'They're teaching kids to become gangsters': Modi's jibe at Mahagathbandhan
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has slammed the opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, accusing them of promoting a "jungle raj" that threatens investments and jobs. Addressing a rally in Aurangabad, he said the people of Bihar don't want a "katta sarkar," or government of guns. He accused the opposition parties of teaching children to become "rangdar" (gangsters) and warned that crime and extortion would return if they came to power.
Modi
'You have to stay alert'
"They are already talking about turning children into 'rangdar' (gangsters). They are openly declaring that if their leader's government comes to power, there will be 'katta' (guns), 'donali' (double-barrel rifles), 'firauti' (extortion), and 'rangdari' (ransom)," Modi said. "The people of Jungle Raj have everything which is harmful for investments and jobs...You have to stay alert of them. Bihar doesn't need a 'Katta' and a bad governance... NDA will make Bihar developed. Bihar has faith in NDA's honest manifesto," he added.
Election update
Record turnout in 1st phase
He also claimed that the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls on Thursday was proof that people have reposed their trust in the "track record of Narendra and Nitish." "Never before in Bihar's history has the turnout been so high. Much of the credit goes to mothers and sisters who came out in large numbers, raising the turnout to nearly 65%. It is evident that they trust the track record of Narendra-Nitish," said.
Achievements showcased
Promises will be kept: Modi
Furthermore, the PM reaffirmed his adherence to pledges made, citing the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the repeal of Article 370, and Operation Sindoor as examples. "Today a Ram temple is in place at Ayodhya, which has undone 500 years of injustice. Article 370 has been scrapped. And, I had promised on Bihar's soil that perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack will be punished. You all know what happened in Operation Sindoor," he said.
Prince jibe
Land for jobs scam
Speaking in a region noted for its huge number of soldiers, Modi highlighted the one-rank-one-pension scheme, claiming that ₹1 lakh crore had been transferred to ex-servicemen. "The RJD people might not even know how many zeros are in one lakh crore," he joked. Drawing a comparison between their purported accomplishments and those of the opposition, he said, "They promised jobs but made people give up their land." He was referring to the land-for-jobs scam involving Lalu Prasad and his family.