What Did Bihar's Dy CM Samrat Choudhary Say at the Belhar Rally?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Significant improvements in Bihar's infrastructure and electricity access.
- Direct welfare transfers benefiting millions of families.
- Focus on women’s empowerment through financial support and initiatives.
- Critique of opposition parties for outdated politics.
- Future development plans including expressways and irrigation projects.
Patna, Oct 22 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, spoke at a significant election rally in the Belhar Assembly constituency on Wednesday evening, urging the electorate to support BJP ally and incumbent MLA Manoj Yadav, while launching a vigorous critique of the opposition parties.
Choudhary highlighted the transformation of Bihar, contrasting what he described as development with 'jungle raj', asserting that the administration led by Nitish Kumar has significantly improved the state through advancements in roads, electricity, and social welfare initiatives.
“Previously, access to Belhar was hindered by poor roads, but today, thanks to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, we have constructed paved roads. The availability of electricity has also seen a remarkable change — from just 1.7 million households, we now have 27.4 million homes connected to the grid. Since August 1, we have made the first 125 units of electricity free, leading to zero bills for 1.7 crore households,” he stated.
Focusing on welfare programs, the Deputy CM mentioned that Rs 1,100 per month is being directly deposited into the accounts of elderly, disabled, and widowed women, assisting 1.12 crore families throughout the state.
In a jab at former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he commented: “Rajiv Gandhi once claimed that out of Rs 100 sent, only Rs 15 reaches the poor. But now, every single rupee reaches the beneficiaries directly.”
On the topic of women's empowerment, he praised the bicycle initiative introduced two decades ago by Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi, noting its life-changing impact for girls.
“Those daughters are now mothers, and Jivika Didis are on the path to becoming wealthy. Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, Rs 2 lakh will be allocated to these women — with Rs 10,000 already credited and the remainder to follow shortly,” he added.
Targeting the RJD and Congress, Choudhary asserted that their politics are obsolete and misleading.
“The age of the lantern is over, but the individual still carrying it is lost. He will vanish in this election. The Congress has exploited the nation for 55 years. Now they are peddling falsehoods about the government retracting women’s funds. As the Finance Minister of Bihar, I assure that no woman’s money will be reclaimed,” he declared.
Choudhary also took aim at JD-U MP Girdhari Yadav, accusing him of betraying the citizens of Banka.
“He has been elected twice, but he has deceived the public both times. Now he wanders with a lantern alongside his son. The people must be vigilant against such impostors,” Choudhary said.
Recently, the son of Girdhari Yadav joined the RJD and is contesting the elections on their ticket.
The Deputy CM made several promises regarding regional development, including plans for a new expressway through Banka, which he claimed would facilitate travel to Kolkata in just five hours.
He also mentioned a project to supply Ganga water to Hanuman Dam for irrigation, with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore.
“In a year, Ganga water will reach Hanuman Dam — this is unstoppable,” he affirmed.
Choudhary added that GST rates have been lowered, making essential goods more affordable and reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India from a golden bird into a golden city.
The rally, which attracted a large audience, saw frequent applause throughout Choudhary’s speech.