In a charged political atmosphere ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a public rally in Gopalganj on Sunday, launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, accusing him of plunging the state into chaos during his tenure from 1990 to 2005.

Shah, who arrived in Patna on Saturday, also held a meeting with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders at the Chief Minister’s residence.

Speaking to a large crowd, Shah alleged that the Lalu-Rabri regime was synonymous with “jungle raj,” marked by lawlessness, murders, abductions, and the infamous fodder scam.

“Lalu Prasad did nothing for Bihar’s rural economy or development. Several sugar mills shut down, and the state suffered under his misrule,” Shah claimed, asserting that people reject the return of such disorder. He predicted a landslide victory for the NDA in the upcoming elections.

The Home Minister contrasted this with the BJP-led NDA’s efforts, claiming that while the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre allocated only ₹2.80 lakh crore to Bihar, the NDA provided ₹9.23 lakh crore, focusing on the state’s overall growth.

RJD leaders hit back fiercely. Shakti Singh Yadav, an RJD leader, accused Shah of hypocrisy, labelling him the “hero of Gujarat’s jungle raj and atank raj.” He pointed to the alleged deterioration in law and order under the BJP-JD(U) government in Bihar over the past two decades, citing rising crime rates.

Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, dismissed Shah’s claims, questioning the tangible benefits of the alleged financial aid. “Big promises are made during elections, but they vanish post-polls. If Modi has given money, specify the sectors and show the work done in 20 years,” he challenged.

RJD MP Misa Bharti defended Lalu Prasad, highlighting his contributions as Railway Minister, including setting up three factories and establishing six universities in Bihar during his and Rabri Devi’s tenure.

The verbal duel escalated as Shah accused RJD supremo Prasad of involvement in multiple scams, including the fodder, bitumen, and flood relief material scams, alleging that those who “ate up fodder” could not prioritize public welfare.

The fodder scam, exposed in the 1990s when Jharkhand was part of Bihar, saw crores fraudulently withdrawn from state treasuries, with Lalu Prasad among those convicted.

In a tragic incident on Sunday, at least one passenger lost their life, and eight others sustained injuries when 11 coaches of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi station in Odisha’s Cuttack district.

The accident occurred around 11:54 AM in the Cuttack-Nergundi Railway Section under the Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway, as per the reports.

Subash Chandra Ray, the Administrative Officer of SCB Medical College and Hospital, confirmed that “one body has been recovered, and three teams of doctors have been engaged to treat the injured passengers”. The identity of the deceased remains unknown.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his concern on the social media platform X, stating, “Deeply concerned about the derailment of Kamakhya Express near Nergundi station in #Cuttack. Grateful that all passengers are safe. Authorities are on-site, ensuring assistance and restoring normalcy at the earliest. Helplines activated for support.”

In response to the crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services were promptly mobilized, and a relief train was dispatched to the site, as per Ashok Kumar Mishra’s statement to India Today.

Railway authorities, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Khurda Road, the General Manager of ECoR, and other senior officials, rushed to the location. An accident relief and medical relief train were also sent to the spot, according to PTI.

Due to the derailment, several train routes have been diverted, and ECoR officials are making alternate arrangements to ensure passengers reach their destinations, after which restoration works will commence, reported by media. The Railways have issued helpline numbers for assistance: 8455885999 and 8991124238.

The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation, and railway authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy on the affected track section, as per the reports.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday that he would “never again” part ways with the BJP, referencing his previous separations as “mistakes.”

This came during an event in Patna, where both leaders announced various projects benefiting both the Centre and the State amid an impending Assembly election season.

As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies with elections just months away, Kumar’s comments reflect a renewed commitment to the ruling coalition.

Shah, who has been instrumental in the BJP’s strategy nationwide, had addressed party workers late Saturday night. He reportedly emphasized that “our victory in Bihar will resonate far and wide,” underscoring the significance of Bihar to the BJP’s broader electoral ambitions.

Shah’s visit, anticipated to conclude with a strategic discussion at Kumar’s residence involving other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, showcased his rapport with the Chief Minister.

During the event held in Patna, Kumar appeared enthusiastic, mentioning the large turnout: “This grand auditorium is filled beyond capacity.”

The gathering also highlighted the robust presence of BJP supporters, as chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filled the hall. Despite the religious undertones, Kumar maintained his commitment to his secular image, stating, “What did the previous government [RJD-Congress alliance] achieve? They secured Muslim votes but failed to prevent communal riots.”

Moreover, Kumar criticized the state of affairs prior to the JD(U)-BJP regime, asserting that Bihar lacked quality healthcare and educational facilities. He reminisced about his ascent to power in November 2005, attributing improved conditions to the JD(U)-BJP partnership.

Kumar’s political journey with the BJP has seen tumultuous shifts; he first parted ways with the party in 2014 but realigned in 2017. After another separation in 2022, he sought to unify regional parties against the BJP under the newly formed INDIA coalition. However, as the Lok Sabha elections approached last year, he made a surprising return to the NDA.

In his address, Kumar attributed his past split decisions to “some individuals within my party” and firmly declared his resolve, stating, “I made a mistake twice, but that will not happen again.” This statement aligns with his aim to solidify the JD(U)’s role within the NDA as the political stakes rise in Bihar.