Nitish blames Union minister Lalan for last exit from NDA

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday pinned the blame for his last exit from the BJP-led NDA on close aide Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan, who now holds a cabinet berth in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI: India cannot develop without developing its villages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he launched and inaugurated projects worth ₹13,500 crore in Madhubani district of Bihar, and addressed Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country.

Speaking at an event to mark National Panchayati Raj Day, Modi also lauded the work done by chief minister Nitish Kumar in the poll-bound state. He said a developed Bihar is essential for a developed India, and said efforts are being made to ensure the benefits of progress reach all corners of the state.

Modi said Mahatma Gandhi's idea that India cannot be developed without empowering its villages is the concept behind the Panchayati Raj system.

"Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha," Modi said, highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's firm belief that "India's rapid development is only possible when its villages are strong". He said the projects launched on Thursday will boost development and generate employment opportunities in the state.