Is Developing Bihar a Top Priority? NDA Government Aims to Include Chhath in UNESCO World Heritage List
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi emphasizes the development of Bihar as a priority.
- Efforts are underway to recognize Chhath Mahaparv by UNESCO.
- Opposition parties are criticized for their past governance.
- Bihar has witnessed significant changes under NDA leadership.
- Women’s empowerment initiatives are a key focus of the NDA government.
Patna, Oct 30 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, claiming they have made false promises. He emphasized that the development of Bihar is the highest priority for the NDA government and confirmed that efforts are underway to secure a place for Chhath Mahaparv on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Speaking to a large crowd at an election rally in Muzaffarpur on Thursday, the Prime Minister reiterated that ensuring Bihar's advancement is paramount for the NDA administration.
“In the times when India was thriving as a global leader in knowledge and science, Bihar was integral. For India to achieve its full potential, Bihar's progress is crucial. However, the RJD and Congress, who have led for decades, have only deceived the populace,” he stated.
Further criticizing the Opposition, PM Modi characterized the RJD and Congress by five traits — violence, cruelty, resentment, mismanagement, and corruption.
“Those who left Bihar in darkness cannot provide electricity. Those who exploited the railways cannot enhance connectivity. Those whose legacy involves land theft cannot foster industry. Where corruption prevails, social justice is unattainable,” he remarked.
PM Modi also declared that the government is striving to have Chhath Mahaparv recognized by UNESCO, referring to it as a “magnificent festival of humanity.”
“Chhath Mahaparv is a source of pride for both Bihar and the nation. Its rituals embody devotion, equality, and social harmony,” he remarked.
He also took aim at the Opposition without directly naming Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, suggesting that both have set up a “shop of false promises” as elections approach.
“In the electoral contest in Bihar, two young men (who view themselves as royalty) have opened a shop of deceit. One is the heir of India’s most corrupt lineage, and the other is the heir of Bihar’s most corrupt lineage, both currently out on bail for multi-billion-dollar scandals,” Modi asserted.
He accused the leaders of the Opposition of repeatedly disrespecting him and the people of Bihar.
“Recently, both hurled insults at me. Those born into privilege will naturally look down on a diligent individual. They struggle to digest their meals without demeaning Dalits and backward classes,” the Prime Minister stated.
Referring to alleged derogatory comments about Chhath Mahaparv, PM Modi accused RJD and Congress leaders of insulting Chhathi Maiya, a goddess revered in Bihar.
“For them, the worship of Chhathi Maiya is a mere joke, a performance. Can Bihar, Hindustan, and my mothers who fast without water tolerate such an insult? The women who pray to the Sun God by standing in rivers — to RJD and Congress, they are just acting,” Modi lamented.
“No one in Bihar will ever forget this insult to Chhathi Maiya,” he concluded.
PM Modi encouraged voters to dismiss the politics of deception and favor the NDA for a prosperous and progressive Bihar.
He noted that Bihar has seen significant transformation under BJP-NDA governance, contrasting its development with the lawlessness of the RJD era.
The Prime Minister noted that the citizens of Bihar have experienced the shift from the days of 'jungle raj' to a period of effective governance.
“Bihar has experienced the effective governance of the BJP-NDA. Today, railway engines are being produced in Bihar, substantial dairy facilities are being established, and makhana is being exported globally. Remembering the days of jungle raj illustrates how perilous the situation was,” Modi said.
Recalling the notorious Golu kidnapping and murder case from 2001 that shook Muzaffarpur during RJD's rule, he indicated that such events exemplified the fear that plagued Bihar during those times.
“A young boy named Golu was kidnapped in broad daylight on his way to school. The criminals demanded a hefty ransom, and when it was not paid, they murdered that innocent child. Approximately 35 to 40 thousand kidnappings occurred during RJD's governance. That was the reality of jungle raj,” the Prime Minister recounted.
PM Modi denounced the RJD and Congress for reverting to a similar perilous mindset.
“You cannot trust their intentions. Just observe their audacity — their election campaign anthems reference bullets, firearms, and double-barreled guns. This reveals their mindset,” he stated.
Highlighting women’s empowerment under the NDA, the Prime Minister asserted that both his government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration have prioritized women’s welfare.
“Whether it’s Narendra Modi or Nitish Kumar, empowering women has always been our focus. We have provided pucca houses to the underprivileged in women’s names, supplied tap water, free gas connections, and free food grains to lighten their burdens,” Modi declared.
He also commended Bihar’s women’s self-employment initiative, which has deposited Rs 10,000 each into the accounts of 1.21 crore women.
“With this funding, women of Bihar are launching their own small businesses. I assure you that we will not stop here,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
PM Modi’s statements were part of the BJP’s intensified campaign in anticipation of the Bihar Assembly elections, as he pressed voters to reject those who plunged Bihar into darkness and support the NDA for ongoing progress and stability.