'Choose ‘Viksit Bihar’ or ‘jungle raj’: Rajnath Singh tells voters in Darbhanga; slams RJD

The minister was addressing an election rally in Darbhanga.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday, launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during a public rally in Darbhanga, accusing the party of tarnishing Bihar’s image and urging voters to choose between a “Viksit Bihar” (developed Bihar) and a return to “jungle raj.”

“RJD defamed Bihar not only in the country but across the world. There are allegations of corruption against the entire family. A former chief minister had to spend years in jail....doesn’t that make every Bihari feel ashamed?” Singh asked, referring to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s conviction in corruption cases.

He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, urging them to practise “truthful politics” instead of making unrealistic promises. “They are claiming in their manifesto that every household in Bihar will get a government job. Is this even possible? Why are they misleading people?” he said.

The remarks came a day after the Mahagathbandhan released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, promising a slew of welfare measures, including the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 to women under the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’, and reforms in the management of Waqf properties.

The upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The elections this time will primarily see a contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Secular) and RLM, and the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and VIP.

Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has announced candidates for all 243 constituencies. The results will be declared on November 14.