PM Modi Promises Development in Bihar During Motihari Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in the Motihari region of Bihar on July 18, 2023, where he highlighted significant development initiatives and criticized the opposition. Speaking ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Modi emphasized that the current government has provided more homes to residents of Bihar than the combined populations of Norway, New Zealand, and Singapore.

During his address, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects valued at thousands of crores of rupees. He stated, “Today, I am extremely pleased to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees from Motihari, Bihar. The NDA government is committed to the all-round development of the state.”

The Prime Minister praised the historical significance of the Champaran region, stating, “This land has made history. This land of the freedom movement showed Gandhiji a new direction. Now, inspired by this very land, a new future for Bihar will also be created.” He portrayed a vision of progress for the eastern states of India, asserting that they should rise alongside the country’s development efforts.

Modi outlined ambitious goals for Bihar’s future, saying, “Our resolve is that in the coming times, just as Mumbai is in Western India, Motihari’s name should shine in the East.” He called for industrial growth and enhanced opportunities in various regions, comparing them to thriving cities like Pune and Bengaluru.

The Prime Minister touted achievements under the PM Awas Yojana, claiming that more houses have been built in Bihar than the entire populations of Norway, New Zealand, and Singapore combined. He also mentioned support for local farmers, specifically those growing foxnuts, stating, “We associated Bihar’s foxnut farmers with the world after which the prices of foxnuts increased. We are establishing a Makhana Board.”

Highlighting the government’s social initiatives, Modi reported that over 3.5 crore women now have bank accounts in Bihar, and more than 24,000 self-help groups have received financial assistance. He noted that this support has enabled over 20 lakh women to achieve financial independence.

The Prime Minister reiterated that providing permanent housing for the poor was unattainable during the tenure of the Congress and RJD governments. He criticized their governance, stating, “Poor people getting permanent houses was impossible during the rule of Congress and RJD.” Modi pointed out that during the previous UPA and RJD government, only ₹ 2 lakh crores were sanctioned for development projects, in contrast to the current government’s initiatives.

Among the significant projects inaugurated was a railway development plan worth ₹ 5,385 crore, which includes the doubling of the 256-km Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line at ₹ 4,079 crore, as well as additional railway lines valued at ₹ 585 crore. Furthermore, Modi flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express trains that enhance connectivity within the state and to Delhi.

In addition to railway projects, Modi announced road and highway initiatives worth ₹ 1,173 crore, and he allocated ₹ 162 crore to benefit 40,000 recipients of the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin). The Prime Minister also committed ₹ 400 crore in community funding for 61,500 self-help groups.

As Bihar approaches its assembly elections, expected later this year, the political landscape remains competitive. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the BJP and JD(U), seeks to maintain its hold on power, while the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, aims to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In the 243-member Bihar assembly, the NDA currently holds 131 seats, whereas the opposition holds 111 seats.

With the political stakes high and development promises on the table, the upcoming months will be crucial for Bihar’s future trajectory.