PM's Bihar talking points: Twin-engine govt, devpt, Rahul's insult to goddess

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that fulfilling the dreams of Bihar's youth was the "sankalp" (resolve) of both "Narendra and Nitish", even as he attacked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for allegedly insulting Chhathi Maiya (goddess).

Addressing twin election rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra, Modi wove together the promise of youth empowerment with sharp criticism of the opposition, accusing them of misleading voters and disrespecting Bihar's culture and faith.

In Muzaffarpur, Modi questioned, "Will Bihar and Hindustan forgive those who insulted even Chhathi Maiya for votes?" He was referring to Rahul's recent remark that Modi could even dance on stage for votes and had done "drama" in the name of Chhath. "While your son Modi is trying to get Chhath registered on the Unesco heritage list, Congress-RJD people are insulting Chhathi Maiya for votes. Will Bihar, Hindustan and the mothers and sisters who fast without water during Chhath tolerate such insults and not punish them," Modi asked. He added that such comments would not be forgiven "for hundreds of years to come".

In Chhapra, the PM struck the developmental chord. "Your dream is my resolution. Narendra and Nitish will realise it. It's time to undertake Bihar's journey from good governance to prosperity. It's your duty to maintain its continuity," he said.The PM assured that youth would soon find jobs within the state after the NDA returned to govt, promising to stop migration by creating local employment opportunities. However, he warned young voters against "false promises" made by the opposition. "Their manifesto is nothing but their rate list for what they intend to get in return," he said.

Targeting RJD and Congress, Modi said their leaders avoided visiting Ayodhya because of "appeasement and vote-bank politics". He added that the NDA was committed to blending development with heritage, as seen in projects like the Hariharnath corridor being developed on the lines of Kashi, which he said had boosted tourism and the livelihoods of small vendors. "Our govt is connecting the treasures of Bihar with employment," he said.

Modi said while NDA stood for "padhai, kamai, davai and sichai", the RJD-Congress symbolised "katta, krurta, katuta, kushasan and corruption". "Law and governance suffer where there is katta and krurta, and social justice is not possible amid corruption," he said. The PM asked, "Can people bring back to power those responsible for jungle raj?"