In Bihar, star campaigners from both the NDA and the Grand Alliance are addressing multiple rallies today in support of their candidates for the first phase of the state assembly elections. Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today kicked off the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) campaign for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections with an election rally in Samastipur, invoking the legacy of socialist icon Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur and pledging to accelerate development and social justice across the state.

 

 

Addressing a public rally at the Dudhpoora Helipad Grounds, Mr. Modi described Karpoori Thakur as a priceless gem of the country, crediting him for bringing social justice to independent India and for connecting the poor and disadvantaged with new opportunities. Earlier in the day, he paid floral tribute at Karpoori Gram, the birthplace of the former chief minister, widely respected for championing backward and marginalised communities.

 

 

The rally was also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Mr. Modi is also scheduled to address a second gathering later in Begusarai. BJP’s star campaigner and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address election rallies today in Siwan and Buxar districts, while Senior BJP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will address a public meeting in Gopalganj in support of the NDA. Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance’s chief ministerial candidate and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, speaking to reporters in Patna, said that contractual employees will be made permanent and steps will be taken to resolve the problem of unemployment in the state.