Union Home Minister Amit Shah: Bihar Elections Will Favor NDA Under Nitish Kumar's Leadership

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today stated that Bihar is one of the most politically aware states in the country, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections this month. Speaking at NDTV's Bihar Power Play conclave, the Home Minister expressed confidence that the Bihar poll results will favor the NDA.

Here are the key quotes from Home Minister Amit Shah: Every party has been campaigning extensively from booth level to Patna even before the election dates were announced.

In the past 20 years, the groundwork for Bihar's progress has been successfully established.

Ask any youth, and they would confirm that the law and order situation has significantly improved under Nitish Kumar's regime, which has served as the foundation for the state's development.

Today, there are four bridges spanning the Ganga, with ten more under development. This progress was previously unimaginable. During past administrations, conversations centered around robbery, murder, and looting, whereas now the focus is on development.

Regarding the Mokana murder case, the Home Minister remarked, "What occurred isn't acceptable. However, do criminals receive political protection anymore, as they did previously? They no longer receive protection, which is why law and order has improved."

Employment can be generated through various channels. Employment differs from jobs. Tejashwi Yadav has promised over 2 crore jobs, but Bihar's budget cannot accommodate this. The budget would need to quadruple to fulfill such a commitment.

To reduce migration, we must create self-employment opportunities within Bihar itself.

Nitish Kumar is conducting five rallies daily. I have clarified 50 times – we are contesting under Nitish Kumar's leadership. He is the Chief Minister; our campaign is under his direction. Regarding the Chief Minister position, there is a constitutional process that will be determined after the elections.

We anticipate winning 160 seats in Bihar. The remaining seats will go to other parties.

Each election has its unique dynamics. No election is straightforward. We must communicate our accomplishments over the past five years and our plans for the next five. We approach every election with seriousness.

It is BJP's policy to work collaboratively with alliance partners, regardless of our own strength.

I urge Bihar's citizens to vote carefully, as the return of Mahagathbandhan would mean the return of jungle raj.

Naxalism's influence has been significantly weakened. We have rehabilitation centers for those who surrender, along with skill development programs. For high-ranking Naxals, we maintain surveillance initiatives.

Illegal immigration represents a security concern. I ask the people of Bihar: should illegal immigrants be included in voter lists? The opposition views illegal immigrants as potential voters, while my position is that their names should be removed from voter lists nationwide. They will be identified, removed from the lists, and then deported.

Our country is not a charitable institution. Voting rights are exclusively for citizens.

Regarding recent "Gen Z" protests in Nepal, the Home Minister commented, "This is not Nepal. Democratic foundations are strong here."

Self-employment is the solution to migration issues. We have developed a blueprint. Before 2015, I observed numerous shops advertising "mobile charging services" due to lack of electricity. Such shops no longer exist. The underprivileged receive free housing, toilets, and gas connections. Having established the foundation, we will now implement skill development programs for self-employment.

Every political party seeks expansion, but governments are formed through alliances.

We have been actively combating drug trafficking for four years with established systems. Over the past three years, we have consistently broken our own records for seizures and arrests.

Blue and red corner notices have been issued against financial offenders. During the last two years, we have successfully brought back 42 such fugitives. Many escapees are currently facing trials in their countries of refuge.

The Congress party has been attempting this for 11 years. But I trust our citizens. Rahul Gandhi avoids debating these issues in Parliament; he walks out and discusses matters on the streets rather than in courts. When allocated speaking time in Parliament, he's abroad. Upon returning, he demands to speak, but procedures don't work that way.

Congress remains in denial. When victorious, they take oaths without questioning the Election Commission. When defeated, they claim electoral fraud.

Indira Gandhi also attempted to influence democratic processes during the Emergency. Subsequently, the Election Commission has strengthened the entire system.