Samastipur (Bihar), Oct 24 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, is poised to surpass all previous electoral records in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He criticized the opposition INDIA bloc, referring to its leaders as “people out on bail.”

During his first election rally in Bihar, Modi encouraged attendees to illuminate their mobile phones, mocking the RJD by stating that with modern technology available, there is no need for traditional lanterns. The Bihar Assembly, consisting of 243 members, is set to hold elections in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results expected on November 14.

Modi derided the opposition coalition, known as “Mahagathbandhan,” labeling it a “lathbandhan,” indicating internal conflicts among its members. He contrasted this with the unity of the NDA, highlighting the presence of key leaders such as Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha at the rally.

Praising Nitish Kumar, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term, Modi claimed that Kumar’s tenure since 2005 faced challenges from a Congress-led UPA government that was allegedly manipulated by the RJD. He noted that central assistance to Bihar has tripled over the past 11 years compared to the previous administration, showcasing the state’s economic progress, including fish exports and the market expansion of Makhana.

Modi described Bihar as an emerging investment hub, envisioning a future filled with local startups in every district. He asserted that the state’s progress would not have been achievable under “jungle raj,” referencing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s remark about government spending inefficiencies.

He reiterated that Bihar would reject “jungle raj” and support good governance, stating, “‘Nayee raftar se chalega Bihar, phir jab aayegi NDA sarkar’ (Bihar’s growth will speed up once NDA returns to power).” Modi accused the RJD and Congress of corruption and highlighted the historical issues of Maoist insurgency during RJD rule, claiming significant progress in combating this issue since 2014.

The Prime Minister drew parallels between the NDA’s success in other states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana, expressing confidence that Bihar would also witness record-breaking electoral outcomes under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

In a pointed remark aimed at Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate, Modi stated that the people of Bihar should not trust those “out on bail.” He began his speech with phrases in Maithili, engaging the crowd with local idioms.

Before the rally, Modi visited Karpoori Gram, named after the late Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, honoring his legacy and contributions to backward classes. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for their significant turnout, acknowledging the upcoming Chhath festival’s demands on their time. Modi also mentioned recent GST rate revisions, hoping the public was enjoying the “festival of savings.”