Narendra Modi’s blitzkrieg in poll-bound Bihar

Yielding to inner-party pressures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his monthly radio programme “Mann ki Baat”, said his Government will allow the land ordinance to lapse due to the opposition it faced, but no one should be allowed to misguide the farmers.

“I challenge Modi to bring to the fore my “shaitaan” remark or else tender an apology to the people of Bihar”.

Modi addressed crowded election meetings at Munger, Begusarai, Samastipur and Nawada. “I fail to understand – from where did this devil come from, and of all places how on Earth did he find Lalu Yadav’s address?”

The JD-U led by Nitish Kumar was expected to win 69 seats, followed by Lalu Prasad’s RJD (48 seats) and the Congress (20 seats). Modi has also scoffed at Lalu’s explanation that he made the beef remarks under the influence of a few “shaitan” (devil). You are India’s South Carolina, Bihar’s lawmakers. “Lalu ji, elections come and go but please do not forget these are the people who stood with you”.

Taking strong exception over the statement made by the RJD leader Shri Singh said, “The elections are like festivals in democracy where all political parties are expected to discuss issues pertaining to development and welfare of the people”.

“When a favourable government comes to power in Patna, I will ask the Chief Minister to take strong action to improve law and order situation”.

“The people of Bihar have said that only a Bihari will form the next government in the state, not an outsider”. Therefore, they are into a state of constant dilemma on account of their fondness for Nitish but fear of Lalu, eagerness to flirt with BJP but anxiety due to its pro-rich image.

He attacked RJD and Congress for not releasing their manifestos with only four days remaining for the polling to the first phase of assembly polls in Bihar.

Modi also criticised the RJD chief, saying: “Laluji wants to run Bihar through a remote”. Warning against the return of jungle raj, he described the upcoming assembly elections as jungle raj vs vikas raj and recalled how “kidnapping industries” thrived under RJD’s 15-year rule.

Calling Mahagathbandahn as Mahaswathbandahn (grand self-seeking alliance), Modi targeted Nitish and Lalu for becoming a camp follower of Congress even as they claimed to be disciples of Jaiparakah Naiarain and Ram Manohar Lohia. He has alleged that the BJP is trying to stir trouble in Bihar to polarize voters ahead of the polls.