PM accuses RJD of insulting Ambedkar, praises Nitish
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Patna: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the RJD, accusing it of insulting Dr B R Ambedkar and contributing to Bihar's backwardness. He contrasted this with his praise for CM Nitish Kumar, crediting him with pulling the state out of the "jungle raj and loot" that he said prevailed before 2005 under the rule of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi.
"Nitish has brought Bihar back on track from the jungle raj and prepared the launchpad for the state's development," Modi said while addressing his fourth public rally in Bihar this year. The event followed the remote inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth Rs 9,518 crore at Jasoli in Siwan district.
The projects included the launch of a Vande Bharat Express train between Patliputra Junction in Patna and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, the first consignment of diesel locomotives from the Marhaura rail factory in Saran and several schemes under the rail, energy and urban development departments.
Referring to a recent controversy, Modi cited an incident where a portrait of Dr Ambedkar was placed near Lalu's feet by one of his supporters during the RJD chief's birthday celebration on June 11. "I know they will never apologise for disrespecting Ambedkar. By insulting Baba Saheb, these people want to show themselves as bigger than him. The people of Bihar will never forget this insult. They have no respect for Dalits and extremely backward people," he said.
"RJD keeps Baba Saheb at its feet, but Modi keeps him in his heart," he added. Modi accused the RJD and Congress of turning a once-prosperous Bihar into a symbol of migration. "They are now trying to grab power again by resorting to different tricks. But I have faith in the youth. They will keep them away from power. Together you have eradicated jungle raj in Bihar," he said.
Modi also targeted the previous govts for their slogan-driven politics.
"The youth have only heard stories about the plight of Bihar but have no idea what the jungle raj people had done to the state," he said.
Highlighting his participation in the recent G7 summit, the PM said world leaders now recognise India as the third-largest economic superpower. "Bihar is definitely going to play a very big role in the country's prosperity," he said.
At the event, Modi handed over house keys to 6,684 beneficiaries in Bihar and took a swipe at past govts. "While Congress and RJD kept shouting the 'Garibi Hatao' slogan for decades, the NDA govt has shown how poverty can actually be reduced. More than 25 crore people have come out of poverty in India, including 3.75 crore in Bihar, in the last decade," he said.
"Our slogan is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, but those with lanterns and the hand (RJD-Congress) believe only in parivar ka saath, parivar ka vikas," Modi said.
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