The North News
(Siwan) Bihar, June 20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday, accusing the party of insulting Dr B.R. Ambedkar during a recent birthday celebration for former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Without naming Lalu directly, Modi referred to an incident where a portrait of Ambedkar was allegedly placed near Yadav’s feet—an act that has drawn criticism from the BJP-led NDA. “Ambedkar opposed dynasty rule. But they dislike that, so they place his portrait at their feet,” the Prime Minister said at a public rally in Siwan of Bihar. He said posters demanding an apology were visible along his route to the venue. The comment comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, with BJP positioning itself strongly against the RJD ahead of upcoming elections.
After unveiling development projects worth more than ₹5,200 crore, he offered tributes to spiritual figures and national icons such as Dr Rajendra Prasad and Jayaprakash Narayan, calling Siwan a “land of inspiration” in India’s freedom struggle.
Modi praised Bihar’s historical contribution to democracy and the Constitution, while also highlighting the role of social reformers such as Braj Kishore Prasad. He credited both the Union and state governments for advancing the mission of these leaders, stating that the newly announced projects would benefit regions including Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah, and Arrah.
The Prime Minister said these initiatives would especially improve the lives of marginalised groups including Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities. Fresh from a foreign tour, Modi told the crowd that India is being recognised globally for its economic rise, and Bihar would play a pivotal role in the country’s emergence as a major global power.
Modi also credited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for development in the state, citing the construction of 55,000 km of rural roads and the provision of electricity and water connections to over 1.5 crore homes. He also noted the establishment of more than 45,000 Common Service Centres and a rise in startups across smaller towns in Bihar. However, the Prime Minister warned of a return to what he called “the era of lawlessness” under previous governments. He accused unnamed political elements of trying to regain control of state resources and reverse progress.
The Prime Minister said that more than four crore people in Bihar have moved out of poverty in the past decade, contributing to the national figure of 25 crore lifted out of poverty. He cited praise from the World Bank and attributed the progress to policies implemented over the last 10–11 years. Calling on the people of Bihar to remain alert, Modi said, “Those who once damaged Bihar’s pride are preparing to return. But Bihar deserves a future, not a relapse.”
