Yogi Adityanath Attacks Opposition as Bihar Elections Heat Up

The political landscape in Bihar intensified on October 29, 2025, as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, delivered a fiery address in Siwan, known as the stronghold of the late politician Mohammad Shahabuddin. His rally, marked by drumbeats and a JCB excavator on stage, was a platform for his sharp critique of the opposition parties ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Adityanath’s speech was laced with humor and mockery, particularly aimed at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate, Osama Shahab, who is the son of Shahabuddin. The Chief Minister quipped that Osama “lived up to his name,” prompting laughter and chants from the crowd. He accused the RJD, along with the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, of harboring criminals within their ranks and claimed these parties honored historical figures like Babur and Aurangzeb instead of celebrating their own culture.

Critique of Opposition and Call for Unity

Adityanath did not shy away from addressing Bihar’s historical issues, vividly recalling a time when the state was characterized by lawlessness under the previous administrations of the RJD and Congress. He urged voters to prevent a return to what he termed the “jungle raj,” emphasizing that the legacy of violence and crime must not be revived.

He criticized the RJD’s candidate from Raghunathpur, stating that the party was attempting to reintroduce a culture of fear. He highlighted how the previous governance model had focused on personal interests rather than public welfare, asserting that before 2005, Bihar was remembered more for familial connections than for the well-being of its citizens.

Adityanath also reflected on his governance approach in Uttar Pradesh, speaking of a “bulldozer approach” towards crime, suggesting that his administration had taken strong measures against criminals. His reference to the bulldozer drew applause from the audience, reinforcing his image as a tough leader against crime.

Focus on Development and Cultural Identity

Shifting topics, Adityanath addressed the significance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, framing it as a symbol of “cultural justice.” He criticized both the Congress and RJD for their opposition to the temple and implied that their leaders had historically denied the existence of Lord Ram, which he portrayed as a betrayal of Indian culture.

In his rally, Adityanath urged voters to support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, Vikas Singh, who faces off against Osama Shahab in a highly contested election. He stressed that the progress Bihar had made under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should not be disrupted. He attributed improvements in the state’s infrastructure, education, and flood management to years of hard work and coalition governance.

In his concluding remarks, Adityanath appealed to voters to ensure that the NDA government continues its momentum, likening its potential growth to that of a bullet train if given another opportunity. He emphasized Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, invoking figures like Ram, Krishna, and Buddha to inspire pride among the electorate.

Throughout the rally, Adityanath painted a vivid picture of a transforming Bihar, contrasting it with its past under opposition rule, where he claimed fear and chaos prevailed. His rallying cry was clear: voters should not allow the progress made since 2005 to falter, and they should rally behind the NDA to keep moving the state forward.