Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing election rallies in Bhagalpur and Araria on Thursday, launched a sharp attack on the RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar, accusing them of having a “soft corner for infiltrators” and “dislike for Lord Ram and Chhathi Maiya” due to vote bank politics.

PM Modi said that while the NDA government has worked tirelessly under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to transform Bihar, the opposition has remained focused on appeasement. “Bihar saw zero development during the 15 years of jungle raj. No highways, bridges, or higher education institutions were built,” he said, adding that the NDA’s governance has brought expressways, bridges, and four central universities to the state.

The Prime Minister stressed that the biggest challenge before the NDA is the menace of infiltration. “The NDA is committed to driving out every infiltrator from the country, but Congress and RJD protect them and mislead people for votes,” he alleged, indirectly referring to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent political yatra.

PM Modi also took aim at the opposition’s alleged disregard for tradition and faith. “The naamdaar of Congress called devotion to Chhathi Maiya a drama. They don’t even visit Ayodhya to have darshan of Lord Ram,” he said, adding that their refusal to visit shrines of Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and Maharshi Valmiki reflects their “hatred for Dalits and backward classes.”

As the first phase of polling took place in 121 constituencies, Modi praised voters’ enthusiasm, especially women’s strong turnout. “Our mothers and sisters have created a fortress at polling booths to stop the return of jungle raj,” he said.

Reiterating that RJD’s rule was marked by “katta, kroorta, katuta, kushasan, and corruption,” PM Modi accused the alliance of fostering social divisions and cited Congress’s role in the Bhagalpur riots of 1989. “RJD was responsible for caste violence, and Congress for communal riots,” he said.

Taking a swipe at both parties, he claimed the RJD and Congress were run by “the most corrupt families of Bihar and the country.” Modi also alleged internal conflict within the INDI Alliance, saying, “After elections, they’ll fight among themselves. The RJD put a katta at the Congress’s head to name its leader as CM candidate.”

As Bihar heads into a crucial two-phase Assembly election, the high-stakes battle for power has officially begun with voting underway across 121 constituencies in the first phase. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s NDA is aiming to retain power, while the Opposition Grand Alliance led by Tejashwi Yadav eyes an upset fueled by promises of employment and anti-incumbency sentiments.

Nitish Kumar seeks another term amid leadership speculation

The NDA’s campaign, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior party leaders, focused on continuity and governance. However, internal speculation over the leadership question — with reports hinting at the possible replacement of Nitish Kumar — dominated political chatter until the BJP clarified that Kumar remains their face in Bihar.

Tejashwi Yadav banks on job promise

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has built his campaign around an ambitious promise of providing one government job per household, which would amount to around 1.3 crore jobs. The Opposition hopes this will strike a chord with Bihar’s youth battling unemployment and migration.

Congress struggles to stay relevant

The Congress, a junior partner in the Grand Alliance, appeared disjointed in its campaign. Although Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav initially campaigned together, Gandhi’s long absence created confusion, even leading to “friendly contests” between RJD and Congress candidates in over a dozen seats.

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party enters the fray

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is contesting all 243 seats, emerging as an unpredictable element. Kishor has said his party will either secure fewer than 10 or more than 150 seats, depending on voter response to his anti-corruption and governance-driven agenda.

Key issues and first phase dynamics

The election discourse centers on unemployment, corruption, healthcare, education, and migration. The NDA promises one crore jobs and a women-centric empowerment drive. In the 2020 elections, the Grand Alliance won 63 of the 121 seats that are voting today, while the NDA secured 55.

Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to participate actively in the “festival of democracy,” especially first-time voters, reminding them: “First voting, then refreshments.”

As Bihar gears up for the first phase of assembly elections on Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a direct appeal to the state’s young voters, whom he called his “Gen Z brothers and sisters,” urging them to vote responsibly and vigilantly.

“The greatest strength of democracy is an aware citizenry,” Gandhi said in his message on X, calling on first-time voters to come out in large numbers.

Gandhi repeats ‘vote theft’ charge

Reiterating his earlier allegation of “massive vote theft” in Haryana, Gandhi warned that similar attempts could be made in Bihar. “You have seen how massive vote theft was carried out in Haryana… now their eyes are on Bihar, on your vote, on your future,” he said in a video message.

He asked young voters to remain alert at polling booths and ensure transparency in the electoral process. “The future of Bihar is in your hands. Defeat this conspiracy of vote theft and government theft,” he added.

Rijiju accuses Gandhi of misleading youth

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju countered Gandhi’s remarks, accusing him of trying to “mislead and provoke Gen Z” with “fabricated” allegations. He said India’s youth stand “firmly with Prime Minister Modi” and will not fall for “imported narratives.”

“The games he plays in collusion with anti-India forces will never succeed,” Rijiju said.

The Bihar elections have been marked by tensions between the Opposition and the ruling NDA, as well as friction with the Election Commission over a voter roll clean-up drive that the Opposition called an attempt to disenfranchise its supporters. The Commission, however, has denied all such claims.

The second phase of polling will be held on November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.