PM MODI LAUNCHED Rs. 7200 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AMID BLACK FLAG GREETING, VISION FOR EASTERN INDIA’S GROWTH

PM MODI LAUNCHED Rs. 7200 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AMID BLACK FLAG GREETING, VISION FOR EASTERN INDIA’S GROWTH

19-JULY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------In a landmark event in Bihar’s East Champaran district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹7,200 crore at Gandhi Maidan in Motihari. The occasion, marking PM Modi’s fifth visit to Bihar in the election year of 2025, was a vibrant display of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) commitment to transforming Bihar into a cornerstone of eastern India’s growth. However, the event was briefly overshadowed by a protest where three youths displayed black flags to highlight the closure of local sugar mills, drawing attention to regional grievances. Addressing a massive gathering, PM Modi outlined a bold vision for Bihar’s development, criticized past Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) governments for neglecting the state, and reaffirmed the NDA’s focus on inclusive growth, infrastructure, and empowermen

A Grand Welcome Marred by Protest

As Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrived at Gandhi Maidan, they were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, with thousands gathered to witness the launch of transformative projects. The leaders traversed the venue in an open jeep, waving to supporters in a display of unity and public engagement. However, the celebratory mood was briefly disrupted when three local youths—identified as Jitendra Tiwari, Vikrant Gautam, and Ravikant Ravi—waved black flags during the event. According to Champaran Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harkishor Rai, the protesters were attempting to draw attention to the prolonged closure of sugar mills in the region, a long-standing issue affecting local livelihoods.

East Champaran’s Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat, confirmed that the trio was detained for questioning to ascertain their motives. Motihari Sadar Thana In-Charge Inspector Rajeev Ranjan stated that the youths used black cloth pieces to protest, and further action would depend on the investigation’s findings. The incident gained traction when RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, shared a video on social media, claiming it depicted the black flag protest at the rally. While the video went viral, its authenticity remains unverified, adding a political twist to the event in an election year.

Despite the protest, the event proceeded with fervor, with PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar focusing on the ambitious development agenda and the NDA’s achievements in Bihar.

A Vision for Eastern India’s Renaissance

In his address, PM Modi invoked the sacred month of Sawan, offering prayers to Baba Someshwarnath for the prosperity and well-being of Bihar’s people. He framed the event as a pivotal moment in Bihar’s journey toward becoming a developed state, emphasizing that the 21st century is witnessing the rise of eastern nations globally. Drawing a parallel, he asserted that eastern India, with Bihar at its core, is poised for a similar developmental leap. “The world is moving eastward, and so is India. The time has come for eastern states to shine, and Bihar will lead this transformation,” Modi declared.

The Prime Minister articulated a bold vision to elevate Motihari to the stature of Mumbai, a beacon of economic and industrial prowess in western India. He extended this ambition to other regions, envisioning Gaya as a corporate hub like Gurugram, Patna as an industrial powerhouse like Pune, Santhal Pargana as a textile and trade center like Surat, Jalpaiguri and Jajpur as tourism magnets like Jaipur, and Birbhum as a tech-driven hub like Bengaluru. “Just as Mumbai defines western India’s success, Motihari will become a symbol of eastern India’s progress,” he proclaimed, outlining a roadmap to integrate Bihar into the national economic mainstream.

The ₹7,200 crore projects launched include eight rail initiatives, seven road projects, three additional schemes in fisheries, rural development, and information technology, and the flagging off of four Amrit Bharat Express trains. These projects aim to enhance connectivity, boost local economies, and create employment opportunities, aligning with the NDA’s goal of a “Viksit Bihar” (Developed Bihar) as the foundation for a “Viksit Poorvottar Bharat” (Developed Eastern India).

A Sharp Critique of Past Governments

PM Modi did not shy away from critiquing the Congress and RJD-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments, accusing them of systematically neglecting Bihar’s development. He claimed that their policies were driven by a “vendetta” against the state, stunting its growth. Providing a comparative analysis, Modi highlighted that during the UPA’s 10-year tenure, Bihar received approximately ₹2 lakh crore in funds. In contrast, the NDA government has allocated several times that amount over the past decade, channeling resources into transformative infrastructure, welfare schemes, and public services.

He took a direct swipe at the RJD’s “lantern era,” a reference to their election symbol, alleging that their governance was marred by corruption and exploitation. “In the lantern era, jobs came at a heavy price—youths were forced to sign over their land for employment. Today, under the NDA, Bihar is illuminated with new hopes and transparent opportunities,” Modi said. He praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration for ensuring merit-based job allocations, contrasting it with the alleged “job-for-land” scams under RJD rule.

Empowering the Poor: Housing and Direct Benefits

A cornerstone of the event was the emphasis on welfare schemes reaching the poorest of the poor. Under the PM Awas Yojana, over 4 crore homes have been constructed nationwide in the past 11 years, with Bihar accounting for nearly 60 lakh of these. In Motihari alone, approximately 3 lakh families, primarily from Dalit, Mahadalit, and backward communities, have received permanent homes. During the event, over 12,000 families celebrated their griha pravesh (housewarming), while more than 40,000 others received direct bank transfers to build their homes.

Modi underscored the transformation in welfare delivery, noting that unlike previous regimes where funds were siphoned off by intermediaries, the current system ensures direct benefit transfers. The Jan Dhan Yojana has been instrumental, with around 3.5 crore women in Bihar gaining access to bank accounts, enabling seamless delivery of government scheme benefits. He also lauded the Nitish Kumar government’s decision to increase pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month, with funds directly credited to beneficiaries’ accounts.

