to showcase the BJP's commitment to development and infrastructure in Bihar, countering the opposition's claims of neglect. The Prime Minister's visit is strategically planned to cover not only Siwan but also the adjoining districts of Saran (Lalu's former Lok Sabha constituency) and Gopalganj (Rabri Devi's hometown), all politically critical areas for the NDA. The BJP aims to emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming elections and potentially form a government in Bihar for the first time.