PM Modi Accuses RJD of Stalling Bihar Development Projects After Nitish Kumar's Rise to Power

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the RJD of halting development projects in Bihar by pressuring the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre to "avenge" its loss of power in the state in 2005.

While addressing a rally in Saharsa, North Bihar, PM Modi reiterated that Congress reluctantly agreed to name Tejashwi Yadav as the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate after the RJD threatened them with a 'katta' or illegal country-made gun.

"The Congress, now a spent force in Bihar, has vowed to bring down RJD in the current elections," he claimed.

PM Modi urged citizens to hold the RJD accountable for its "sins" and emphasized that "the NDA stands for development while the jungle raj wallahs stand for destruction."

He alleged, "When RJD lost power in Bihar in 2005, they were part of the central government. Projects like the Kosi Mahasetu, which were sanctioned by Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, were stalled because RJD pressured Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi after Nitish Kumar formed a new state government."

"The RJD cannot comprehend the suffering of people in the Kosi region, which was alleviated by the bridge construction. We are working on river interlinking, and the NDA manifesto includes a blueprint for flood control," he stated.

Speaking in an area with a significant Muslim population, PM Modi accused the RJD-Congress alliance of being lenient toward "infiltrators" and disrespectful of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and Chhath festival.

"RJD and Congress leaders find time to visit various international destinations but cannot make time for Ayodhya. If they dislike Lord Ram so much, they could still visit monuments commemorating Nishad Raj and Valmiki," said the PM, apparently criticizing the INDIA bloc's pro-deprived caste stance.

Noting that Mithila in north Bihar was historically known for female deities like Sita, Bharti, and Gargi, the PM said, "From this land of glorious women, I congratulate our daughters who have made us proud by winning the Cricket World Cup." He highlighted women's achievements across various sectors, adding that those who ridiculed the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" slogan must now feel ashamed for scorning the country's women.

"To mothers and sisters benefiting from NDA's welfare schemes, I warn you to beware of the 'jungle raj wallahs'; they plan to terminate all these measures if they come to power," he claimed.

PM Modi also emphasized his special regard for Bihar and its specialties, referencing a garland of "makhana" presented to him on stage.

"I gift makhana boxes to world leaders during foreign visits, telling them this represents Bihar farmers' hard work," he said.

The PM highlighted the alleged lawlessness during RJD's rule, stating, "Even conscientious police personnel weren't safe. Highway construction workers were killed. People from backward and extremely backward classes faced atrocities."

"DSP Satyapal Singh was murdered in Saharsa for opposing lawlessness," he added.

Without naming opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Modi said, "They're dreaming about forming the next central government and promising to establish a university at Nalanda, an ancient learning center where foreigners would study."

"The Congress habitually lies. A modern university has already been built at Nalanda. During their governance, they sanctioned only Rs 20 crore for the project before forgetting about it. After assuming power in 2014, we invested Rs 2,000 crore in it," he claimed.