Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has intensified political rhetoric by labelling Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav as the “Gabbar of Bihar”, evoking imagery from classic cinema to portray fear and alleged misrule. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Patna, Samrat claimed that “people are afraid Lalu might return”, accusing lalu’s family of looting the state during their tenure.
He contrasted Lalu’s governance with current progress, stating that during lalu’s rule only 12 lakh people received pensions, while over 1 crore people are beneficiaries today. Emphasising improved law and order, he said that unlike in the past, incidents in VVIP areas are now swiftly acted upon.
Samrat underscored that any political move by Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant, would be the Chief Minister’s decision alone, dismissing interference from the Lalu family.
Projecting a transformative future, he said the period from 2025 to 2030 would mark a major phase of development in Bihar. Citing recent initiatives, he noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 10,000 crore in the state on June 20, calling it a new chapter of progress.
Further announcements included enhanced pensions for the disabled, elderly, and widows, raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, incurring an additional state expense of Rs 13,000 crore. The government also plans to build dedicated spaces for daughters’ marriages in every panchayat and has doubled the salaries of 1.4 lakh Jeevika workers.
Samrat added that schemes have been launched for 94 lakh families, and construction of a grand temple at Sita Mata’s birthplace has been approved. Bihar has also received central government approval for a Rs 33,000 crore road infrastructure scheme, expected to significantly boost state connectivity.
Highlighting visible progress, he urged critics to observe recent developments such as upgrades to Patna Airport and improved roads connecting Patna to Begusarai and Muzaffarpur.
