Patna: Ahead of the official Bihar Assembly election rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a key virtual interaction with young NDA workers on Thursday evening, setting an aggressive tone for the campaign.
The Prime Minister tasked the youth with carrying a specific message to every household: “Bihar has picked up speed, NDA government again.” The interaction served as a platform for the PM to not only motivate the grassroots workers but also to launch a blistering critique of the opposition.
Opposition Dubbed ‘Lathbandhan’
Targeting the coalition of rivals, PM Modi did not mince words, labeling the group a “thug alliance.” He went further, stating that the people of Bihar refer to them as “Lathbandhan” (Stick Alliance), accusing them of knowing only how to “wield sticks and fight.”
According to the Prime Minister, the primary motive of the “Lathbandhan” leadership is self-interest, claiming they have shown a profound lack of concern for the future of Bihar’s youth.
“For those in the ‘Lathbandhan,’ their own self-interest is paramount,” PM Modi stated. “They are not concerned about the youth of Bihar. For decades, the youth of the country and Bihar suffered from Naxalism and Maoist terrorism, but these people prioritized their own interests over you. They even kept winning elections by leveraging Maoist terrorism.”
Naxalism Accusations and the ‘Jungle Raj’ Warning
The strongest part of PM Modi’s address was his direct accusation that Naxalism and Maoist terrorism were actively used by previous regimes to destroy the state’s potential. He detailed how extremists would prevent the opening of essential institutions, citing instances where they would destroy existing schools, colleges, and hospitals with bombs.
“Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have played a major role in destroying Bihar,” he said, arguing that this environment prevented industries from entering, thus completely crippling development. “I believe they have ruined the future of two generations of Bihar,” the Prime Minister asserted.
He concluded his remarks by trusting in the wisdom of the electorate. “My brothers and sisters in Bihar have the greatest understanding of the power of the vote in all of India, and therefore, having removed the Jungle Raj, they do not want it to return under any circumstances.”
Stability Fuels Development
Concluding his address, PM Modi contrasted the past with the current development narrative, linking Bihar’s progress directly to political stability.
“Bihar is progressing rapidly, shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the country,” he noted, citing continuous work in building new hospitals, constructing better schools, and strengthening connectivity through new railway lines. “The biggest reason for this is the existence of a stable government in both the country and Bihar. When there is stability, the pace of development also accelerates.”
