NDA will once again achieve a landslide victory in Bihar: Dharmendra Pradhan lauds PM Modi, 'popular' CM Nitish

Patna (Bihar) [India], October 26 (ANI): Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a new impetus to Bihar's rural economy and Nitish government for improving law and order in the state, Union Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the NDA will once again "achieve a landslide victory" in the assembly polls.
Pradhan, the BJP's Bihar election in-charge, credited the central government's initiatives, including the Makhana Board and ethanol policy, for boosting Bihar's rural economy and industrialisation.
In an interview with ANI, Dharmendra Pradhan said, "... By establishing systems like the Makhana Board, the Prime Minister has given a new impetus to Bihar's rural economy. The Bihar government has implemented the Government of India's ethanol policy. New types of industrialisation have begun in Bihar. The ethanol factory is influencing Bihar's economy today. Skilled young people from Bihar are returning to Bihar. Law and order is improving in Bihar...."
"For the past 20 years, the people of Bihar have consistently blessed the NDA. This time too, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar's popular Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the NDA will once again achieve a landslide victory...," he said.
He also accused the opposition of misleading minorities over the Waqf (amendment) Act.
"I saw their leader saying they'll throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin. You tried in Parliament, but you had to accept defeat. The bill was passed... You (Opposition) want to confuse minorities by instilling fear in their minds," Pradhan said.
His remarks came after RJD leader Qari Sohaib claimed that the party's Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav would "scrap the Waqf law" if elected Bihar Chief Minister.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament after a marathon debate, with opposition parties opposing it. The President gave assent to the bill on April 5 this year.
Pradhan also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned "Purvodaya" and given importance to Eastern India. He highlighted the development of Bihar's infrastructure, law and order, and welfare of women, youth, and farmers.
"The main issue in Bihar is fulfilling the aspirations of Bihar's youth. Bihar has immense potential. In the last 20 years, and especially in the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned Purvodaya. He has given importance to Eastern India. Look at Bihar's roads today. Look at Bihar's new airports. Look at Bihar's railway tracks. Look at Bihar's water resources. We have undertaken numerous development initiatives through our double-engine government in the last 20 years and 11 years at the Centre. That's why law and order in Bihar, the well-being of Bihar's women, the youth of Bihar, and the farmers of Bihar have progressed rapidly. This isn't enough. It needs to be taken to new heights," he said.
Voting for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, while the results will be declared on November 14.
The main contest is between the ruling Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led NDA and the RJD-led opposition alliance 'Mahagathbandhan.' NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM).
Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD, includes Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj is also in the race. (ANI)