Has BJP-JD(U) Wrecked Bihar's Economy and Social Fabric Over the Past 20 Years?

Patna, June 21 (NationPress) The Congress party has sharply criticized the BJP-JD(U) coalition in Bihar, accusing them of devastating the state's economy and undermining its social structure throughout their two decades in power.

At a press conference in Patna, Congress spokesperson Prem Chand Mishra stated, “The BJP-JD(U) coalition has systematically harmed Bihar’s economy, governance, and social dynamics during their prolonged rule. This is corroborated by various reports from esteemed global institutions. Our campaign aims to highlight how Bihar has suffered under Nitish Kumar's administration.”

Mishra referenced a recent report from CARE Ratings, a renowned global agency, which placed Bihar last among 17 large Indian states regarding crucial development indicators.

“Bihar scored only 34.8 points on the Social and Economic Development Index, ranking lowest on important metrics such as education, health, infrastructure, fiscal management, and economic activity,” he noted.

According to the CARE Ratings report, Bihar secured the 17th position out of 17 major states concerning social and economic growth.

Mishra highlighted severe shortcomings in education quality, maternal and infant mortality rates, job creation, women empowerment, infrastructure, per capita income, as well as alarming fiscal metrics, including debt management, interest payment ratios, and fiscal deficits.

He also pointed out deficiencies in electricity access, railway infrastructure, healthcare services, and school teacher ratios.

Furthermore, he mentioned that poor judicial efficiency, inadequate e-governance, investment climate, and environmental indicators, including air quality and renewable energy adoption, have contributed to Bihar's decline.

“Bihar now lags behind states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh — regions it once rivaled. The statistics are undeniable, and corruption coupled with ineffective governance are at fault,” Mishra asserted.

He criticized the government's widely touted development narrative as empty and lacking real impact.

Mishra emphasized that even data from the Union government contradict the NDA’s assertions of advancement.

“Bihar is facing a profound crisis, socially, economically, and administratively. A change in government and a policy overhaul are essential to navigate this situation,” he concluded.

This move by Congress marks a significant strategy aimed at constructing a data-driven campaign against the NDA as the Assembly elections approach.

With just four months remaining, the party is strategically positioned to challenge the ruling alliance on its development record, particularly leveraging central and global institutional reports as evidence.