Patna: Campaigning for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections saw star leaders from the BJP, RJD, and other parties crisscrossing the state, delivering fiery speeches that combined promises of development with pointed attacks on opponents.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed crowds in Aurangabad, while BJP star campaigner Manoj Tiwari focused on his home constituency of Kaimur. Meanwhile, RJD leader and Grand Alliance’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, held rallies in Motihari and Shivhar, vowing to deliver on promises if his party assumes power.
Rajnath Singh targets RJD and Congress
In Jamui, Rajnath Singh campaigned for BJP candidate Shreyasi Singh, warning voters about the perils of returning RJD to power. He evoked the law-and-order situation in Bihar during the 1990s, stating that extortion and violence were rampant under the previous Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi government. Singh also criticised Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of playing politics along caste and religious lines.
“The terrorists killed people after asking about their religion. We don’t ask about religion; we act based on deeds. Rahul ji, you are playing politics on caste and religion,” Singh said.
He further highlighted the NDA’s record, claiming it had paved the way for development in the state.
BJP rallies in Kaimur and Gaya
Manoj Tiwari, addressing voters in Kaimur, emphasised his local roots and appealed for support across all four assembly constituencies of the district. He criticised political strategist Prashant Kishore, suggesting that his involvement would only split votes.
“I am a son of Kaimur. I want the development of our district and urge people to ensure the NDA wins all four seats, as in 2015,” Tiwari said.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, campaigning in Gaya for BJP candidate Dr. Prem Kumar, criticised the Congress and RJD, accusing them of corruption and hypocrisy. She also denounced remarks by Congress leaders questioning the sanctity of Chhath festival.
“The real hypocrites are the Congress and RJD, who divide people in the name of religion and caste, stall development, and insult the armed forces,” Gupta said.
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav pledges development and youth employment
RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, speaking to large crowds in Motihari and Shivhar, stressed the need for a change of government, citing corruption, unemployment, and inflation as major concerns. He announced that, if elected, his government would transfer Rs 30,000 to the bank accounts of all mothers and sisters in Bihar on January 14.
“Youth will be provided with respectable employment opportunities, and industry will be encouraged so that young people can find work in the state,” he said.
Tejashwi also highlighted the credentials of local candidates, including Dev Gupta and Navneet Kumar Jha, urging voters to deliver decisive victories in their constituencies.
