BIHAR BATTLE: Congress out to destroy RJD: Modi predicts fallout after poll

The Congress is out to finish its ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), said PM Narendra Modi at public meetings in Saharsa and Katihar. “The Congress wants the RJD to be defeated so that they can take over its vote bank in the future,” he said.

“The Congress has brought in leaders, including a former Punjab CM, from outside the state for campaigning. These leaders are known for their anti-Bihar statements,” the PM said, repeating his charge that the RJD had forced the Congress to accept Tejashwi Yadav as the opposition’s CM face.

Modi alleged that the RJD had deliberately made the photos of Congress leaders smaller on its campaigning material. He went on to predict a complete breakdown of the alliance after the Assembly poll.

After they reached Seemanchal, the PM and other BJP leaders intensified their campaign against alleged infiltration into the state. “There is a conspiracy to change the demography of this region. Do you want infiltrators to get benefits like free foodgrains and healthcare instead of your children?” the PM asked the locals.

Accusing the Congress and the RJD of protecting infiltrators for electoral gains, Modi claimed that ‘outsiders’ had already taken over localities of Dalits and other weaker sections.

Incidentally, polarisation in Seemanchal, which has a dense population of Muslims, has worked in favour of the BJP in the past.

The PM pointed out that in 2005, when Nitish Kumar came to power, the RJD was a part of the Central Government. “Then PM Atal Bihari Vajpaiyee inaugurated the Kosi Mahasetu, which connects two portions of the region. The project was later put in cold storage by the UPA government. In 2014, when I became the PM, I directed the authorities to restart the work and dedicated it to the public in 2020,” he said.

Earlier, people had to travel 300 km to go across the river. The distance has now been reduced to 30 km. During its tenure, the UPA government virtually abandoned the Kosi region, he added.

Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the PM said, “Some people are habitual liars. The UPA government only gave Rs 30 crore for Nalanda University during its tenure, while the NDA gave the university Rs 2,000 crore. Today, the Nalanda University has a magnificent campus and students from 21 countries are studying there.”

Addressing rallies in Saharsa and Katihar, Modi praised the Indian team for winning the Women’s World Cup. “It is an indication of growing confidence among Indian women. Today, women are flying jets, securing borders, and making invaluable contributions in various field,” he added.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Chirag Paswan also addressed public meetings in Bihar on Monday.