Did the Grand Alliance's Balloon Burst After Just One Phase of Bihar Polls?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Record voter turnout signals strong engagement in Bihar elections.
- PM Modi's critique of the Grand Alliance highlights internal conflicts.
- The NDA appears poised for a comeback
- Young voters are increasingly influential in shaping election outcomes.
- Political dynamics have shifted significantly in Bihar.
Patna, Nov 7 (NationPress) Following the impressive voter turnout during the initial phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav, declaring that the Mahagathbandhan's balloon has deflated.
Speaking at a rally in Bhabua, located in Kaimur district, PM Modi remarked that the start of the elections had filled RJD and Congress leaders with overconfidence.
"They reached dizzying heights of arrogance, but as the campaign unfolded, the air began leaking from their balloon, and after the first phase of voting, it completely burst," he stated.
"Now even the ecosystem surrounding the RJD and Congress is echoing - 'Ek bar phir NDA sarkar' (NDA government once more)," he added.
PM Modi accused the alliance of attempting to deceive young voters, but the informed youth of Bihar have rejected their tactics.
"Whenever the prince of jungle raj is questioned about how he will meet the grand promises he made, he responds with 'we have a plan.' But when pressed for details, he falls silent," PM Modi remarked.
Referring to Dalmia Nagar in Rohtas district, he stated that the failures of past administrations were evident there.
"A thriving industrial city was built through years of effort, but then misgovernance set in, jungle raj emerged - leading to extortion, protection rackets, corruption, and violence. In no time, jungle raj obliterated everything," he said.
He asserted that internal conflict between Congress and the RJD has surfaced prominently in this election.
"The Congress–RJD coalition has collapsed, and no matter how much they attempt to patch this fractured alliance, the divide only widens. Patching it up won't change anything now," he stated.
PM Modi also accused Congress of belittling leaders of higher stature than its own royal family.
"They tarnished the political legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. They did not spare Babu Jagjivan Ram, and they treated Sitaram Kesri similarly," he noted.
Identifying himself as the MP from Kashi (Varanasi), PM Modi expressed pride in the city's legacy as the birthplace of Sant Ravidas and highlighted the infrastructural advancements in the temple town over the past decade.
"These individuals travel globally yet avoid Ayodhya. They lack faith in Lord Ram. They believe visiting Lord Ram will cost them votes," he said.
"They dismiss the devotion to Chhathi Maiya as a performance. This is an affront. Should they face consequences? Now, you have the chance - punish them with your single vote on November 11," PM Modi urged.
He mentioned that the first phase of voting witnessed an exceptional turnout of approximately 65%.
"This reflects that the people of Bihar have taken the initiative to ensure the NDA government returns. Prepare for celebrations after November 14th," he said, claiming that Congress leaders had already begun searching for excuses for their impending defeat.