PM NARENDRA MODI IFGNITES BHOJPUR WITH ‘VIKSHIT BIHAR’ VISION, UNLEASHES BLISTERING ASSAULT ON ‘JUNGLE RAJ’ LEGACY IN MEGA ELECTION RALLY

PM NARENDRA MODI IFGNITES BHOJPUR WITH ‘VIKSHIT BIHAR’ VISION, UNLEASHES BLISTERING ASSAULT ON ‘JUNGLE RAJ’ LEGACY IN MEGA ELECTION RALLY

2-NOV-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------- On a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon, the dusty airstrip of Majhauwa in Bihar’s Bhojpur district morphed into a political coliseum. Lakhs of supporters—farmers in faded kurtas, women in bright saris, youth waving lotus flags—swelled the ground, turning the horizon into a saffron sea. At the centre of this storm stood Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering a 90-minute oration that blended Bhojpuri warmth, development promises, and a surgical strike on the opposition’s “jungle raj” legacy. The rally, strategically timed three days before the first phase of polling on November 6, was more than a campaign stop—it was the NDA’s war cry for the Shahabad heartland and beyond.

In an electrifying display of political might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally at the Majhauwa Airstrip Ground in Bhojpur district on Sunday, rallying support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates across seven assembly constituencies in Bhojpur, as well as those from neighboring Buxar and Patna districts. The event, marked by thunderous chants of "Modi-Modi" and a sea of saffron flags, underscored the NDA's aggressive push in the ongoing Bihar assembly elections, where the alliance aims to retain power against a resurgent opposition led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.

The rally, attended by lakhs of supporters, saw PM Modi kick off his speech in Bhojpuri, paying homage to local deities and freedom fighters like Babu Kunwar Singh, while lambasting the opposition for "jungle raj" (lawlessness), corruption, and family politics. Modi positioned the NDA as the harbinger of a "Viksit Bihar" (Developed Bihar), promising one crore jobs, enhanced farmer support, and industrial growth to stem youth migration. The prime minister's address, laced with sharp barbs at the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), drew roaring applause and set the tone for what could be a pivotal phase in the elections, with voting in the first phase just days away.

The Majhauwa Airstrip Ground transformed into a fortress of NDA solidarity, with a constellation of leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) (JDU), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) sharing the stage. Rashtriya Lok Morcha national president Upendra Kushwaha, BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, former minister Amarendra Pratap Singh, and a host of assembly candidates were prominently featured.

Key NDA candidates present included Raghavendra Pratap Singh (Barhara), Shribhagwan Singh Kushwaha (Jagdishpur), Radhacharan Sah (Sandesh), Vishal Prashant (Tarari), Mahesh Paswan (Agiaon), Rakesh Ojha (Shahpur), Hulas Pandey (Brahmapur from Buxar), the Dumraon candidate from Buxar, and the Maner candidate from Patna. District presidents from various parties—BJP's Durga Raj, JDU's Sanjay Singh, LJP's Rajeshwar Paswan, RLM's Rohit Kushwaha, and HAM's Maheshwar Mishra—along with legislative council members like Jeevan Kumar, BJP national secretary Rituraj Sinha, state general secretary Rajesh Verma, Ashok Bhatt, and Mithilesh Kushwaha, added to the formidable lineup.

The event was presided over by BJP district president Durga Raj, with BJP Mahila Morcha district president Sushumlata Kushwaha anchoring the proceedings. In a symbolic gesture, Durga Raj presented PM Modi with a memento of Maa Aranya Devi, eliciting cheers from the crowd. As Modi ascended the stage, the atmosphere erupted with "Modi-Modi" slogans, turning the venue into a pulsating hub of enthusiasm. Roads leading to Ara were clogged with supporters, reflecting the rally's massive draw.

NDA leaders took turns urging voters to back the alliance, emphasizing unity and development. Upendra Kushwaha, in his welcome address, predicted a resounding NDA victory, stating, "This time, the NDA government is set to return with an even stronger mandate." The presence of workers from Bhojpur, Buxar, and Patna districts highlighted the rally's regional significance, aiming to consolidate votes in key Shahabad region seats.

PM Modi, known for his oratorical prowess, began his speech in Bhojpuri, instantly connecting with the crowd: "Hamra Bhojpur ke sabhe janta ke pranam" (Greetings to all people of my Bhojpur). The phrase triggered a wave of applause, with the entire ground echoing "Modi-Modi." He paid obeisance to Maa Aranya Devi, Bakhorapur Kali Mai, Mahathin Mai, and the land of Babu Kunwar Singh, invoking Bihar's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Modi framed Bihar as the "engine of India's development," asserting, "Viksit Bihar is the foundation of Viksit Bharat." He outlined ambitious plans for youth employment, farmer welfare, and poverty alleviation, promising to create one crore jobs in the coming years to curb migration. "Bihar's youth will work in Bihar and make Bihar proud," he declared, positioning the NDA's manifesto as a "sincere roadmap" for progress.

Highlighting achievements, Modi noted that over 1.15 lakh families in Bhojpur and more than 60 lakh across Bihar have benefited from housing schemes. He touted free rations, pucca houses, and gas connections for crores of poor households under his government. On agriculture, he announced expansions in food parks and an additional Rs 3,000 annual support for small farmers on top of the central PM-KISAN scheme's Rs 6,000. For dairy farmers, the 'Bihar Dugdh Mission' was highlighted as a game-changer.

