The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) launched a strong counterattack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and opposition chief ministerial face Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Monday, accusing them of having already accepted defeat even before the second phase of Bihar assembly elections scheduled for Tuesday.
Defending Democratic Institutions
Former Union minister and Patna Sahib MP Ravi Shankar Prasad led the NDA's response to allegations made by Congress and RJD against the Election Commission. Prasad asserted that the opposition routinely questions democratic institutions whenever outcomes don't favor them. "It is their habit to attack vital organs of democracy," he stated, countering claims that the EC had become a "tool of the BJP."
Prasad posed pointed questions to the opposition leaders: "How did they win in Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh? How did Rahul Gandhi win in Uttar Pradesh?" His remarks came as direct response to Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's criticism of the election body.
Industrial Development Debate Intensifies
Responding to Tejashwi Yadav's question about why industries were being established in BJP-ruled states instead of Bihar, Prasad offered a detailed rebuttal. He suggested that Tejashwi had "fallen prey to the same condition" as Rahul Gandhi of not doing proper homework.
The senior BJP leader highlighted several industrial achievements in Bihar: Seventeen ethanol projects have been initiated, while textile and readymade garment factories have emerged in Bettiah, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai and Hajipur. Additionally, biscuit and food processing units have been established in Hajipur and Bihta.
Prasad emphasized that Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore have been signed for investments in Bihar. "We are winning even after 20 years of remaining in power because of people's trust in the NDA," he confidently stated.
JD(U) Leaders Rally Behind Nitish Kumar
Senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary highlighted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's unique political standing. He noted that despite two decades of continuous rule, no significant voice has been raised against Kumar. "This is an incredible achievement," Choudhary declared.
Choudhary argued that Nitish Kumar's popularity has actually increased over his tenure, making him more popular today than in 2010. "No matter what the opposition may say in its discordant voice, the public has trust in Nitish Kumar," he affirmed.
The JD(U) leader also addressed specific opposition campaign tactics, describing them as based on "false and baseless" assertions. He mentioned rumors about withdrawing Rs 10,000 benefits given to Jeevika Didis and questions about the special intensive revision of electoral rolls meant to appease minorities.
Security and Campaign Ethics Discussed
On Tejashwi's allegation about security forces being deployed only from BJP-ruled states, JD(U) leader and minister Ashok Choudhary provided clarification. "The EC calls in reinforcements from places where there is a surplus and no tension," he explained.
Ashok Choudhary also countered Tejashwi's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigning alongside strongmen. He questioned the opposition's moral standing by asking, "Who is Ritlal Yadav? Is he the Shankaracharya? RJD chief Lalu Prasad campaigned for him."
Referring to a controversial incident, Choudhary added: "A criminal was murdered in Siwan, and you went there in a helicopter. What message were you trying to convey?"
Historical Context and Public Mood
LJP (RV) Bihar incharge and Jamui MP Arun Bharti challenged the Congress's narrative about Bihar's backwardness. He urged the party to examine its own historical record, noting that Bihar once contributed about 25% to India's GDP post-independence.
Bharti highlighted that the state previously supplied approximately 40% of sugar and 60% of coal to the nation, while Patna University ranked among top universities. "Who snatched this advantage of Bihar?" he questioned pointedly.
RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha expressed confidence about the NDA's prospects, stating that the public mood clearly favors the ruling alliance. He used a Hindi phrase to summarize the opposition's predicament: "Kyon pade ho chakkar mein, nahin hai koi takkar mein (why are you so confused? No one is in competition)."
Kushwaha concluded that the political atmosphere remains completely in the NDA's favor as Bihar approaches the crucial second phase of voting.
