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The Bihar chief minister also underscored the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government’s support for the state
There was an atmosphere of fear in the state before 2005, said Nitish. File pic/PTI
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, the face of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, has framed his election campaign around a narrative of development driven by strong central support and inclusive governance, while also targeting the state’s RJD-led opposition. Addressing his first big election rally after the announcement of the poll schedule, Kumar on Friday emphatically stated, “Centre has given big support to us…PM Modi has helped Bihar a lot… We have got so many schemes.” This highlights his strategy of leveraging the partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to showcase tangible progress and the implementation of numerous central and state-backed schemes. Key initiatives often cited by the government include infrastructure projects, welfare schemes for women like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, and financial transfers to beneficiaries, all underpinned by central assistance.
Kumar aggressively defended his governance record on social inclusion. “I did development of all groups—be it Hindus, Muslims, backwards,” he said. The CM specifically highlighted his efforts for minorities. “I did a lot for Muslims…madrasas were given recognition,” he said.
The state government, under his leadership, has previously claimed credit for measures like providing government recognition and equivalent salaries to madrasa teachers, increasing financial assistance for abandoned Muslim women from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, and fencing of graveyards to curb communal disputes.
The chief minister simultaneously launched a sharp political attack on his primary rival, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its patriarch, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Taking a dig at the RJD’s past tenure, often referred to as “Jungle Raj” by political opponents, Kumar focused on the issue of women’s empowerment, asking: “Have these people (RJD) done any work for women? He (Lalu) only did something for his wife.” This comment is a direct reference to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s decision to make his wife, Rabri Devi, the chief minister of Bihar in 1997 after he was implicated in the fodder scam, a move that Kumar consistently criticises as an act of dynastic politics rather than a step for genuine women’s upliftment.
Kumar’s focus on women’s welfare—underscored by his government’s 50% reservation for women in local body elections and numerous schemes—is a crucial element in solidifying his core female voter base against the opposition.
“There was an atmosphere of fear in the state before 2005,” Nitish Kumar told voters at the rally. “Nothing was done by th RJD government. Don’t fall into their trap. Now there is kanoon ka raaj (rule of law). We have worked for both Hindus and Muslims and all castes. We have the Centre’s big support.”
The filing of nominations for the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections ends on Friday. Out of a total of 243 seats, 121 constituencies will go to the polls in this phase on November 6. Polling for the second phase is scheduled on November 11, and the counting of votes will be taken up on November 14.
Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office. He has written widely on politics, ele…Read More
Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office. He has written widely on politics, ele… Read More
October 17, 2025, 16:58 IST
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