Modi also touched on national issues, praising the abrogation of Article 370 as a step toward national unity and security. He reiterated his government's respect for festivals like Chhath Puja, contrasting it with the opposition's alleged disdain. "Our government honors Bihar's traditions and faiths," he said, drawing cheers.

The rally's fiery tone was set by Modi's unrelenting critique of the RJD-Congress alliance, whom he accused of fostering "jungle raj," corruption, and dynastic politics. "This election, the jungle raj proponents will set a record for their biggest defeat," he thundered, predicting a landslide NDA win.

Modi labeled the opposition's manifesto a "bundle of lies, deceit, and eyewash," contrasting it with the NDA's "honest" pledges focusing on education, healthcare, youth earnings, and irrigation. He accused the RJD of promoting "katta (country-made guns), krurta (cruelty), katuta (bitterness), kushasan (misgovernance), and corruption." Recalling the pre-2005 era under RJD rule, Modi cited 37,000 kidnappings, including a doctor's abduction in Tarari block while administering polio drops. "Bihar lived in fear; doctors needed bodyguards," he said, crediting CM Nitish Kumar and the NDA for restoring law and order.

On the RJD-Congress infighting, Modi quipped about a "closed-door drama" where the RJD allegedly "held a gun to Congress's temple" to claim the CM post. "Congress never wanted an RJD CM, but RJD forced it with a katta on the kanpati (temple)," he said, evoking laughter and applause. He warned that post-election, the allies would "break each other's heads," rendering them unfit for Bihar's welfare.

Modi lambasted the opposition for appeasement politics, linking Congress to the 1984 Sikh riots and RJD to minority favoritism. "Congress honors Sikh massacre perpetrators; RJD insults Chhath Puja by calling it nautanki (drama)," he charged. He accused them of encouraging infiltrators and undermining Bihar's identity, urging voters to beware of their "dangerous intentions."

On national security, Modi hailed 'Operation Sindoor'—a recent anti-terror operation—as a fulfillment of his guarantee to strike terrorists at home. "Explosions in Pakistan, but Congress's royal family lost sleep," he mocked, claiming the opposition couldn't digest India's successes.

The rally's logistics were impeccable, with District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) personally overseeing preparations. Barricades encircled the venue, traffic diversions ensured smooth flow, and the Special Protection Group (SPG) coordinated with local police. NDA workers buzzed with excitement, viewing the event as a momentum-builder for Bhojpur's seats.

Modi's Ara rally was part of a packed Sunday itinerary. Earlier, he addressed a gathering in Nawada, reiterating similar themes. In the evening, he led a 2.8-km road show in Patna, starting from Dinkar Chowk in Kadam Kuan and ending at Udyog Bhawan near Gandhi Maidan. Flanked by Union Minister Lalan Singh (from Nitish Kumar's JDU), BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, and candidates from Patna Sahib, Kumhrar, Danapur, Digha, Bankipur, and Phulwari, Modi waved the lotus symbol amid fervent crowds. Notably absent was CM Nitish Kumar, who accompanied Modi in previous road shows. Post-road show, Modi visited Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara and dined with NDA leaders at Raj Bhavan.

The road show aimed to influence 14 Patna constituencies, with 10 welcome points along the route. Supporters performed aartis from rooftops, amplifying the festive vibe.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi rallied in Begusarai and Khagaria, slamming the NDA for failing on education, health, and jobs. "Bihar was once India's education hub; we revived Nalanda University, but BJP stalled it," he said. Accusing the government of paper leaks benefiting cronies, Gandhi urged youth to reject "drama" and vote for change. He criticized Nitish Kumar's 20-year rule as ineffective.

In another highlight, Bhojpuri superstar and BJP star campaigner Pawan Singh campaigned in Raghopur—Tejashwi Yadav's stronghold—backing BJP candidate Satish Kumar Rai. "The power is in your hands; make Satish win overwhelmingly," Singh appealed.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed the Mokama murder case, affirming the Election Commission's impartiality: "No favoritism; strict action against violence disrupting polls."

Modi reiterated the NDA's commitments: prioritizing children's education, family healthcare, youth employment, farmer irrigation, and women's empowerment. He promised industrial hubs, data centers, and cottage industry networks to make Bihar a 'Make in India' powerhouse. For veterans, he highlighted One Rank One Pension benefits exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore nationally, with hundreds of crores for Bihar's ex-servicemen.

On food security, Modi noted switching to usna rice from arwa based on public feedback. "Modi listens and acts," he said, underscoring people-centric governance.

Modi called on Chhath celebrants from outside Bihar to vote before returning home. He summoned all NDA candidates on stage, seeking blessings for their victory. "Every booth in Bhojpur must go to NDA," he urged.

The rally's cultural touch—Bhojpuri greetings, deity invocations—resonated deeply, blending politics with local pride.

With first-phase polling on November 6, Modi's rally injects vigor into NDA's campaign. Analysts see it countering opposition narratives on unemployment and governance. The Shahabad region's seats—crucial for NDA's majority—could swing decisively.

As Bihar votes, the battle between development and "jungle raj" revival intensifies, with Modi's charisma a key NDA asset. The Majhauwa rally was not just an event—it was a political earthquake. Modi’s Bhojpuri fluency, data-driven promises, and visceral “jungle raj” narrative have reset the campaign’s momentum. For the NDA, it’s a 7/7 sweep mission in Bhojpur. For the opposition, it’s a damage control nightmare. As the sun set over the Son River, one slogan echoed from Ara to Patna: “Abki baar, NDA ki puri taiyyari—jungle raj ki antim dafnaai!”