Ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a significant political rally in Siwan on Friday, where he sharply criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party. He particularly targeted RJD chief and former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, accusing the two parties of plunging Bihar into poverty, corruption, and lawlessness during their rule.

In his speech, PM Modi used strong language to describe the past misgovernance in Bihar under the RJD-Congress alliance. He remarked that Bihar had become a "symbol of poverty" under the rule of the ‘Panja’ (symbol of Congress) and the ‘Laltern’ (symbol of RJD), stating they looted the state so thoroughly that poverty became Bihar’s fate. Modi accused both parties of being anti-Bihar and anti-investment, alleging that their rule promoted poor infrastructure, mafia raj, gunda raj (hooliganism), and widespread corruption. He said that when these parties talked about development, what the people actually saw were shuttered shops, closed industries, and stagnation in business.

Further criticizing their past governance, PM Modi stated that it was the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that brought Bihar back onto the path of development. He credited the people of Bihar with ending the so-called ‘jungle raj’ that existed under the Congress-RJD regimes. According to Modi, those who created this “jungle raj” are now trying to return to power and repeat their old actions. He warned that such elements, who aim to disrupt Bihar’s journey toward prosperity, must be kept away.

Modi also spoke about the Congress party’s history of economic mismanagement, blaming its ‘License Raj’ system for long-term poverty in the state. He said this system harmed Dalits and backward communities the most, while a few politically-connected families became millionaires by selling false dreams of poverty alleviation. He also accused RJD of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating that the people of Bihar would never forgive its leaders for that.

He contrasted the NDA’s inclusive approach of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all) with RJD’s alleged focus on “Parivaar Ka Vikas” (Development of the family), implying dynastic politics and self-interest over public welfare.

Beyond political criticism, the Prime Minister also used the occasion to highlight the developmental work undertaken by the central government in Bihar. He inaugurated 28 development projects worth over ₹5,900 crore. Among the major infrastructure boosts was the inauguration of the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, built at a cost of more than ₹400 crore. He also flagged off a new train service on this route to enhance regional connectivity.

Additionally, in a major step toward improving transportation in north Bihar, Modi launched the Vande Bharat Express connecting Patliputra (Patna) with Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. He also promoted the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative by flagging off a modern locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra plant, which is set to be exported to the Republic of Guinea.

In summary, PM Modi’s speech combined sharp political criticism with the promotion of NDA’s development agenda and infrastructural achievements in Bihar ahead of the elections.