Bihar polls: Amit Shah, Nitish Kumar warn of the return of 'jungle raj' with RJD

Their remarks drew a swift response from Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s chief ministerial candidate, who accused the BJP-JD(U) alliance of deflecting attention from governance failures and rising crime under its watch.

Due to bad weather, Shah addressed two rallies—at Gopalganj and Samastipur—virtually from a hotel in Patna, while Kumar travelled by road to address gatherings in person.

In a video message to voters, Kumar reminded them of Bihar’s transformation since 2005, claiming that “being a Bihari was once an insult,” but his government’s “honest and dedicated” work had restored dignity and development to the state.

Shah, addressing voters in Gopalganj via video, framed the election as a choice between “those who brought jungle raj” and “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, who have brought progress.”

He invoked memories of the RJD’s previous tenure, citing the alleged “terror” of Lalu Prasad’s brother-in-law, Sadhu Yadav, and the wave of caste-based violence that gripped Bihar during that period.

“The people of Gopalganj know the misdeeds of Sadhu Yadav better than anyone,” Shah said, recalling his influence during the RJD regime.

Sadhu Yadav, a former MLA and MP, wielded significant political clout in the early 2000s and was long seen as emblematic of the lawlessness that plagued the state.

Shah also highlighted the NDA’s election promises, including enhanced financial support for women and farmers.

“We have already deposited Rs 10,000 into the accounts of Jeevika Didis (women’s self-help groups) and plan to increase this up to Rs 2 lakh through various means,” he said.

“Farmers currently receiving Rs 6,000 annually will now get Rs 9,000.” He further pledged to reopen all defunct sugar mills in Bihar within five years.

Nitish Kumar, leading the NDA’s campaign, emphasised his government’s track record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.

“Since 2005, I have served you with honesty. Bihar has moved from darkness to light—roads, electricity, and schools have reached villages,” he said, urging voters to grant the alliance another term.

“We have worked for every section—Hindu, Muslim, upper caste, backward, Dalit, or Mahadalit. I have never worked for my family,” he added, in a veiled jab at Lalu Prasad and his dynastic politics.

Tejashwi pushes back

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, grounded by poor flying conditions, addressed voters through recorded phone messages from Muzaffarpur and other constituencies.

He urged support for the Mahagathbandhan, promising employment opportunities and a corruption-free administration.

“They talk about jungle raj, but what about the murders happening now under their government?” he asked, accusing the NDA of shielding criminals aligned with those in power.

As Bihar heads into its first phase of voting, the battle lines are sharply drawn — with the NDA invoking its record of stability and development, while the RJD-led opposition presses its promise of jobs and a new beginning.