Siwan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, following a controversy that erupted over a viral video purportedly showing Ambedkar’s portrait near the RJD chief’s feet during his birthday celebration. The incident, which occurred earlier this week during Yadav’s 78th birthday event, has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Dalit communities.
Addressing a public rally in Bihar’s Siwan, Modi said, “The entire nation witnessed how Babasaheb Ambedkar's image was treated by the RJD. These people won’t apologise because they lack genuine respect for Dalits and backward communities.”
He went on to contrast the opposition’s actions with his own party’s ideology: “RJD and Congress place Babasaheb’s portrait at their feet, but Modi keeps him in his heart.”
Targeting the RJD-Congress alliance more broadly, the Prime Minister blamed them for Bihar’s longstanding socio-economic challenges. “It was under their rule that Bihar was plunged into poverty and lawlessness. The large-scale migration of labourers from the state is a direct consequence of their misgovernance,” Modi said.
He further alleged that both parties prioritised dynastic politics over public welfare, stating, “Their governance model was centred on enriching their own families while the needs of the people were neglected.”
Recalling the Congress era, Modi said, “During the licence raj, Congress leaders prospered while the general public remained impoverished.”
Highlighting the development initiatives under the NDA government, Modi listed a series of achievements aimed at modernising Bihar. “Over 1.5 crore homes have received electricity and water connections. We have established more than 45,000 Common Service Centres. In the last decade, about 55,000 kilometres of rural roads have been constructed across Bihar,” he said.
He also emphasised Bihar’s critical role in India’s future growth, saying the state will be key to the country’s economic trajectory.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as political campaigning gains momentum ahead of Bihar’s upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
