BIHAR BATTLE: Record turnout shows Bihar’s trust in NDA, says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections was proof that people have reposed their trust in the NDA.

Addressing public meetings in Aurangabad and Kaimur, PM Modi said, "Voters created history. Never before had around 65 per cent of the electorate turned up to vote. Women, youths and farmers have taken upon themselves to prevent jungle raj from returning," he said, adding that the people had faith in Modi and Nitish Kumar to deliver on the promises made by the NDA.

Claiming that the Congress-RJD rule between 1990 and 2005 had destroyed Bihar, the PM took a potshot at the Mahagathbandhan's election manifesto. "The yuvraj of jungle raj is making promises. But he is clueless on how he is going to fulfil it. Before the first phase of the polls, they were flying in the air. But after the first round of voting, the reality is becoming clear to them," he said.

Hinting again at differences in the Mahagathbandhan, he said Congress leaders were silent on the election manifesto of the alliance and the rift between the two parties was widening.

Questioning the lack of faith among Congress and RJD leaders, he said they travel across the globe, but they would not go to Ayodhya to express their faith in Lord Ram. "They fear that they would lose votes if they went there," he remarked.

Modi reasserted his commitment for a developed Bihar in the next five years. "New industries will come up and bring employment. When I say developed Bihar, I mean youths will get employment in the state itself.

Home Minister Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath also held meetings at various places where the final phase of the polling is due on November 11. BJP MP and Bhojpuri film star Ravi Kishan created a political flutter when he said Lalu Yadav's rebellious son Tej Pratap was welcome to join the BJP if he wanted to. Notably, Tej Pratap and Ravi Kishan were seen together at the Patna airport waiting for their helicopters for campaigning. Praising the behaviour of Tej Pratap, he said, "He is a devotee of Lord Shiva and so am I."