Darbhanga (Bihar) [India], October 29 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), questioning whether the people of Bihar feel ashamed of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has spent several years in jail on corruption charges.
Addressing a public rally in Darbhanga, Singh urged voters to choose between building a "Viksit Bihar" (Developed Bihar) or returning to "jungle raj." Singh highlighted the corruption charges against Lalu Yadav's family, stating that RJD didn't only defame the nation, but the whole world.
"RJD defamed Bihar not only in the nation but throughout the world...There are allegations of corruption against the whole family...A former Chief Minister has to spend years in jail. Doesn't this make every Bihari feel ashamed?... You all have to decide whether you want to make a 'Viksit Bihar' or 'jungle raj'," Rajnath Singh while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga.
The Defence Minister also asked Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to do "truth" politics, while taking a jibe at Mahagathbandhan's manifesto.
"RJD released the manifesto for the elections and they have pledged a government job for every household in Bihar. Is this possible?...Can't Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav practise politics of truth?...Why are they lying?," Singh added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna.
According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years.
The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls.
Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent".
The 2025 Bihar elections will have the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14.