'So-called naamdaar brought to Bihar forcibly': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, claims Congress harming RJD

PM Modi in Bhagalpur

At Bhagalpur election rally in Bihar on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress and said that the party is harming Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) because the chief ministerial candidacy was snatched from it "at gunpoint".

In a veiled dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi said, "The so-called 'naamdaar' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) has been missing for quite some time, people say he didn’t even want to come to Bihar and was brought here forcibly."

PM Modi said that the Congress leaders are "seeking revenge" against the RJD because of the feud over the CM candidate.

Addressing the public rally, PM Modi claimed those who can betray their own allies for the sake of power can never work for the welfare of Bihar.

“The Chief Minister’s candidacy (referring to RJD) was snatched from Congress at gunpoint, and now Congress leaders are busy seeking revenge against the RJD. The so-called 'naamdaar' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) has been missing for quite some time, people say he didn’t even want to come to Bihar and was brought here forcibly," PM Modi said.

He further added, "But now, he’s actually harming the RJD itself. Those who can betray their own allies for the sake of power can never work for the welfare of Bihar.”

Before Bhagalpur, PM Modi addressed an election rally in Araria as Bihar undergoes first phase of voting on 121 seats.

According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout has been recorded t 42.31 per cent till 1 pm as polling is underway in 18 districts.

Lakhisarai recorded 43.67 per cent turnout by this time.

The EC official said that the turnout so far is higher compared to the previous election at the same hour.

"This is a good trend. There is a lot of enthusiasm among people, and efforts are being made to further encourage voters," he said.