"Whenever Bihar moves forward...they get busy insulting": PM Modi slams Congress and RJD in Purnea

Purnea (Bihar) [India], September 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) parties for allegedly insulting Bihar, citing a now-deleted social media post by the Congress's Kerala unit, referring to the GST cut on the tobacco product, beedi.
Addressing a rally in Purnea, PM Modi alleged opposition leaders for 'hating Bihar' and causing "damage to Bihar's reputation."
"Historic construction works have taken place, and Bihar-made railway engines are being exported abroad. Whenever Bihar moves forward, these people get busy insulting Bihar," he said.
The Prime Minister accused the Opposition of showing contempt for Bihar's achievements. He highlighted Bihar's progress, launching projects worth ₹36,000 crore, including a new airport terminal in Purnea and the National Makhana Board.
"You must have seen just now that the RJD's ally, the Congress Party, is comparing Bihar to a beedi on social media. These people hate Bihar so much. These people have caused a lot of damage to Bihar's reputation through scams and corruption," he said.
In a now-deleted post on X, the Congress said that "Bidis and Bihar start with B" and "cannot be considered a sin anymore", referring to the GST cut on the tobacco product.
The Kerala Congress had criticised the recently passed Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, as they highlighted a 40 per cent GST rate on 'sinful' products like cigars and cigarettes, while bidis have an 18 per cent rate.
PM Modi also alleged that the Opposition was more focused on personal gains than on people's welfare.
"They are looking to fill up their safes. Why will they worry about the poor?" he asked.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi on Monday emphasised his government's focus on the welfare of the common people, 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas', contrasting it with opposition parties like RJD and Congress, which he said prioritise their own families.
Addressing a public rally in Purnea, the Prime Minister said, "For RJD and Congress, the biggest concern is to worry about their own family. These people will never worry about your family. But for Modi, you all are Modi's family. And that is why Modi says 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'."
PM Modi also highlighted his government's commitment to reducing expenses and boosting savings for citizens, announcing significant GST reductions effective September 22, coinciding with Navratri, ahead of Diwali and Chhath festivals.
"Modi cares about your expenses, cares about your savings. Many festivals are coming in the coming days. This time, before Diwali and Chhath, our government has given a very big gift to the poor and the middle class. From the first day of Navratri, 22nd September, GST will be drastically reduced in the country," he said.
Notably, daily essentials are cheaper now. Items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, ghee, and various food products will see reduced prices. Stationery for children's studies will become more affordable. Easier: Clothes and shoes for children are expected to be cheaper, easing festive shopping.
The Prime Minister added, "GST has been drastically reduced on most of the things you need in your daily life. My mother and sisters who have come here, I especially want to tell you that due to the reduction in GST, the kitchen expenses are going to be significantly reduced. From toothpaste, soap, and shampoo to ghee and many food items will become cheaper."
Modi said GST cuts would make stationery, clothes, and shoes cheaper during festivals, adding that a government that "cares for the poor" always works for their welfare.
"The price of stationery used for children's studies will decrease. This time, it will be easier to buy new clothes and shoes for children during the festival, as they will also be more affordable. When there is a government that cares about the poor, it works for the welfare of the poor." (ANI)