Empowering Women: The Rise of Lakhpati Didi

PM Modi hailed Bihar’s women as the state’s greatest asset, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving economic and social progress. He highlighted the success of self-help groups (SHGs), with over 24,000 groups in Bihar receiving more than ₹1,000 crore in assistance in the last one-and-a-half months. The Lakhpati Didi initiative, aimed at creating 3 crore women entrepreneurs nationwide, has already empowered 1.5 crore women, including over 20 lakh in Bihar. In Champaran, more than 80,000 women have joined SHGs and become Lakhpati Didis, achieving financial independence.

Additionally, a ₹400 crore Community Investment Fund was released to further bolster women’s empowerment. Modi emphasized that these initiatives are not just about financial support but about transforming societal mindsets, enabling women to lead Bihar’s development narrative.

Youth Empowerment: Jobs and Opportunities

Reiterating the NDA’s vision of “Samriddh Bihar, Har Yuva Ko Rozgar” (Prosperous Bihar, Employment for Every Youth), PM Modi highlighted the transparent recruitment of lakhs of youths under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. He announced a new central scheme, set to launch on August 1, 2025, under which first-time private-sector employees will receive ₹15,000 in financial assistance. With a budget of ₹1 lakh crore, this initiative aims to benefit millions of youths, including those in Bihar.

The Mudra Yojana has also fueled self-employment, with 60,000 youths in Champaran receiving loans to start businesses in the last two months. Modi emphasized that these efforts are creating a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship and job creation, ensuring that Bihar’s youth no longer need to migrate for opportunities.

Eradicating Naxalism: Operation Sindoor’s Triumph

The Prime Minister credited the NDA’s security policies for significantly curbing Naxalism in Bihar, particularly in districts like Champaran, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Jamui. He described Naxalism as a fading threat, with Operation Sindoor, initiated in Bihar, earning global acclaim for its success in dismantling Maoist networks. “Naxalism held back these regions for decades. Today, our youth are reclaiming their future, and we are committed to making India completely Naxal-free,” Modi pledged.

Agricultural Transformation: Empowering Farmers

Bihar’s agricultural potential was a key focus, with Modi highlighting the increased prices for makhana due to enhanced market linkages facilitated by the NDA government. The establishment of a Makhana Board was announced to further support farmers. Other local products, including bananas, litchi, Marcha rice, Katarni rice, Jardalu mangoes, and Magahi paan, are being promoted globally to boost farmers’ incomes.

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has disbursed over ₹3.5 lakh crore to farmers nationwide, with Motihari’s 5 lakh farmers receiving more than ₹1,500 crore. The recently approved PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will prioritize 100 backward districts, benefiting nearly 1.75 crore farmers, including a significant number from Bihar. Modi emphasized the NDA’s “Har Pichhde Ko Prathmikta” (Priority to Every Backward Section) mission, which focuses on uplifting marginalized regions and communities

Infrastructure Development: Connecting Biha

The event saw the launch of critical infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth:

• Amrit Bharat Express: Four new trains, including a direct service from Motihari-Bapudham to Delhi’s Anand Vihar, were flagged off to improve passenger connectivity.
• Motihari Railway Station: Upgraded with modern amenities to enhance commuter experience.
• Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj Rail Line: Doubling of this line to reduce congestion and improve efficiency.
• Ram-Janaki Path: A new road connecting Sattarghat, Kesariya, Chakiya, and Madhuban, boosting regional connectivity.
• Sitamarhi-Ayodhya Rail Line: Facilitating pilgrimage travel from Champaran to Ayodhya.

These projects are expected to create jobs, improve access, and integrate Bihar into the national economic framework.

Nitish Kumar’s Leadership: A Transformed Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the central government’s unwavering support, detailing Bihar’s transformation since the NDA came to power in 2005. He noted that the state’s budget has grown from ₹24,000 crore to over ₹3 lakh crore, reflecting significant investments in education, health, roads, and bridges. The Saat Nischay schemes have achieved universal electricity, tap water, toilets, and paved roads in every village, while Saat Nischay-2 aims to provide 10 lakh government jobs and 10 lakh employment opportunities, with over 50 lakh already achieved.

Kumar announced free electricity up to 125 units for residents, a significant relief for households. He also highlighted the increased social security pension, benefiting over 1.11 crore people. Central budget allocations for roads, health, industry, tourism, flood control, a Makhana Board, an airport, and the Western Kosi Canal were acknowledged, along with Bihar’s selection to host the Khelo India Youth Games.

Political Messaging and Electoral Context

In a direct attack on the RJD, Modi accused them of exploiting the poor, Dalits, OBCs, and tribals for political gains while neglecting their welfare. He contrasted this with the NDA’s inclusive policies, such as granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and launching the Janman Yojana for marginalized tribal groups. The black flag protest provided fodder for the RJD, with Tejashwi Yadav leveraging it to criticize the NDA’s governance. However, Modi and Kumar remained focused on their development narrative, concluding with a rallying cry: “Banayenge Naya Bihar, Phir Ek Baar NDA Sarkar!” (We will build a new Bihar, once again with an NDA government!).

A Roadmap for Progress Amid Challenges

PM Modi’s fifth visit to Bihar in 2025 underscored the NDA’s commitment to transforming the state into a hub of economic and social progress. The ₹7,200 crore projects, spanning infrastructure, welfare, and empowerment, reflect a comprehensive strategy to uplift Bihar and eastern India. While the black flag protest highlighted local grievances, it did not overshadow the event’s focus on development and inclusivity. As Bihar gears up for elections, the NDA’s vision of a prosperous, connected, and empowered state is set to shape the political discourse, with Motihari emerging as a symbol of eastern India’s bright future.