Siwan, Bihar – June 21, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a high-stakes visit to Siwan, Bihar, today launched a blistering attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, accusing them of perpetuating poverty and lawlessness in the state. The visit, marked by the inauguration of development projects worth an impressive ₹11,000 crore, served as a powerful curtain-raiser to the crucial assembly elections scheduled for October-November this year.
Addressing a massive gathering from a stage shared with eight Union ministers, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and two Deputy Chief Ministers, PM Modi left no stone unturned in criticizing the opposition. “The Congress and the RJD hurt Bihar’s pride and kept the state poor due to mafia raj, goonda raj, and corruption,” Modi declared, taking a pointed jab at RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and even alleging that the former Chief Minister had insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Development Push and Economic Progress:
The Prime Minister’s visit was not just about political rhetoric; it was also a demonstration of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) commitment to Bihar’s development. He laid the foundation stone for and inaugurated multiple projects, including the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line and a Vande Bharat Express service connecting Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. A significant highlight was the flagging off of a state-of-the-art locomotive, the first built at the Marhowra plant in Saran district, destined for export to the Republic of Guinea. This export, Modi emphasized, signifies Bihar’s growing role in the “Make in India” initiative.
Modi highlighted the NDA government’s success in poverty alleviation, citing that a record 250 million Indians had been lifted out of poverty in the last 11 years. He specifically praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s role, stating that 3.75 crore (37.5 million) people from Bihar alone had moved out of poverty. “Despite so many years of independence, half the population lived below the poverty line. People struggled to beat poverty, as they could not find a way. The state was reduced to a migration centre and destined to live with the misfortune of poverty. Now, it is time to be wary of the same forces, who kept it poor, as they are desperate for power while the state has prepared the launchpad for rapid growth,” he cautioned.
A Dig at Political Rivals and the Ambedkar Controversy:
Without directly naming Lalu Prasad, Modi referenced a recent controversy where a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar was allegedly placed near the feet of the ailing septuagenarian leader on his 78th birthday. “Ambedkar was against dynasty rule. But they (RJD and its allies) do not like it. So they have his portrait placed at their feet. On my way, I saw posters demanding an apology for this insult to Babasaheb,” Modi stated, adding, “But there has been no apology. This is because they hold Dalits in contempt. In contrast, Modi has Babasaheb in his heart and would like to keep his portrait close to his chest.”
The RJD, however, has dismissed the controversy, attributing it to a camera angle at Prasad’s residence and explaining that he had his feet on a sofa due to medical advice, while a supporter stood nearby carrying Ambedkar’s portrait.
“Jungle Raj” Warning and Inclusive Growth:
Modi drew a stark contrast between the “Parivar ka Saath aur Parivar ka Vikas” (Support to family, growth to family) motto of the Congress (symbolized by the ‘panja’ or hand) and the RJD (symbolized by the ‘lantern’), and the NDA’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (inclusive development for all). He warned the people of Bihar to be vigilant against “those who brought ‘jungle raj’ to Bihar” and were now “looking for an opportunity to repeat their old deeds.” “You have to be very cautious for the bright future of your children. People who are ready to put the brakes on Bihar’s developmental journey have to be kept at bay, as a prosperous Bihar is important for a prosperous India,” he urged.
A Salute to Bihar’s Legacy:
Remembering Bihar’s historical significance, Modi paid tribute to India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad (whose birthplace is Siwan), Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan, and social reformer Braj Kishor Prasad. He emphasized that Siwan was the land that “lent strength to democracy and the Constitution and played a big role in the freedom movement.” “We are trying to take the same spirit forward with inclusive growth so that nobody is discriminated against and even the world recognises India’s growth journey to be the third largest economy. I have faith in your abilities, as you are the ones who ended jungle Raj and then worked with the NDA to put the state on track,” he affirmed.
Bihar’s Developmental Strides:
Highlighting the progress made, the Prime Minister stated that over 55,000 kms of rural roads had been built in the last 10-11 years, 15 million houses had received power and tap water connections, and 45,000 common service centers had been established, leading to a wave of start-ups in Bihar’s towns and cities.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in his address, echoed Modi’s criticism of the RJD’s past governance, albeit without naming the party. “Did the ones in power until we took over care for governance? People were scared of stepping out of their homes because of the law and order situation. Such a contrasting sight today when we have boys, girls, and so many women moving freely,” he remarked.
Opposition Response:
Responding to the Prime Minister’s accusations, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav blunted the attack, urging Modi to “stop misleading the people.” Yadav questioned the state’s continued struggles with poverty, unemployment, migration, and the “pitiable state of health and education,” accusing the Prime Minister of having “no answer” to these issues. He also alleged that the crowd for the rally was “forcibly assembled.”
This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Bihar this year and third since April 24, underscoring the BJP’s strategic focus on the state ahead of the crucial elections. The enthusiastic roadshow from which Modi, accompanied by CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, waved to the crowds, signals the intensity of the upcoming electoral battle in Bihar. Sources
