By Alok Mohit and Neeraj Kumar
Patna, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a senior leader of the BJP, arrived in Patna on Monday for a two-day visit to Bihar, marking his second trip to the state within eight days. Upon his arrival, he paid his respects to the late Sushil Kumar Modi at his residence in Rajendra Nagar and later met with party members at the BJP state headquarters.
After spending the night at Raj Bhawan in the state capital, Modi is scheduled to address election meetings in Motihari in the Purvi Champaran Lok Sabha constituency and in Goriyakothi in the Maharajganj Lok Sabha constituency to support NDA candidates. The NDA alliance in Bihar includes the BJP, JD(U) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and others.
Modi plans to return to Bihar on May 25 to address rallies in three Lok Sabha constituencies—Patliputra, Karakat, and Buxar—which will go to the polls in the seventh and final phase on June 1.
The political landscape in Bihar has been highly active, with Prime Minister Modi playing a key role in the campaign across the state. Since his first rally in Jamui on April 4, he has held ten rallies and conducted a roadshow in Patna. Notably, this marks the first time a Prime Minister has stayed for two nights within a week in Bihar, highlighting the region’s significance in the current election cycle.
In contrast, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been less visible this time, making fewer public appearances. This has led to speculation about potential changes in alliances and strategies for the upcoming elections.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi visited Bihar nine times, holding 11 rallies, which significantly contributed to the NDA’s success in winning 39 out of 40 seats. This election cycle, he has already conducted ten rallies and plans to hold two more on May 21, bringing the total to 12. He is also scheduled to hold three additional rallies in the campaign’s final phase.
Modi’s increased focus on Bihar underscores the state’s importance in the current political scenario. Political analyst Sunil Pandey suggests that Modi’s heightened engagement indicates a strategy to secure the NDA’s dominance, especially with Nitish Kumar taking a less prominent role in the campaign.
Replicating the 2019 success poses a significant challenge for the NDA. While Nitish Kumar played a crucial role in the previous victory, his current lower profile contrasts sharply with the energetic campaign led by Opposition RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who often holds more than five rallies a day. This situation raises questions about the NDA’s ability to achieve similar success without Kumar’s active involvement.
BJP spokesperson Sumit Shashank notes that the Prime Minister’s vigorous campaigning has unsettled the opposition, particularly those involved in corruption. He states that Modi’s visits are seen as a commitment to serving the nation and a strategic move to energize the NDA’s base ahead of the elections.
Modi’s extensive engagement in Bihar signifies the state’s crucial role in the current political landscape. All eyes are on Bihar to see if the NDA can maintain its stronghold or if the dynamic political environment will lead to a different outcome this election season.
