Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on Friday officially launched the Bihar election campaign from Samastipur, accompanied by Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, signaling the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) determination to return to power. During a massive rally, PM Modi highlighted the NDA’s achievements in governance and criticized the opposition RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, promising to keep Bihar free from “jungle raj.”
NDA’s Confidence and Nitish Kumar’s Leadership
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi asserted, “This time under the leadership of Bihar CM Mr. Nitish Kumar, NDA will break all its previous records of victory. Bihar will give NDA its biggest ever mandate.” The statement underlines Kumar’s pivotal role as the NDA’s de facto chief ministerial face in the upcoming elections.
Expressing gratitude for the large turnout, PM Modi added, “I am overwhelmed by the love that you have showered. The mood in Samastipur and Mithila is clear – ‘nayi raftaar se chalega Bihar, jab fir se aayegi NDA sarkar.’”
In a symbolic moment, PM Modi asked the audience to turn on their mobile flashlights, joking, “When there is so much light… then do we need ‘lalten’? Bihar ko ‘lalten’ aur uske saathi nahi chahiye,” taking a dig at the RJD.
Revisiting Bihar’s Political Journey
PM Modi recalled Bihar’s political history, emphasizing the achievements of NDA governance. “It was October 2005 when Bihar got rid of ‘Jungle Raj’ and NDA’s good governance under the leadership of Mr. Nitish Kumar began. But Congress-RJD at the Centre created many obstacles, and the RJD left no stone unturned to damage Bihar,” he said.
Uncertainty Over Chief Ministerial Face
Despite widespread praise for Mr. Nitish Kumar’s administrative record, NDA leaders have not formally declared him as the chief ministerial candidate. Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah remarked, “I am not the one to decide whether Nitish Kumar will be CM or not. For now, we are contesting under his leadership. After the elections, all allies will sit together and decide their leader.”
This marks a historic shift, as Nitish Kumar has led Bihar since 2005. For the first time in nearly 20 years, uncertainty over his continuation as CM is emerging, not from the opposition but from within the NDA.
Election Details and Seat-Sharing
The BJP and JD(U) have agreed on an equal seat-sharing formula, contesting 101 seats each under the NDA banner. Bihar is set to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.
The election campaign emphasizes good governance, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives, reflecting NDA’s agenda to continue developmental policies and ensure progress for the people of Bihar.
Also Read: Bihar’s Bold Leap: CM Nitish Kumar Pledges 1 Crore Jobs and Women’s Empowerment Boost
