PM urges BJP workers to remind youth of past ‘atrocities’; says NDA’s stability driving Bihar’s growth
New Delhi: Recalling the “darkness” that Bihar faced during the “jungle raj” of the previous RJD regime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the “jungle raj” will be discussed for the next 100 years and that “no matter how hard the opposition tries to hide its misdeeds, people will not forgive it.”
Addressing BJP youth workers in poll-bound Bihar through audio conferencing, the Prime Minister described the Opposition alliance as not a “gathbandhan” (alliance) but a “lathbandhan” (stick alliance), saying, “They only know how to use the stick and keep fighting.” He added that many of the alliance’s leaders from Delhi and Bihar are currently out on bail.
Modi alleged that the opposition prioritises self-interest over public welfare, particularly ignoring the youth of Bihar. He said the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections would “write a new chapter in the state’s history,” with young voters playing a crucial role. He also accused the I.N.D.I.A. bloc of harbouring hatred towards Bihar, claiming that Biharis are often targeted in states where the alliance is in power.
Urging BJP workers to remind the younger generation about the atrocities of the “jungle raj,” the Prime Minister said that a “mahayagya” of development is underway in the country due to a stable government at both the Centre and in Bihar.
“Amid the festive fervour and the preparations for worshipping Chhathi Maiya, Bihar is also celebrating the grand festival of democracy,” Modi said while addressing the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ event. “This election will script a new chapter in Bihar’s prosperity. I urge the youth to gather young people at every booth and have the elders narrate the stories of those dark days under jungle raj.”
Listing various development initiatives in the state, the Prime Minister said stability has been the key to progress. “When there is stability, development accelerates. This is the strength of Bihar’s NDA government. That is why youngsters in Bihar are saying with enthusiasm, ‘Raftaar pakad chuka Bihar, phir se NDA sarkar’,” he remarked.
Modi announced that a new era of women’s empowerment would begin in Bihar on November 14 and urged BJP workers to identify women who have yet to benefit from the Chief Minister Mahila Rozgar Yojana and ensure their inclusion. He also called on party workers from all NDA partners to campaign together and raise voter awareness about government schemes.
The Prime Minister further said the government is moving swiftly to eradicate Naxalism and Maoist terrorism from Bihar and emphasised the need to build technology and start-up hubs in the state. “Young people will no longer need to migrate; they will find opportunities within Bihar,” he added.
Praising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA government, Modi said, “Nitishji and the NDA worked hard to bring Bihar out of the jungle raj and establish the rule of law. Today, Biharis are proud of their identity.”
Exhorting BJP workers ahead of the elections, the Prime Minister said, “All of us must be among the people 24x7 for the next 20 days.” He urged young party members to reach out to first-time voters and educate them about the importance and power of their vote.
Bihar will go to polls in two phases, on November 6 and 11, and counting of votes will take place on November 14.
