Samastipur (Bihar): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the “NDA under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar” will break all previous electoral records in the Bihar Assembly polls, while taking a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, which he said was led by “people out on bail”.
Addressing his maiden election rally in the poll-bound state, the PM asked the crowds to switch on the lights of their mobile phones, and in a dig at the RJD, said, “When all people have access to such modern gadgets, there is no need for the lantern”.
Showering praise on Nitish Kumar, who heads the JD(U) and seeks a fifth consecutive term in office, Modi alleged, “He came to power in 2005, but nearly a decade of his tenure was hampered by a hostile Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, which was constantly blackmailed by the RJD that it would withdraw support if cooperation was extended to the NDA government in Bihar.”
PM described his visit to Karpuri Gram—the native village of Bharat Ratna Jannayak Karpuri Thakur—as “a memorable day.” Modi paid homage to the late leader, highlighting the inspiration Thakur’s life provided to leaders from backward communities, including himself and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Further, Modi said that it was due to Karpuri Thakur’s guidance and blessings that leaders from humble backgrounds could rise to positions of influence and public service. “It is because of his blessings that leaders like Nitish Kumar and I, from backward communities and humble backgrounds, are standing on this stage today,” he said.
