PM Modi Accuses Congress-RJD of ‘Revenge Politics’ Against Bihar at Motihari Rally

Motihari, Bihar, July 18, 2025 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alliance during a public rally in Motihari, East Champaran district, accusing them of engaging in “revenge politics” that stifled Bihar’s development during their tenure. Addressing a large gathering ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Modi positioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as the catalyst for the state’s progress, while unveiling development projects worth over ₹7,200 crore (approximately $860 million).

In a speech laced with sharp critiques, Modi alleged that the Congress-RJD coalition deliberately underfunded Bihar during their 10-year rule under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, from 2004 to 2014. “When the RJD and Congress were in power, Bihar was given just ₹2 lakh crore in 10 years. It was as though they were punishing Nitish ji’s government and the people of Bihar,” Modi said, referring to Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key NDA ally. He contrasted this with the NDA’s tenure, claiming that funding for Bihar’s development had increased “multiple times” over the past decade under his government.

The Prime Minister highlighted the NDA’s developmental achievements, including the construction of nearly seven lakh homes in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with 12,000 families receiving keys to their new homes on the day of the rally. He emphasized that over three lakh permanent houses had been built in Motihari alone, surpassing the populations of countries like Norway and New Zealand. Additionally, Modi underscored financial empowerment initiatives, noting that over 3.5 crore women in Bihar now have bank accounts under the Jan Dhan scheme, enabling direct access to government benefits.

Modi also took aim at the RJD’s alleged involvement in the land-for-jobs scam, accusing the party of “usurping the land of the poor” in exchange for employment during its rule. “The RJD can’t think of providing employment to youths; they took land from the poor before giving them jobs,” he said, referencing the controversy that has implicated RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. The Prime Minister further criticized the Congress-RJD alliance for exploiting marginalized communities—Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes—for political gain without delivering meaningful progress.

Invoking the historical significance of Champaran, where Mahatma Gandhi launched his first satyagraha in India, Modi declared, “This is the land of Champaran, which gave a new direction to Mahatma Gandhi. Now, the inspiration from this land will shape Bihar’s new future.” He outlined an ambitious vision to transform Motihari into a development hub akin to Mumbai and to foster industrial growth in cities like Patna and Gaya, comparing them to Pune and Gurugram.

The rally, attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and other dignitaries, marked Modi’s sixth visit to Bihar in 2025 and his 53rd since 2014. During the event, he flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains and inaugurated infrastructure projects, including railway line doublings and road connectivity initiatives worth over ₹4,900 crore, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Modi also announced a new central employment scheme, set to launch on August 1, offering a ₹15,000 incentive to first-time private-sector job seekers, with a ₹1 lakh crore investment to generate employment nationwide. “Our resolve is a prosperous Bihar, employment for every youth,” he said, emphasizing the NDA’s commitment to job creation.

The Prime Minister coined a new campaign slogan, “Banayenge naya Bihar, phir ek baar NDA sarkar” (We will build a new Bihar, once again an NDA government), which resonated with the crowd, energizing BJP and Janata Dal (United) workers ahead of the polls. He urged voters to safeguard Bihar from the “malicious intentions” of the Congress-RJD alliance, accusing them of dynastic politics and disrespecting marginalized communities.

The rally drew sharp reactions from the opposition. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed Modi’s visit as an attempt to “cheat Bihar” and accused him of sidestepping critical issues like unemployment and migration. However, Modi’s focus on development and his critique of the opposition’s past governance underscored the NDA’s strategy to consolidate support in Bihar, a state critical to India’s political landscape.

As the Assembly elections approach, Modi’s Motihari rally signals an intensifying campaign, with the NDA banking on its development record to counter the opposition’s narrative. The projects inaugurated and the promises made reflect a broader push to position Bihar as a cornerstone of India’s eastern development, aligning with Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).