Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched his Bihar Assembly election campaign from Samastipur, where he delivered a spirited address attacking the RJD-Congress alliance and asserting that the state no longer needs the ‘lantern’, a pointed reference to the RJD’s poll symbol.
At the start of his speech, PM Modi asked the crowd to switch on the flashlights of their mobile phones.
As the ground lit up, he remarked, “Now tell me, when so many lights are shining here, what is the need for a lantern?”
The moment drew loud cheers, as the Prime Minister linked it to Bihar’s progress under the NDA government.
Highlighting the state’s technological growth, PM Modi noted that the cost of 1 GB of data is now cheaper than a cup of tea, describing it as a symbol of the digital revolution empowering Bihar’s youth.
“The youth making reels are the new creative force of Bihar. NDA’s policies have allowed them to earn and showcase their talent. This digital Bihar is the result of our reforms,” he asserted.
PM Modi went on to praise the Jan Dhan Yojana. He said it allowed millions to open bank accounts and access government benefits directly.
“Under the previous regime, the money used to disappear midway. But now every rupee sent from Delhi reaches the beneficiary’s account without leakage,” he asserted.
Continuing his attack on the Opposition, PM Modi targeted the RJD and Congress. He accused them of prioritising dynastic interests over the welfare of Bihar’s people.
“Bihar is the land of Aryabhata, the great mathematician. The youth here are intelligent and understand everything. The people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to those who spread lies and misinformation,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reminded the audience of 2005, when Bihar ‘freed itself from RJD’s jungle raj’. He said the state then embarked on a new path of progress under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He claimed that during the UPA era, Bihar suffered from neglect, while under the NDA, the state has received three times more funding.
“During the UPA rule, the RJD continued to take revenge on Bihar and obstructed its development. But today, Bihar stands tall with progress and pride,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He further added, “The NDA government has given three times more funds to Bihar than what the Congress-led UPA ever provided. Today, Vande Bharat trains are running, Darbhanga airport is operational, new railway lines and power plants are being built, and investment opportunities are increasing rapidly. The day is not far when every district of Bihar will have its own startup companies.”
Concluding his address, PM Modi voiced confidence that the people of Bihar would once again back the NDA.
“Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, Bihar has moved forward on the path of development and good governance. This time, the NDA will form the government with a massive majority,” he declared, as the crowd responded with chants of ‘Phir Ek Baar, NDA Sarkar!’
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