Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified criticism of the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during a Sunday campaign rally in Bihar’s Katihar, accusing the party of obstructing the state’s development for decades. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded with sharp counterattacks against the NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
PM Modi’s Development Claims
Addressing voters ahead of the two-phase assembly elections, PM Modi alleged the RJD dismissed infrastructure demands with bizarre justifications.
“Their history has been anti-development. When people demanded roads, the RJD would say building them would increase the risk of accidents. When people demanded electricity, they said if electricity comes, people will get electrocuted and die,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister credited Nitish Kumar’s NDA leadership with transforming Bihar’s governance. “These people (Mahagathbandhan) kept Bihar in misery for decades because development was never on their agenda. Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA gave Bihar good governance and brought development. Where there was despair during the Jungle Raj, good governance has brought new dreams and aspirations,” he claimed.
PM Modi asserted that infrastructure improvements have elevated public expectations. “That’s why, wherever railways have reached, there’s now a demand for Vande Bharat trains; where roads have reached, there’s a demand for expressways; and where small hospitals have opened, people now want super-speciality hospitals. Even the RJD has been forced to make false claims about development these days,” he said.
Congress Chief Kharge’s Counter-Narrative
Speaking at a Patna rally, Kharge challenged the NDA’s development narrative, holding Nitish Kumar’s 20-year tenure responsible for Bihar’s current condition.
“You could not end the Jungle Raj in 20 years. Despite your abuses, Congress and the RJD are still getting elected here. What Nitish Kumar could not do in 20 years of his rule, will he do it now?” Kharge questioned.
He highlighted employment and education deficiencies: “They have made Bihar miserable. They have ruined the schools. There are no teachers, no jobs anywhere. Fifty lakh posts are vacant in universities, police forces, railways, and other central government departments.”
Kharge praised Bihar voters’ political acumen: “Politically, people here are very smart. They know when to vote, how to vote, and whom to vote for.”
Election Schedule
The 243-member Bihar Assembly votes on November 6 and 11, with results announced November 14.
