Bihar Polls: PM Modi's Roadshow Amid Political Tensions and Election Violence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Patna during Bihar elections, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar notably absent. Modi praised NDA’s farmer benefits and criticized opposition leadership, while Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of being influenced by industrialists. A controversy arose over a murder in Mokama involving JD(U) candidate Anant Singh, sparking law and order debates. The Election Commission assured peaceful polls with strict measures.
During the Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Patna amidst the absence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, fueling speculation of political sidelining by the NDA. Modi focused on the NDA’s promises to farmers, including an annual Rs 3,000 addition under ‘Kapurgari Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi,’ and criticized past governments for neglecting small farmers. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi, accusing him of being controlled by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. The election campaign also highlighted violence concerns, with the arrest of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh related to the murder of Dularchand Yadav in Mokama. Bihar DGP clarified the death was due to cardiac and respiratory failure, not gunshot. The Election Commission of India (ECI) condemned violence, ordered transfers of key officials in Mokama, and vowed peaceful, transparent polls. Political rivals exchanged sharp accusations over law and order, with BJP and NDA leaders blaming opposition misgovernance, while RJD and allies decried ‘gundaraj’ (rule of criminals). Bihar’s elections are scheduled in two phases (November 6 and 11), with vote counting on November 14, underscoring a tense and high-stakes political atmosphere.
