Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during his rally in Gaya, Bihar, on August 22, 2025, accusing the party of plunging the state into “darkness” during its rule. Referring to the RJD’s election symbol—a lantern—Modi said Bihar was trapped in an era of “red terror, corruption, and mass migration” under the previous regime, and that the NDA government has since worked to restore dignity, infrastructure, and opportunity to the people of Bihar.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹13,000 crore across sectors including energy, roads, healthcare, housing, and urban development. The rally, attended by thousands, marked a significant moment in the BJP-led NDA’s campaign ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
🧭 PM Modi’s Key Remarks in Gaya
| Theme | Statement Summary |
|---|---|
| RJD’s Governance | “Bihar was engulfed in darkness during the lantern raj… no jobs, no education.” |
| Congress’s Role | “Congress hated the people of Bihar… treated them as second-class citizens.” |
| NDA’s Development Push | “We’ve built roads, homes, hospitals… Bihar is now on the path of progress.” |
| Youth and Migration | “We want Bihar’s youth to find jobs here, not migrate to other states.” |
| Anti-Corruption Law | “No one should be above the law—not even a CM or PM in jail.” |
Modi also invoked historical pride, calling Bihar the land of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya, and said that every resolve made on its soil strengthens the nation.
📊 Development Projects Inaugurated in Bihar
| Project Name | Sector | Estimated Cost (₹ crore) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660 MW) | Energy | 6,880 | Buxar |
| Aunta-Simaria Bridge on NH-31 | Infrastructure | 1,870 | Mokama–Begusarai |
| Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama NH-31 Section | Road Connectivity | 1,900 | Patna District |
| Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital | Healthcare | 520 | Muzaffarpur |
| Sewerage Projects (Namami Gange) | Urban Development | 520+ | Munger, Jehanabad |
| Water Supply Projects (AMRUT 2.0) | Urban Development | Not disclosed | Aurangabad, Bodhgaya |
| Amrit Bharat Express (Gaya–Delhi) | Railways | Operational | Gaya |
| Buddhist Circuit Train (Vaishali–Koderma) | Tourism | Operational | Vaishali |
| PMAY Grih Pravesh Ceremony | Housing | 16,260 homes | Multiple districts |
The Prime Minister symbolically handed over keys to beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin and PMAY-Urban, calling the pucca homes “symbols of dignity” for poor families.
🔍 Modi’s Critique of RJD and Congress
Modi’s speech was sharply political, targeting both the RJD and Congress for what he described as decades of misrule and neglect. He accused the RJD of treating Bihar’s citizens as mere vote banks and failing to provide basic services.
| Party Criticized | Allegation Made by PM Modi |
|---|---|
| RJD | “Pushed Bihar into darkness… no education, no employment.” |
| Congress | “Hated the people of Bihar… denied them dignity and opportunity.” |
| RJD + Congress | “Together looted Bihar… now want to repeat their old deeds.” |
He also referenced the Pahalgam terror attack, saying he had vowed from Bihar to reduce terrorists to dust—a promise he claimed was fulfilled.
🧠 Anti-Corruption Law and Political Accountability
Modi took aim at leaders who continue to hold office while under arrest, referencing recent controversies involving opposition figures. He proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent ministers and chief ministers from functioning while imprisoned.
| Governance Reform Proposed | Rationale by PM Modi |
|---|---|
| 130th Constitution Amendment | “No CM or PM should govern from jail… law must apply equally.” |
| Anti-Graft Law | “Even the Prime Minister is under its purview.” |
He criticized RJD and Congress leaders for opposing the law, suggesting they fear losing power if convicted.
📉 Migration and Employment: Modi’s Vision for Bihar
One of the central themes of Modi’s address was reversing Bihar’s long-standing trend of youth migration. He emphasized job creation, industrial development, and skill-building as key priorities.
| Issue Area | NDA’s Proposed Solution |
|---|---|
| Migration | Local job creation through industrial projects |
| Youth Employment | Skill development and entrepreneurship support |
| Infrastructure | Roads, railways, and power to attract investment |
| Education | Upgraded schools and vocational training centers |
Modi said the NDA government is working to ensure that future generations of Biharis can stay, work, and thrive in their home state.
🧠 Cultural and Historical References
Modi’s speech also invoked Bihar’s rich cultural legacy, positioning the state as a spiritual and intellectual beacon.
| Reference Made | Context in Speech |
|---|---|
| Chanakya & Chandragupta | “Bihar has always been the backbone of India.” |
| Gaya Ji | “Land of enlightenment… deserves respect and development.” |
| Diwali & Chhath Puja | “New homes will make this year’s celebrations brighter.” |
He congratulated the Bihar government for honoring local sentiments by referring to the city as “Gaya Ji.”
📌 Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Gaya was a potent blend of political messaging, developmental announcements, and cultural pride. By contrasting the “darkness” of the RJD’s “lantern raj” with the NDA’s infrastructure and welfare push, Modi sought to position his government as the architect of Bihar’s transformation.
With ₹13,000 crore worth of projects launched and a renewed focus on employment, housing, and healthcare, the visit marks a significant moment in the BJP’s campaign narrative ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Whether the rhetoric resonates with voters will be revealed in the months to come—but for now, Modi has made his pitch loud and clear.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
