Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the NDA’s campaign in Bihar with rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai. He called the Opposition a “coalition of thugs” led by “people out on bail.” He predicted a historic win for the NDA.

At Karpoorigram in Samastipur, Modi accused the RJD and Congress of wasting Bihar’s money and time. He compared the divided INDIA bloc with the united NDA. He also urged young voters to choose progress.

“It was in October 2005 that your parents had brought Jungle Raj to an end. Exactly 20 years later, you have a big responsibility on your shoulders, to facilitate prosperity (samriddhi) by voting in favour of good governance (sushasan),” he said.

He mocked the Opposition as “lathbandhan” and warned that their campaign reminded people of Jungle Raj.

Modi Backs Nitish Kumar

Modi said the NDA was contesting the election under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. This countered claims that the BJP planned to replace him later.

“Nitish Kumar worked day and night to change that and pull Bihar out of the dark age. A new era of development commenced. Now is the time for Bihar to gather speed for self-reliance and prosperity and ensure social justice in the true sense,” he said.

Attack on Congress and RJD

Modi blamed the Congress-led UPA government for blocking Bihar’s growth.

“People freed Bihar from Jungle Raj in 2005 by voting for the NDA government under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. But for 10 years the Congress-RJD alliance was in power at the Centre and it only created obstacles in Nitish Kumar’s path,” he said.

He accused the RJD of taking revenge against Bihar for supporting the NDA. Modi said “development and Jungle Raj of the RJD cannot coexist.”

Warning to Voters

Modi warned people not to trust the RJD. He said their campaign songs glorified guns and fear.

“People have to be wary and send them packing again. Look at the way they are campaigning, threatening people and using Katta (country made pistol), chharra (pellets), dunali (double barrel guns) in campaign songs,” he said. “If they get an opportunity, they will do the same again, reviving Jungle Raj. They cannot change.”

Focus on Development in Begusarai

In Begusarai, Modi blamed the RJD for destroying the region’s industries. “You have reposed your trust in Modi and blessed Nitish to see the positive change. Modi has lived in poverty as he was not born with a silver spoon in mouth. Our priority is to eradicate poverty and not confine it to just speeches,” he said.

He said RJD rule saw crimes like extortion, murder, and kidnapping. “The RJD’s Jungle Raj ruined generations of Bihar,” he said. “Mothers, sisters, youth, Dalits, and backward classes suffered the most.”

Modi Targets Congress Leadership

Modi attacked the Congress for mistreating Dalits. He cited how Sita Ram Kesri was humiliated.

“One member of Congress insulted him, locked him in the bathroom and threw him out. He was removed from the president’s post. That is how they treat Dalits and backward classes,” he said.

He called both RJD and Congress family-run parties. “The RJD’s first family is the most corrupt family in the state and the Congress first family is the most corrupt in the country. Most of them are out on bail and the people of Bihar cannot trust them,” he said.

Tribute to Karpoori Thakur

Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Karpoorigram. He paid tributes to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur and met his family. He said Thakur’s vision inspired the NDA.

Modi asked the crowd to light up their mobile flashlights. “There is no space left for the lantern,” he said, referring to the RJD’s symbol. “The state will keep those who unleashed Jungle Raj in Bihar at bay.”

Nitish Thanks Modi

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar thanked Modi for focusing on Bihar’s growth. “The previous government had nothing and we started Bihar’s development by first restoring rule of law,” he said.

All 10 NDA candidates from Samastipur joined the event. NDA leaders Samrat Choudhary, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, Nityanand Rai, and Sanjay Jha also shared the stage.

Opposition Reacts

Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav responded sharply. “The Prime Minister had earlier himself recounted 55 scams of the Nitish Kumar government. What action has he taken? ‘Jungle raj’ is where no appropriate action is taken against scams, and where criminals roam free,” he said.