Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the strategic importance of Bihar’s development for the progress of Eastern India, asserting that transforming Bihar into a “developed state” is essential for the nation’s holistic advancement.
Addressing a large public gathering in Motihari, PM Modi said, “To advance eastern India, we must transform Bihar into a developed Bihar.” He added that Bihar’s youth and infrastructure would be central to India’s growth trajectory in the 21st century.
The Prime Minister also launched and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth over ₹7,000 crore, spanning railways, roads, infrastructure, and rural development.
Targeting the opposition, PM Modi accused the previous Congress-RJD regime of neglecting Bihar during the UPA rule.
“Bihar was given just ₹2 lakh crore in 10 years during UPA. That was political revenge against Nitish Ji’s government,” Modi said.
He contrasted this with the NDA’s record, claiming the central government has sent significantly more funds over the last ten years for Bihar’s development.
Drawing historical parallels, Modi invoked Bihar’s Champaran movement as a symbol of transformation: “This land guided Gandhi ji during the freedom movement. Now, from this land, a new future for Bihar will be created.”
PM Modi articulated a development blueprint that envisions Eastern India rivaling Western India’s economic hubs:
- “Just as Mumbai leads the west, Motihari should shine in the east.”
- “Opportunities in Gaya like those in Gurugram.”
- “Industrial growth in Patna like Pune.”
- “Tourism records in Jalpaiguri and Jajpur like Jaipur.”
- “Progress for Birbhum like Bengaluru.”
He emphasized that this ambition is possible only through double-engine governance, with both state and central governments working in tandem.
PM Modi accused the INDIA bloc—led by Congress and RJD—of “stalling development” during their tenure.
“Two decades ago, Bihar was drowning in despair. The money meant for the poor never reached them. Leaders only thought about how to loot that money,” he said.
The rally comes months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, expected in October or November 2025. The NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), is seeking to retain power, while the opposition INDIA bloc—comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties—aims to unseat CM Nitish Kumar.
With infrastructure, youth employment, and development dominating the poll narrative, Modi’s Motihari address is being viewed as a strategic pitch to secure Eastern India’s electoral mandate.
