With Bihar heading into a high-stakes two-phase Assembly election on November 6 and 11, political tempers flared as leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan exchanged sharp barbs over their respective manifestos.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies in Gopalganj and Samastipur, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held public meetings in Begusarai, criticising the ruling alliance over unemployment, corruption, and women's welfare.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday slammed the poll promise of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to provide a job to one member of every family in the State in case the Mahagathbandhan is voted to power after the conclusion of the assembly polls in Bihar.
Speaking to ANI in Patna, Kanhaiya Kumar said, "...Unfortunately, these people have been running the government for 20 years, yet when that manifesto was issued, they didn't have 30 seconds to present their views. They can't speak because they don't have their own work to show. That's why
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the BJP-led government in Bihar of failing to address unemployment, corruption, and women's welfare, alleging that it tried to influence voters by distributing Rs 10,000 ahead of polling for the Assembly elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Goyal said that corruption and lawlessness would rise, and the liquor ban would be lifted if the Mahagathbandhan came to power.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Veena Devi on Saturday alleged that the local administration is not showing interest in investigating the recent incident in Mokama.
Responding to remarks by singer-actor and RJD leader Khesari Lal Yadav, Singh told reporters, "You should see the Bihar which was 15 years back, and the Bihar, which is now. Is there a difference or not? You will definitely be able to see what development is..."
Speaking in Begusarai at an election rally, she questioned the concept of a "double engine" government, where the Centre and state governments are supposed to work together for development.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Saturday said that Bihar's youth are seeking change after 20 years of Nitish Kumar's rule and expressed confidence that a government led by the INDIA bloc will be formed in the state.
This comes after the man, identified as Dularchand Yadav, was found dead on October 30, and several others were injured following a clash between alleged supporters of the Jan Suraaj Party and the Janata Dal (United) in the Mokama assembly constituency.
The SP chief questioned the law and order situation and asked how such crimes could occur in areas where top leaders, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, were campaigning.