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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Modi launches ‘naya Bihar' slogan, accuses RJD of betraying poor
Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the RJD of seizing land from the poor on the false promise of jobs, in an apparent reference to the land-for-jobs scam and asserted that a 'viksit' (developed) Bihar is key to development of eastern India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While addressing a public rally at Motihari in East Champaran, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, he also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 7,200 crore. Introducing a new campaign slogan, "Banayenge naya Bihar, phir ek baar NDA sarkar" (We will build a new Bihar, once again an NDA govt), Modi emphasised that state's development is crucial for eastern India's progress. The Prime Minister highlighted the stark contrast in central support between previous and current administrations. "During the 10 years of the previous govts when they (Congress) were in power at the Centre, Bihar received only around Rs 2 lakh crore," he said, suggesting this was political retaliation against Nitish Kumar's govt. Modi emphasised that since 2014, his govt has allocated nearly Rs 9 lakh crore for Bihar's development, quadrupling the previous allocation. Taking aim at the RJD, Modi said, "The RJD can't think of providing employment to youths and they (RJD functionaries) seized land from the poor on the false promise of jobs," referring to the land-for-jobs scam. He urged citizens to remember the contrast between the "era of lanterns" and today's Bihar, which is illuminated by new hopes. Emphasising the NDA's vision, Modi said, "Bihar's progress is essential for India's progress," and promised that the Centre would invest Rs 1 lakh crore in providing jobs and employment opportunities nationwide. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He commended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's govt for transparent recruitment of youth in govt positions and assured continued central support for Bihar's employment initiatives. The Prime Minister highlighted significant progress in combating Maoists, noting that districts like Champaran, Aurangabad, Gaya and Jamui are now witnessing reduced extremist activity. "This is a new India—that spares no effort in punishing the enemies, mobilising forces from both land and sky," he said, referring to Operation Sindoor's success. Addressing agricultural development, Modi threw light on various initiatives benefiting farmers, including the establishment of a Makhana Board and efforts to increase market access for local products like banana, litchi, Mircha rice, Katarni rice, Zardalu mango and Maghai paan. He said that under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, approximately Rs 3.5 lakh crore has been distributed to farmers nationwide, with Motihari alone seeing over 5 lakh farmers receiving more than Rs 1,500 crore. Modi emphasised that Bihar possesses both capability and resources, which are now being effectively utilised for progress. He highlighted the success of integrating makhana farmers with larger markets, resulting in improved prices and economic benefits. The event was attended by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Nitish Kumar, and Union ministers Jitan Ram Manji, Giriraj Singh, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Chirag Paswan, Ramnath Thakur, Nityanand Rai, Satish Chandra Dubey and Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary. PM's visit and announcements come at a crucial time as Bihar prepares for assembly elections, with the NDA seeking to strengthen its position in the state. Modi's emphasis on development, employment, and agricultural growth reflects the coalition's campaign focus on economic progress and social welfare.


Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bhagalpur celebrates 252nd foundation day with pride
Bhagalpur: At a glittering ceremony in Town Hall, district officials and public representatives celebrated Bhagalpur's 252nd foundation day on Sunday, highlighting its historic and strategic significance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Established on May 4, 1773 by the British East India Company, Bhagalpur gained administrative prominence when James Barton was appointed supervisor. The historic Tilha Kothi, later known as Cleveland House, became the region's administrative hub under Fort William, Kolkata. Due to its strategic location along the Ganga and proximity to Kolkata, Bhagalpur was declared a collectorate district in 1779. Augustus Cleveland was appointed its first collector. The city later welcomed Warren Hastings, then de facto Governor General of India and Lady Hastings on July 16, 1780. Now a divisional headquarters, Bhagalpur comprises three sub-divisions – Naugachia, Bhagalpur Sadar, and Kahalgaon. It has 16 blocks, 1,515 villages and a population exceeding 3 million. Speaking at the event, DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary lauded Bhagalpur's cultural richness and reputation as ' Silk City '. He highlighted its GI-tagged produce – Jardalu mango , Katarni rice, Manjusha art – and key landmarks such as Vikramshila Mahavihara, Burhanath Temple, Khanqah-e-Shahbazia and the Dolphin Sanctuary. He urged citizens to join hands in transforming Bhagalpur into a leading centre for education, business, tourism and urban development under the Smart City Mission. Speakers included MP Ajay Kumar Mandal, SSP Hriday Kant, DDC Pradeep Singh, BMC commissioner Preeti, mayor Vasundhara Lal and city SP Shubhank Mishra. Cultural programmes marked the daylong celebrations.