Amit Shah Warns Against ‘Jungle Raj’ in Bihar Election Campaign

Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a strong message during a campaign rally in Arwal on November 9, 2023, the final day of campaigning for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly election. Shah accused the previous Lalu-Rabri government of leading Bihar into a “jungle raj,” a term he used to describe a period of lawlessness in the state.

Shah pointed to a history of Naxal violence in Bihar, particularly from 1990 to 2005, asserting that the current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has successfully ended this turmoil. He emphasized that Arwal, previously part of Jehanabad district, had been the site of numerous violent incidents during that troubled era.

In his address, Shah specifically targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, suggesting that Gandhi’s recent yatra was an attempt to protect “infiltrators.” He claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was committed to identifying and removing all infiltrators from Bihar and across the country. He further accused the opposition of treating these individuals as a vote bank, contrasting this with the NDA’s support from the youth and local women known as “Lakhpati Didis.”

Shah also criticized the Congress party for its historical relationship with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating that it only invoked his name for electoral gain. He highlighted the Modi government’s initiatives to commemorate November 26 as Constitution Day and April 14 as National Harmony Day, reinforcing the current administration’s commitment to social justice.

Reflecting on the first phase of polling, Shah asserted, “Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and Rahul Gandhi’s Congress have already been wiped out from this election.” He urged voters in the Magadh region to prevent any return to the RJD’s governance, warning that even a minor misstep could lead to the revival of the “jungle raj.”

During his speech, Shah shared details of financial assistance provided under the Modi-Nitish government, claiming that 1.41 crore women linked to the state’s self-help groups received Rs 10,000 each. He promised that if the NDA retained power, an additional Rs 2 lakh would be deposited into their accounts over the next two and a half years.

He also outlined various development projects initiated by the NDA, including the revival of the Barauni fertiliser plant and the Riga sugar mill, as well as the establishment of two IT parks. Additionally, he detailed plans for constructing a textile park and the introduction of 25 new sugar mills in Bihar.

Addressing potential opposition from the CPI(ML) and Left parties, Shah warned that their return to power would threaten industrial growth in the region. He likened the unity of the NDA’s five partners to the legendary five Pandavas, suggesting that the opposition coalition, or Mahagathbandhan, was struggling with internal conflicts.

As the election approaches, Shah’s rally reflects the high stakes involved, with the NDA seeking to solidify its position in Bihar amid a contentious political landscape.