Highest turnout in Bihar since 1951 a victory of democracy, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said winning elections requires parties to be in emotional mode, rather than election mode, and noted the highest-ever voter turnout in Bihar since 1951 as the victory of democracy.

Speaking at an event here, the Prime Minister said public participation was the most resilient measure of strong democracies.

The PM said, “A strong democracy is tested on many parameters, one of the most significant being public participation. The level of people’s confidence and optimism in democracy is most visible during elections. The recent Bihar poll results announced on November 14 were historic.”

“A crucial aspect stood out in the Bihar poll — no democracy can afford to ignore the increasing participation of its citizens. He pointed out that this time, Bihar recorded the highest turnout in its history, with women’s turnout approximately nine percent higher than that of men. This too is a victory of democracy,” said Modi at a time when Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been alleging election fraud.

The Prime Minister said the Bihar poll result also demonstrate the high aspirations of the people of India. “Today, citizens place their trust in political parties that work with sincerity to fulfil those aspirations and prioritise development. Every state government — regardless of ideology — must take note of the lesson from Bihar’s results. The kind of governance delivered today will determine the future of political parties in the years to come,” he said.

The PM pointed out that the now Opposition was given 15 years by the people of Bihar. While they had the opportunity to contribute significantly to the state’s development, they chose the path of ‘jungle raj’, he said.

“The people of Bihar will never forget this betrayal. Whether it is the Central Government or governments led by various parties in the states, development must be the highest priority. All state governments should compete in creating better investment environments, improving ease of doing business, and advancing development parameters. Such efforts will earn the trust of the people,” he added.

“When there is an inner restlessness to not waste even a minute, to reduce the hardships of the poor, to provide employment, to ensure healthcare, and to fulfil the aspirations of the middle class, then continuous hard work becomes the driving force. When governance is carried out with this emotion and commitment, the results are visible on election day, as was recently witnessed in Bihar,” he said, adding that despite global disruptions India was a bright spot.

“India is eager to become developed and self-reliant. India is not just an emerging market, but also an emerging model. Today, the world sees the ‘Indian Growth Model’ as a model of hope,” the PM said.