Bihar Elections 2025: PM Modi attacks RJD over 'jungle raj', says state saw 'zero development' during its rule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday renewed his “jungle raj” criticism of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing the party of overseeing “zero development” in Bihar during its 15-year rule. Addressing an election rally in Araria, the Prime Minister said no major infrastructure projects were undertaken in the state during that period.

“From 1990 to 2005, the government of ‘jungle raj’ completely ruined Bihar. In those 15 years, how many expressways were built? Zero. How many bridges were constructed over the Kosi River? Zero. How many tourist circuits or sports complexes were developed? Zero. Nil bate sannata (absolutely nothing),” Modi said.



The Prime Minister sharpened his criticism in Bhagalpur, saying RJD leaders had been “schooled in jungle raj pathshala.”

“They studied ‘A se Aparan (abduction)’, ‘F se Firoti (ransom)’ and ‘R se Rangdari (extortion). Their school teaches ‘P se Parivarwaad (dynasty politics)’ and ‘G se Ghotala (scam)’. RJD’s kakahara is katta, katuta, krurta, kushasan, kusanskar and corruption,” he said.

Modi also described the families of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the “two most corrupt families,” claiming that welfare funds meant for women would have been diverted if they were in power.

“Imagine if Bihar’s most corrupt family and the country’s most corrupt family — both out on bail — were in power. This money would have gone into their coffers, not into our sisters’ accounts,” he said.

Alleging internal tensions within the opposition alliance, Modi said RJD had “snatched away” the chief ministerial candidacy from the Congress by “putting a gun to their head.” He also took a swipe at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling him “Namdaar” and claiming he had been “forcibly brought to Bihar” for campaigning.

Modi contrasted the NDA’s governance record with that of the opposition, saying the current government had expanded expressways, bridges, and universities across Bihar. He said the NDA’s focus in Bhagalpur would be on boosting tourism and river transport through heritage and pilgrimage projects.

“Our youth and boatmen should gain from tourism along the Ganges. The NDA is promoting Bihar’s heritage globally, while Congress and RJD insult our faith,” he said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the voter turnout in the first phase of polling, calling it a sign of “enthusiasm for change.”

As of 1 p.m., Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 42.31%, according to the Election Commission. Gopalganj reported the highest turnout at 46.73%, followed by Lakhisarai (46.37%) and Begusarai (46.02%), while Patna recorded a lower 37.72%.

Polling is being held in 121 constituencies across 18 districts in the first phase, deciding the fate of several key leaders including RJD’s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and BJP’s Samrat Choudhary.


(With inputs from agencies)