Prime Minister Narendra Modi has alleged a significant rift between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), two key allies jointly contesting the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, as he launched a sharp attack on the Mahagathbandhan alliance just a week before the polling begins.
He also strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for employing lewd remarks against him during their election rallies in Bihar. "Gandhi and Yadav think it's their birthright to abuse me," the prime minister declared at a public rally in Muzaffarpur.
PM Modi stated that he was receiving reports from various parts of the state indicating ongoing fights between leaders of the Congress and the RJD. Using a "water and oil" analogy to highlight the fundamental differences between the two parties, the PM explained that they had united solely "to grab power at any cost so that they can loot Bihar."
He further described their joint rallies as nothing but a "sham."
Expressing confidence that the people of Bihar would once again bless the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with another term in office, the PM emphasised that it remains the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) top priority to ensure the state's progress and to promote Bihar's rich culture beyond its borders.
"The RJD and the Congress can never make Bihar developed. These parties ruled Bihar for decades, but all they gave the people was betrayal and false promises," he said while tearing into the opposition parties.
The PM outlined that the actions of the RJD and Congress could be characterised by five key elements that serve as testimonies to their misrule: "Katta (country-made pistols), kroorta (cruelty), katuta (social resentment), kushasan (misgovernance), and corruption." "Where there is katta, where cruelty reigns, there the law breaks down," he added.
Recounting the period when the RJD was in power nearly two decades ago—an era commonly referred to in political discourse as 'jungle raj'—the PM claimed that approximately 35,000 kidnappings occurred during the RJD regime in Bihar. In contrast, the NDA is committed to preserving and honouring cultural heritage while ensuring comprehensive development across all states, including Bihar, the prime minister stated.
PM on Chhath 'Drama' Remark
Congress and RJD leaders have insulted 'Chhathi Maiya' in their pursuit of votes, asserted PM Modi, appealing to local sentiments just days after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the PM was engaging in "drama" over Chhath Puja—the most widely celebrated festival in Bihar, during which devotees offer prayers to the Hindu goddess Chhathi Maata, locally known as 'Maiya.'
"Your son is busy praising Chhathi Maiya before the world. Congress and RJD leaders are insulting Chhathi Maiya. Can anyone ever insult Chhathi Maiya to get votes in an election? Will Bihar tolerate such an insult? Will my mothers, those who observe fast without water, tolerate this?" asked PM Modi.
The crowd responded with a thunderous "no" in unison. "How shamelessly are the RJD and Congress speaking? For them, worshipping Chhathi Maiya is just a drama, a farce?" asked the prime minister, adding that such an insult would linger in public memory for centuries. "Bihar is the land of self-respect. Bihar will never forgive those who have insulted Chhath Puja.
"The central government is actively working to secure UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage status for the Chhath festival," the PM informed the gathering.
Also Read: Bihar polls: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to address rallies this week
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