Barbs fly thick and fast as Ph-1 campaign nears end

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Grand Alliance clashed in poll-bound Bihar on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing his opponents of ushering in crime and siding with infiltrators in a special pitch to young voters, and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav questioning the PM's language and alleging large-scale corruption by the ruling coalition.

- Subhash Pathak

With one day to go for the campaigning to close for the first phase of elections on November 6, Modi alleged the RJD-Congress combine promoted 'Jungle Raj', stalled Bihar's progress with appeasement politics to protect infiltrators.

He also slammed Opposition leaders for their stance on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, apparently referring to a video by Lalu Prasad showing the family celebrating Halloween.

"This Seemanchal region has been like a sentinel (prahari) for our culture and civilisation. But, for the past few years, RJD and Congress have been trying to upset the demographic balance here for the sake of a few votes...They are pushing Bihar towards danger by taking the side of infiltrators for votes. They are playing with the future of your children and daughters. Should infiltrators be allowed to avail free ration or free medical aid?" Modi asked in Katihar.

Modi alleged that the two parties were evidently fond of "kattar panthis" (extremists) and "kattas" (country-made pistols). "But the people must decide whether they can let the infiltrators demand a share in their entitlements," he said.

"Certainly, the poor people, including my Mahadalit brethren, will not be in favour of the infiltrators enjoying benefits meant for them, like free ration and free health insurance," he added.

In the first phase, 121 seats go to the polls on November 6. Yadav, who is the Opposition's chief ministerial candidate, addressed around 15 rallies in Bhojpur, Ara, Saran, Patna and other districts.