By Vishwapati
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the National Democratic Alliance’s Lok Sabha election campaign from Khaira in Jamui constituency on Thursday.
Addressing the rally, he launched a scathing attack on Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, saying five to six generations of Bihar had witnessed ‘jungle raj’ and suffered gross deprivation and underdevelopment under these “corrupt” parties that had now stitched an INDI alliance.
Targeting the Congress and RJD, Modi said the two parties had tarnished India’s name globally during their rule. “Earlier, whenever terrorists attacked us, the Congress would go to other countries with complaints. We said it won’t work like this. Today’s India kills by entering their house,” he said. He emphasised India’s economic growth, technological advancements, and achievements in space exploration, contrasting it with the neglected state of affairs in the past.
“The RJD-Congress’ model of governance has been responsible for ‘jungle raj and Naxalism’ in Bihar, stalling its development for decades,” he said. The Prime Minister also asked the crowd whether those who grab lands in the name of jobs would do any good for Bihar.
“Our government has realised the 500-year-old dream of a Ram temple at Ayodhya. The RJD-Congress combine had put all their strengths to prevent its construction. These people ridicule the Ram temple and insult it. They also insult Bihar and Bihari pride on every occasion. When our government gave Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur, these people protested. They opposed making Ram Nath Kovind the president. They put all their strength to stop Adivasi woman Droupadi Murmu from becoming the President,” he said.
Modi also remembered late Ram Vilas Paswan in his speech and called his son Chirag his younger brother. “I am glad that my younger brother Chirag Chirag has stepped into the shoes of my friend late Ram Vilas Paswan,” PM Modi said during the rally.
Starting his speech with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, Modi first paid homage to Baba Dhaneshwar Nath, followed by reverence to the land of Bhagwan Mahavir’s enlightenment. He then asked the gathering whether it was an election rally or a victory march. He said the massive turnout in Jamui indicated the pulse of the people.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said Modi would again become the Prime Minister. Reminding the people of the ‘jungle raj’, Kumar said there used to be Hindu-Muslim riots during Lalu’s regime. “Now everything is under control,” he said. Kumar, in his speech, also said he would not leave the NDA again.
Modi and Kumar were sharing the stage after 32 days. Both were seen together on one platform in Aurangabad recently.
Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary said the ‘double-engine government’ in Bihar had tightened the grip on sand, liquor, and land mafia.
Leaders of all the NDA partners were present on stage with the PM. Chirag Paswan and Nitish Kumar shared a platform for the first time since Lok Sabha elections.
Arun Bharti, brother-in-law of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, is the NDA candidate from Jamui Lok Sabha seat.
- Edited by Alok Mohit, former senior News Editor of Hindustan Times Patna and Chandigarh editions
