Paromita Das
New Delhi: In a heated political exchange, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav over his controversial remarks on the Mahakumbh festival. Addressing a massive rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, PM Modi accused Lalu Yadav and his allies of disrespecting Bharat’s religious and cultural traditions. The Prime Minister did not hold back, stating that those who supported “Jungle Raj” were the ones who had no respect for Bharat’s ancient heritage and faith.
This remark came in response to Lalu Yadav’s recent statement on February 16, 2025, where he dismissed the significance of the Mahakumbh, calling it “faaltu” (useless). Yadav made the comment while discussing the tragic stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station that left at least 18 people dead, criticizing the management of crowds during the event. However, his words triggered outrage, especially from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which considers the Mahakumbh a symbol of Bharat’s spiritual unity.
PM Modi, in his speech, emphasized the Mahakumbh’s global importance, stating that it was the largest gathering of faith, unity, and harmony in the world, drawing more people than the entire population of Europe. He asserted that the BJP-led NDA government was committed to preserving Bharat’s cultural and religious heritage while simultaneously working toward the nation’s development.
Bihar at the Center of Political Battle Over Faith and Development
The rally in Bhagalpur was not just about the Mahakumbh controversy. With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching in October-November 2025, PM Modi used the opportunity to present the NDA’s governance model as a contrast to what he termed as the failures of past regimes under the Congress and RJD. He reminded the crowd of the “Jungle Raj” era, referring to the lawlessness, corruption, and poor governance that Bihar witnessed under Lalu Yadav’s leadership.
PM Modi declared that Bihar had suffered under those who disrespected its rich heritage and failed to bring progress. In contrast, he portrayed the NDA government as pro-development, pro-farmer, and pro-poor, highlighting various welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting Bihar and the nation.
PM Modi Transfers ₹22,000 Crore to Farmers Under PM Kisan Yojana
During the rally, PM Modi also announced the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, transferring nearly ₹22,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers across Bharat. This, he said, was a testimony to the NDA government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods.
He particularly emphasized Bihar’s inclusion in the scheme, revealing that over 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar had benefited from the initiative, receiving approximately ₹1,600 crore in financial aid. The Prime Minister highlighted how his government had taken decisive steps to support the farming community, in contrast to previous governments that failed to address agricultural concerns.
Attacking the Opposition: ‘Jungle Raj Never Cared for Farmers’
PM Modi did not hold back in his criticism of the Congress and RJD, pointing out that when these parties were in power, they had only allocated a meager budget for agriculture. He contrasted this with the NDA government’s track record, which had already sent multiple times that amount directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
He accused previous governments of leaving farmers to fend for themselves during natural disasters, citing how the NDA introduced the PM Fasal Bima Yojana in 2014 to ensure crop insurance for farmers facing losses due to floods, droughts, and other calamities. Under this scheme, ₹1.75 lakh crore had already been paid out in insurance claims to farmers across the country.
Focus on Bihar’s Agricultural Potential: Makhana Gets Global Recognition
PM Modi took the opportunity to highlight Bihar’s growing role in global agriculture exports. He announced that Bihar’s Makhana (fox nuts) had been recognized as a superfood, making it eligible for international markets. To boost its production and exports, he revealed the creation of a Makhana Board, which would support farmers engaged in Makhana cultivation and ensure better returns for their produce.
“My dream is that there should be an Bharatiya-grown product in every kitchen of the world, and we are working towards making that a reality,” Modi said, stressing the importance of promoting indigenous crops on a global scale.
Strengthening Agriculture: New Policies to Support Farmers
Apart from the PM Kisan scheme, the NDA government has introduced PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, which focuses on reviving agriculture in 100 low-production districts across Bharat. Modi announced that Bihar would play a crucial role in this initiative, ensuring that even the most underdeveloped farming regions get access to modern techniques and financial assistance.
Additionally, he announced that Bihar would host Bharat’s 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Khagaria district, dedicated to boosting the cultivation of maize, bananas, and paddy. This move, he said, would create jobs and increase farmers’ incomes, strengthening Bihar’s agricultural sector.
A Political Message: ‘Bihar Will Not Forgive Those Who Disrespect Faith’
PM Modi wrapped up his speech by issuing a direct challenge to the opposition, asserting that the people of Bihar would not forgive those who speak ill of Bharat’s cultural traditions. He tied Lalu Yadav’s Mahakumbh comments to the larger issue of opposition parties consistently disrespecting Hindu beliefs.
He accused the opposition of opposing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and now targeting the Mahakumbh, saying it was part of their wider strategy to alienate Hindus. “They will never succeed because the people of Bihar understand their game,” he declared, urging voters to choose leaders who respect Bharat’s heritage while focusing on development.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Election Year
With the Bihar elections just months away, this rally underscored BJP’s strategy of blending cultural nationalism with development politics. By targeting Lalu Yadav’s remarks, Modi aimed to rally Hindu voters, particularly in Bihar, while simultaneously promoting his government’s welfare initiatives for farmers and the poor.
The battle for Bihar is shaping up to be a crucial test for both the BJP-led NDA and the RJD-Congress alliance. With Nitish Kumar once again aligned with the BJP and Modi pushing an aggressive campaign, the political landscape is shifting rapidly.
As the elections approach, it remains to be seen how the opposition will respond to Modi’s attack. But one thing is certain—faith, development, and governance will be the defining themes of this electoral battle.
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