In his address, the Prime Minister referenced Bihar’s well-documented struggles with crime and corruption, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s when the RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, was in power.
“When they [RJD-Congress] ruled, Bihar lived in fear. Today, the people see a government that delivers development, not darkness,” said Modi, invoking terms like ‘Mafia Raj’ to highlight alleged criminal-political nexus under previous administrations.
Modi also lauded the BJP-led government for improvements in law and order, infrastructure, and the rollout of central welfare schemes. “Under the NDA, women can walk safely, investments have increased, and opportunities are growing,” he asserted.
RJD and Congress Respond: ‘Desperate Electioneering’
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav wasted no time in countering Modi’s remarks, calling them “diversionary tactics” to distract from issues like unemployment and price rise.
“People of Bihar will not be misled by rhetoric. The youth need jobs, farmers need better prices—this is what the government should focus on, rather than attacking the opposition,” said Yadav in a press statement.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala echoed these sentiments, alleging the BJP was “weaponizing fear” to avoid discussing its own unfulfilled promises. “Instead of making baseless allegations, the PM should talk about how his government plans to tackle inflation and declining rural wages,” Surjewala said.
Bihar’s Political Past: Crime, Decline, and Hope
Bihar is no stranger to debates over law and order. The state’s struggles with ‘jungle raj’—a term embraced by critics to describe periods of perceived misrule and lawlessness—have been a recurring theme in successive elections.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Bihar’s crime rate showed moderate decline in the last decade but remains a critical concern among voters. Political analysts note that narratives around ‘Mafia Raj’ have long shaped public perception.
“Bihar’s identity in the national imagination is still shadowed by stories of criminal dominance from decades ago. Politicians use this narrative because it resonates with people’s experiences and insecurities,” explained Dr. Manish Kumar, a political scientist at Patna University.
Development vs. Rhetoric: Election Themes Take Shape
Besides law and order, other issues loomed large at Modi’s rally. He cited major central projects, from new highways to improved rural electrification, as evidence of progress under NDA governments. He contrasted these achievements with what he described as the “paralysis” of past administrations.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders stress the need for job creation, improvements in health and education, and more investment in agriculture.
“Talk of ‘Mafia Raj’ is meaningless unless it is matched with real progress on the ground,” said Professor Kumar.
What’s at Stake in Bihar
With its 40 Lok Sabha seats, Bihar is a key battleground in the upcoming national elections. The BJP and its NDA allies face a resurgent opposition, with the RJD-Congress combine banking on dissatisfaction over jobs and rising prices.
Analysts expect law and order, along with development promises, to dominate the campaign narrative.
