Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Rebuts Rahul Gandhi, Emphasizes Modi Government's Achievements
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking in Patna on Saturday, delivered a sharp rebuke to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that the people of India would never place their trust in Gandhi or allow the Congress party to regain power. This statement came in direct response to Gandhi's recent assertion that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is terrified and compromised." Rijiju dismissed these comments as mere theatrics designed to capture media attention, emphasizing that such tactics would yield no substantive results.
Critique of Congress Legacy and Praise for Digital Progress
Addressing an audience before the launch of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Rijiju contrasted the historical performance of the Congress with the current administration's accomplishments. "During the sixty years of Congress rule, the nation was significantly weakened to such an extent that it will not be granted another opportunity," he declared. He credited Prime Minister Modi's leadership with propelling India forward on a path of robust development and progress.
Rijiju specifically highlighted Bihar's pioneering role in adopting digital governance tools, noting that the state was the first to implement the NeVA platform in 2021. This initiative aligns with PM Modi's visionary "One Nation, One Application" framework, aimed at streamlining legislative processes and enhancing transparency across the country.
Addressing Parliamentary Disruptions and Budgetary Allocations
Later, during a press conference, Rijiju addressed recent turmoil in Parliament, accusing opposition members of creating chaos. He recounted an incident where 40 to 50 opposition MPs allegedly stormed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's chamber and engaged in disrespectful behavior prior to the Prime Minister's scheduled address. "I was present inside the Speaker's chamber during this exchange, and it was consequently decided that it would be prudent for the PM not to proceed to the Lok Sabha. He later provided a comprehensive address in the Rajya Sabha," Rijiju explained.
Shifting focus to the Union Budget for 2026-27, Rijiju outlined several key schemes and allocations aimed at fostering development, particularly in northeastern states and Bihar. "Prime Minister Modi has spared no effort in addressing the needs of Bihar. The future of northeast India is intrinsically linked to Bihar's progress," he asserted. The Budget places a strong emphasis on:
- Rural employment generation
- Women's empowerment initiatives
- Comprehensive infrastructure development
Rijiju revealed that a substantial sum of approximately Rs 12.50 lakh crore has been earmarked for infrastructure projects. He detailed specific benefits for Bihar, including:
- Development of corridor express highways
- Expansion of railway corridors
- Promotion of tourism circuits such as the Buddha Circuit
"This Budget also aims to transform smaller cities into engines of growth, with the highest concentration of such cities located in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," he added.
Response to Demands for Special Package and Concluding Remarks
When questioned about demands for a special package for Bihar, Rijiju responded pointedly, "When comprehensive provisions are already being made, what necessity remains for a separate package? Bihar has nearly achieved completion in terms of infrastructure. Our current focus is squarely on employment generation for the youth."
The event concluded with Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi felicitating Minister Rijiju. Also in attendance were BJP national co-media incharge and MLC Sanjay Mayukh, along with state media incharge Danish Eqbal, underscoring the political significance of the gathering.
