As Bihar’s high‑stakes assembly race intensifies ahead of polls later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unleashed a blistering attack on RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav and his INDIA‑bloc allies, accusing them of insulting Dr B. R. Ambedkar and betraying the trust of Dalits and backward communities.
PM Modi’s remarks in Bihar come amid a growing controversy over a viral video that purportedly shows RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav placing an image of Dr. Ambedkar near a chair before resting his leg on it.
Without naming Lalu directly, Modi invoked the incident to question the Opposition’s commitment to social justice. “Leaders of the RJD and Congress keep photographs of the architect of our Constitution near their feet. I keep his photograph close to my heart,” he said. He added, “The RJD will never apologise for what happened, because they have no respect for Dalits and backward communities.”
Stepping up his offensive against the INDIA bloc, PM Modi invoked the election symbols of Congress and RJD—the “panja” (hand) and “lantern”—to accuse them of dynastic politics that, he claimed, has repeatedly betrayed Dalits and backward communities.
“Everyone deserves a fair chance to move forward. That’s what our Constitution stands for. We believe in sabka saath, sabka vikas. But for the ‘lantern’ and ‘panja’ gang, it’s parivar ka saath, parivar ka vikas,” Modi said, taking a direct swipe at RJD and Congress. “These parties are willing to sacrifice the future of crores of families in Bihar just to protect the interests of their own.”
“Leaders of RJD and Congress keep Babasaheb’s photo near their feet. I keep it close to my heart,” he said, referring to the viral video of Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly placing Ambedkar’s portrait near a chair and resting his foot beside it. “RJD won’t apologise because they simply don’t respect Dalits and backwards.”
PM Modi also accused the Opposition of acting as an obstruction to Bihar’s growth. “Whenever RJD and Congress talk about development, people see shuttered shops, closed factories, and broken roads. These parties gave Bihar mafia raj, gunda raj, and corruption. They chased away investment and kept the youth jobless.”
The Ambedkar video has turned into a major flashpoint just months before Bihar goes to the polls. Modi’s remarks come shortly after the National Commission for Scheduled Castes demanded a detailed report from the Bihar Chief Secretary, seeking clarity on the FIR, arrests, and legal action taken. The pressure is now squarely on the Yadav family, with the controversy threatening to upend the Opposition’s poll strategy.
With Bihar gearing up for Assembly elections, the BJP-led NDA is preparing to nominate a significant majority of its candidates from OBCs, EBCs, SCs, and Mahadalit communities.
This strategy follows an extensive analysis of all 243 constituencies in the state, aimed at strengthening and expanding the NDA’s voter base. The approach is part of the alliance’s broader plan to counter the INDIA bloc and tap into Bihar’s deeply rooted caste dynamics.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various infrastructure and development projects worth ₹5,700 crore. This is his second visit in less than a month, and his fifth visit to Bihar since January, underscoring the Centre’s strong commitment to accelerating growth in the poll-bound state. As Bihar prepares for Assembly elections scheduled for October–November, the Prime Minister’s consistent engagement reflects his deep focus on the state’s progress. These visits energise the development narrative and instil confidence among voters that real change is happening on the ground.
Urban Growth and Better Living Standards
PM Modi’s visit includes the launch of multiple urban infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily life for citizens across Bihar. These include:
- Bettiah power supply project worth ₹69 crore
- Chhapra water supply project worth ₹19 crore
- Buxar water supply project worth ₹156 crore
- Motihari sewerage management project worth ₹400 crore
- Buxar sewerage management project worth ₹256 crore
These projects are set to significantly improve civic amenities, ensure cleaner towns, and reduce health and environmental risks, all in alignment with the Centre’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Smart Cities’ missions.
Housing for All: Delivering on the PMAY Promise
The Prime Minister released the first instalment of assistance to over 53,500 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U). Additionally, keys will be handed over to 6,600 new homeowners as part of their Grih Pravesh (housewarming), offering dignity and security to thousands of families.
