Modi makes Bihar pitch with focus on farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of ushering in "jungle rule" in Bihar and praised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and chief minister Nitish Kumar for effecting a turnaround, virtually sounding the poll bugle for assembly elections scheduled later this year.

- Arun Kumar

Modi was speaking after releasing around ₹22,000 crore into accounts of around 98 million farmers across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) from Bhagalpur as the 19th instalment under the PM-KISAN scheme.

But apart from disbursing money to farmers and underlining his government's agricultural achievements, his speechand his joint rally with Kumar clearly kicked off the political campaign for the high-stakes assembly polls, likely to be held in October-November.

In his 40-minute speech, Modi did not mention the RJD or its chief Lalu Prasad by name, but said the "jungle raj waale" nursed "hatred" for "our heritage and faith".

"The RJD brought disrepute to the state and pushed it into abject lawlessness and backwardness and it was left to the NDA government under Nitish Kumar to make a turnaround.

Those who could not even spare the folder meant for cattle could not be expected to do any good to Bihar. They have no respect for cultural legacy and faith," he said.

Highlighting the government's agricultural initiatives, the PM said India's agricultural exports have increased significantly in recent years due to government efforts." "With this, the farmers have been receiving higher prices for their produce. Many farmer products are being exported for the first time. It is now time for Bihar's fox nuts, makhana," he said.

"Makhana has become a staple of breakfast in cities. It has become a staple part of breakfast in cities across the country.

Speaking personally, I cat makhana at least 300 out of 365 days a year. It is a superfood that we must now take to global markets," he added.

Modi said that the development of the eastern part of the country was a prerequisite for a developed India, and Bihar had to play a key role in it.