PM Modi, Kharge, Priyanka, Tejashwi and Lalu Lead Final Push
Our Correspondent, Patna
With just a day left before campaigning ends for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, political activity across the state has reached a fever pitch. The final push saw top national and regional leaders from both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan crisscrossing constituencies to woo voters ahead of polling.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the NDA’s campaign blitz, addressing massive public rallies in Saharsa and Katihar. He launched a fierce attack on the opposition alliance, calling it an “unnatural coalition” of conflicting ideologies. The Prime Minister alleged that the Congress would never allow Tejashwi Yadav to assume the chief minister’s post and said that the RJD’s record of corruption still haunts Bihar. “The people of the state have not forgotten the days of lawlessness and scams,” he said, adding that the NDA represents “development, stability, and self-reliance.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing rallies in Sheohar and Sitamarhi, focused on the government’s efforts to address Bihar’s recurring flood crisis. He said the Kosi–Mechi project, launched by the central government, will provide irrigation to thousands of farmers and boost agricultural productivity. Shah also highlighted the Modi government’s welfare schemes, including free housing, healthcare, and subsidized food for the poor.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, another prominent NDA campaigner, targeted the RJD and Congress over their “failed governance model.” He accused them of turning Bihar into a “crime-prone state” during their tenure and asserted that only the BJP-led NDA could ensure a safe and prosperous Bihar.
On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan countered with a spirited campaign led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Addressing a rally in Rajapakar (Vaishali district), Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the NDA’s employment record, asking, “What happened to the promises of jobs made by the Prime Minister and Chief Minister? The youth of Bihar deserve answers after 11 and 20 years of their rule.”
Priyanka Gandhi, speaking in Saharsa, accused the NDA of “attempting to weaken the Constitution and the democratic structure of the country.” She appealed to voters to defend constitutional values and support the Mahagathbandhan’s vision for inclusive growth.
In Fatuha (Patna district), Tejashwi Prasad Yadav made a major promise — that if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, one member of every family in Bihar will get a government job. He said his alliance represents “a new generation’s dream for employment, education, and equality.”
Adding further momentum, Lalu Prasad Yadav held a roadshow in Patna, drawing large crowds and energizing party workers. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also joined the campaign trail, expressing solidarity with the Mahagathbandhan and emphasizing the need for “a change that brings justice and opportunities for the poor and backward.”
With campaigning for the first phase ending tomorrow evening, all parties are making their final appeals to voters. The first phase of polling, covering 94 Assembly constituencies across 12 districts, will set the tone for the remaining rounds. Voter turnout, local issues, and caste alignments are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.