In a sharp political attack, former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Raghubar Das has blamed the RJD-Congress alliance for plunging Bihar into an age of "nepotism, crime and corruption" during their lengthy tenure. He made these remarks while addressing an election gathering in Bhagalpur to drum up support for the NDA candidates.
The Era of 'Jungle Raj' in Bihar
Das specifically targeted the period between 1990 and 2005, when Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi governed the state. He described this fifteen-year span as a "jungle raj" characterized by widespread lawlessness. He claimed this dark chapter in Bihar's history was defined by a sharp rise in murders, kidnappings, and general criminal chaos that made life difficult for ordinary citizens.
According to the senior BJP leader, it was only after a prolonged struggle that the people of Bihar managed to oust these "demonic forces" in the 2005 assembly elections. This pivotal moment, he stated, marked the end of the oppressive regime and the beginning of a new dawn for the state.
The Dawn of 'Sushashan' and Development
Das credited the current Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, with ushering in an era of "sushashan" or good governance. He praised the NDA government for its focus on transformative development work and significant strides in women empowerment. The former CM highlighted the construction of excellent roads and bridges across Bihar as a visible sign of this progress.
He also commended the administration for effectively controlling crime, in part through the establishment of fast-track courts, and for reinstating the "rule of law" in the state. Das lauded various government schemes aimed at generating youth employment and empowering women, noting that these initiatives have also benefited OBCs, EBCs, and other communities, thereby fostering an environment of social harmony.
Confidence in a 'Double-Engine' Victory
Expressing strong confidence in the ruling alliance, Das stated that the "double-engine government" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar would be voted back to power with a clear majority. He believes that the "intelligent voters" of Bihar recognize and support the NDA's development-focused agenda.
Pointing to the recent electoral process, Das claimed that the NDA had performed very strongly in the first phase of polling held on November 6. He projected that the alliance is on track to win more than 80 seats, a result he attributes to public satisfaction with the leadership of PM Modi and the development work carried out under CM Nitish Kumar.
