Samastipur (Bihar), Oct 24 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, 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 and took a jab at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stating that with modern technology available, there is no need for traditional lanterns.

Modi praised Nitish Kumar, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term, and noted that Kumar’s governance since 2005 was hindered by a Congress-led UPA government that was allegedly blackmailed by the RJD. He claimed that central assistance to Bihar over the past 11 years has tripled compared to the previous administration, highlighting the state’s progress in fish exports and the market reach of Makhana, a local specialty.

The Prime Minister declared Bihar as an attractive investment destination, envisioning a future filled with startups driven by local youth. He asserted that good governance would prevail, stating that the state would reject the “jungle raj” associated with the RJD and Congress, which he accused of corruption and mismanagement.

Modi referenced former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s statement about government spending, implying that funds were misappropriated under the previous regime. He reiterated that Bihar would not return to the lawlessness of the past, asserting that the NDA would accelerate the state’s growth.

He criticized the RJD-Congress alliance for its historical failures, claiming that the worst victims of the “jungle raj” were women and marginalized communities. Modi also addressed the issue of Maoist insurgency during RJD rule, stating that his government has made significant strides in combating this threat since 2014.

The Prime Minister drew parallels between the NDA’s electoral success in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana, expressing confidence that Bihar would follow suit under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. He concluded by questioning the trustworthiness of opposition leaders, particularly targeting Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad, who are implicated in the land-for-jobs scam.