‘Bihar was deliberately kept backward’: In Patna, Rajnath targets Lalu

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines on July 2 in Patna by accusing Lalu Prasad Yadav of purposefully keeping Bihar backward. Addressing the BJP’s state executive committee, he delivered a sharp critique of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress era.

“Bihar is not backward by nature. It was pushed into backwardness by its own leaders,” he claimed.

According to Singh, the state’s potential was held back by those in power who prioritized control over progress.


‘Jungle Raj’ Allegations Resurface

Singh reignited the long-standing debate over Bihar’s law and order issues during Lalu’s tenure. He referred to the period as a “Jungle Raj”, a term often used by critics to describe governance marked by lawlessness and fear.

He claimed that gunfire, political favoritism, and administrative breakdown were common back then. Government properties, he alleged, were used for criminal acts like kidnappings.

“Back then, crime flourished. The police remained silent, and the public lived in fear,” Singh said.


BJP’s Accusation: Family Over People

In addition to criticizing governance, Singh accused the RJD of prioritizing personal gain. He said that those in power served “their families, not the people”.

He further argued that the poor, Dalits, and backward communities were exploited for votes while their needs remained ignored. Singh positioned the BJP as a pro-development force working toward inclusive progress.


Contrasting the NDA’s Governance

Unlike the RJD era, Singh said the NDA worked to restore Bihar’s pride. He credited the Modi government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for focusing on infrastructure, education, and electrification.

“We’ve built roads, improved electricity access, and encouraged investments. Bihar is now regaining its lost identity,” he said.

Historically, Bihar was home to academic and spiritual centers like Nalanda and Vikramshila. Singh used this history to argue that underdevelopment was never Bihar’s destiny.


Opposition Fires Back

The RJD dismissed Singh’s comments as an attempt to shift focus. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition and Lalu’s son, offered a quick rebuttal.

“If Bihar is still backward, it’s because the BJP has ruled it for the last two decades,” he said.

He accused the BJP of relying on old slogans rather than solving current issues such as youth unemployment, inflation, and healthcare failures.


Bihar’s Ground Reality

While the BJP claims progress, ground realities paint a mixed picture. Some parts of Bihar have seen improvement. However, many rural areas still suffer from:

  • Low literacy rates
  • Poor health facilities
  • Lack of employment opportunities
  • Widespread labor migration

Urban centers like Patna have developed, but these gains haven’t reached all corners of the state.


Political Strategy Before Elections

Rajnath Singh’s remarks appear timed for political gain. With elections on the horizon, the BJP aims to reframe the debate. The focus is on past misgovernance, hoping voters will turn away from the opposition.

In contrast, the RJD is concentrating on current governance failures, attempting to shift attention to immediate problems.


What Voters Might Decide

Many older voters remember the insecurity of the 1990s and may relate to Singh’s warnings. However, the younger generation is focused on tangible issues like jobs, education, and affordability.

As a result, the BJP must go beyond rhetoric and present solid achievements. Meanwhile, the RJD must prove that today’s problems are not just remnants of the past but results of current policies.


Conclusion

Rajnath Singh’s charge that “Bihar was deliberately kept backward” has reignited the debate on the state’s political history. Whether this narrative helps shape voter opinion remains to be seen. What’s clear is that both sides are preparing for a fierce battle over Bihar’s past, present, and future.