Is Bihar's Future 'Jungle Raj' or 'Vikas'?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Intensified Campaign: NDA leaders ramp up efforts against RJD-Congress.
- Development Focus: Emphasis on infrastructure and investment.
- Voter Engagement: Urging voters to choose a progressive future.
- Criticism of RJD: Accusations of lawlessness and corruption during their rule.
- Future Promises: Commitment to operationalize sugar mills and promote ethanol.
Patna, Nov 8 (NationPress) The BJP-led NDA leadership intensified its campaign against the opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar this Saturday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan held numerous rallies statewide, launching pointed criticisms against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.
Focusing on the theme of "Jungle Raj versus Vikas", the NDA leadership accused the RJD-Congress coalition of dragging Bihar back into an age of lawlessness, corruption, and industrial decline, in stark contrast to the NDA’s vision of development-oriented governance.
During rallies in Sitamarhi and Bettiah, PM Modi asserted that the turnout in the initial polling phase had provided a "65-volt shock" to the opposition.
"In the first phase of polling, the champions of jungle raj have felt a 65-volt shock. The youth of Bihar have opted for development; they have aligned with the NDA. The women of Bihar have secured a historic victory for the NDA," PM Modi proclaimed to enthusiastic applause.
He criticized the RJD's 15-year rule for dismantling industries, shutting down sugar mills, and fostering a climate of fear and criminal activity.
"They lack even the basic understanding of industries. Not a single significant factory was established in 15 years. Even the sugar mills in the Mithilaanchal area were closed. No major hospital or medical institution was established," he claimed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the NDA administration has prioritized infrastructure enhancements—from roads and railways to airports, ethanol production facilities, and new sugar mills—and that investors are now returning to Bihar.
He also pointed out initiatives to develop Sitamarhi within the framework of the Ramayana Circuit, connecting it to Ayodhya through direct rail services.
"A grand temple of Lord Ram has been constructed in Ayodhya. Now, it’s time for Mother Sita’s birthplace. The splendor of Punoura Dham will soon captivate the world," he remarked, urging voters to "punish" those who "disrespect Chhath".
In Bettiah, PM Modi cautioned voters against reverting to lawlessness, referencing viral footage from RJD rallies.
"You must ensure that Bihar’s youth aspire to become engineers, doctors, and startup founders—not 'rangdaars'," he stated.
In Purnea's Banmankhi, Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the RJD-Congress alliance was attempting to "shield infiltrators" in the Seemanchal region.
"People of Seemanchal, tell me—should these infiltrators be expelled or not? Rahul Gandhi and Lalu’s son went on a ‘Save the Infiltrators’ march recently. They aspire for Seemanchal to become a bastion for infiltrators. But I declare from this land that every single infiltrator will be expelled from Bihar," Shah declared.
He accused the opposition of trying to reinstate "loot, murder, and kidnapping" in the state.
"During the Lalu-Rabri regime, MLAs were murdered in broad daylight. Looting and extortion flourished. Nitish Kumar ended jungle raj, but it is attempting to return under a new guise. Every vote you cast will avert its return," he emphasized.
HM Shah added that the NDA is dedicated to operationalizing 25 sugar mills, enhancing ethanol production, and executing the Kosi–Mechi link project to alleviate flood-prone areas.
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, campaigning for HAM and LJPRV candidates, indicated that Phase-1 trends suggested the NDA was on track for victory, predicting that Nitish Kumar would resume his role as Chief Minister.
He noted that the RJD was solely focused on dynastic politics, asserting that his M-Y represents "Mahila and Youth".