From "Katta" to Missiles: Rajnath Singh Announces Defence Corridor for Bihar's Industrial Transformation

Rajnath Singh affirmed that the NDA fulfills its manifesto commitments. (File)

New Delhi:

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that Bihar has moved beyond the era of "katta" (country-made guns) and "laltane" (lanterns), stating that the state is now positioned to manufacture missiles and cannons instead of rudimentary firearms.

While speaking at a campaign rally in Ramgarh Assembly constituency, Singh revealed plans for establishing a defence corridor in Bihar, directly challenging the RJD by saying, "I want to tell RJD people that Ab Katta Nahin, Tope banegi... Missile banegi (Instead of country-made guns, Bihar will produce cannons and missiles)".

Singh characterized the NDA manifesto as "Atal Pratigya" or "Bhishm Pratigya" (absolute commitment), emphasizing that Bihar has progressed beyond primitive weapons and outdated symbols.

"We will not make unrealistic promises about providing government employment to every household in Bihar. It's financially unfeasible. We have instead committed to generating job opportunities through the development of MSME corridors and a defence corridor in Bihar," he explained.

At another rally in Bihar's Karakat Assembly, the Defence Minister criticized Congress for allegedly dividing the nation along caste and religious lines and engaging in appeasement politics for electoral gains.

He referenced recent comments by saying, "Telangana's Chief Minister and Congress leader Revanth Reddy stated that 'Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress'. This demonstrates the lengths these individuals will go to secure votes."

Singh emphasized that the BJP has never engaged in religious politics. "We have consistently avoided politics based on caste or religion. When we engage in politics, it is politics rooted in justice and humanity," he asserted.

Directing criticism at Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, the Defence Minister remarked, "Wherever Rahul Gandhi campaigns, he claims the Election Commission has stolen votes from the people of Bihar. I must ask him if dishonesty is essential for political success. Meaningful politics requires a nation-building approach."

Singh highlighted that the NDA consistently delivers on its manifesto commitments.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is particularly careful not to make promises that would be difficult to fulfill," he noted, adding that this practice maintains public trust in political parties.

"Our political engagement aims to develop society rather than merely form governments. Parties like RJD and Congress have become so desperate that they resort to falsehoods and even attempt to 'purchase' votes," he claimed.

He concluded by assuring that the NDA will maintain the trust between the government and its citizens.