Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a massive rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, emphasizing the achievements of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Prime Minister highlighted the eradication of corruption in the state and contrasted the current progress with the situation under the previous RJD rule.
During the rally, which took place after releasing the 19th installment of Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and the NDA government’s efforts to address them. “Earlier, farmers were surrounded by problems regarding all these aspects. Those accused of usurping fodder meant for cattle will never understand the plight of farmers. The NDA government has changed these conditions,” PM Modi said.
He also mentioned the Budget announcement of setting up a Makhana Board in Bihar. “This Makhana Board will assist farmers in several facets such as Makhana production, processing, value addition as well as marketing.”
The Prime Minister took exception to the politics surrounding the Maha Kumbh and accused opposition leaders of maligning the religious congregation in a manner similar to their criticism of the Ram Mandir. “Those leaders and parties who have never respected our culture and heritage, those who hated Ram Mandir, are now maligning the Maha Kumbh where more people than Europe’s entire population have already taken a holy dip,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks were a response to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, who had referred to the Maha Kumbh as “meaningless.” Lalu had commented, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh (Is there any meaning to Kumbh? It is just meaningless).”
The Prime Minister’s attack on the opposition comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar later this year. Several BJP and NDA leaders have termed the rally as the start of the NDA’s poll campaign in the state, with top leaders, including CM Nitish Kumar, in attendance.
PM Modi also highlighted the significant increase in India’s agricultural exports in recent years due to the government’s efforts. “Due to this, farmers have started getting higher prices for their produce. There are many agricultural products whose export has started for the first time. Now it is the turn of Makhana from Bihar. This is a superfood, which now has to be delivered to the world markets,” he said.
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