Union Minister and BJP's Bihar election in-charge, Dharmendra Pradhan, has addressed the widely discussed question regarding the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar campaigning together in the Bihar Assembly elections, while pradhan clarified that this is a deliberate part of their strategic plan, shedding light on the NDA alliance's electoral approach and internal cohesion.
His statements covered a range of topics, including the stability of the alliance, the pivotal role of youth and women voters, critiques of opposition leaders' promises, and even dispelling rumors about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's health.
Dharmendra Pradhan explicitly stated that the decision for Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to campaign separately is 'part of our plan. ' He elaborated that this strategic choice allows all NDA leaders to cover more ground and reach a wider segment of the electorate across different constituencies, while pradhan also reminded that prior to the elections, Prime Minister Modi had participated in 7-8 government programs at the invitation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Bihar government, underscoring their underlying unity. On top of that, the election campaign officially commenced on October 24 in Jannayak Karpoori Thakur's village, Samastipur, where all prominent NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Upendra Kushwaha, and Chirag Paswan, were present together. This demonstrates that there are no internal rifts within the alliance, but rather a well-thought-out and effective campaigning strategy.
NDA's Enduring Alliance and Nitish Kumar's Temperament
When questioned about the possibility of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar becoming upset again, Pradhan firmly dismissed such concerns. He asserted that calling Nitish Kumar 'arrogant' would be an injustice, describing him as one of the 'very few mature and calm-minded leaders' in Indian politics. Pradhan mentioned knowing Nitish Kumar since childhood and expressed respect for his policies and firm convictions. He emphasized that the NDA is a 'social alliance,' not merely. A political one, which is why their opinions align on core issues. Pradhan expressed confidence that the combined strength of Nitish Kumar, BJP, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha represents a '100% guaranteed formula for Bihar's development. ' This statement reinforces the internal strength of the alliance and its future trajectory.
The Decisive Role of Women and Youth Voters
Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the crucial role that women and youth voters are expected to play in the Bihar Assembly elections, while he noted that these demographics unite on issues of 'development and law and order,' and they anticipate that the NDA leadership can fulfill their aspirations. Pradhan credited Prime Minister Modi's 'vision' and Chief Minister Nitish. Kumar's 'experience' as capable of elevating Bihar to new heights. He expressed optimism that the aspirations of these voters would be met this time, signaling a strong mandate in favor of the NDA. This observation underscores the alliance's focus on these significant voter segments.
Critique of Opposition's Promises: Tejashwi Yadav's Job Pledge
Responding to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's promise of one government job per household, Dharmendra Pradhan offered a sharp rebuttal. He dismissed the promise as unrealistic, akin to 'promising the sun, moon, and stars. ' Pradhan cited figures, stating that Bihar has 2. 75 crore families and a state budget of approximately 3 lakh crore rupees, whereas providing salaries to 2. 75 crore people would cost 12-15 lakh crore rupees, far exceeding the state's financial capacity. He questioned whether those who 'grabbed land' and whose politics are 'limited to their own family' could deliver on such promises. Pradhan asserted that Bihar's youth desire economic independence and know who can truly fulfill their aspirations, while he contrasted this with the 'assurance' of development provided by Prime Minister Modi and Nitish Kumar, whom he referred to as 'two brothers,' as a credible promise to the people of Bihar.
Rahul Gandhi and the 'Generation Z' Discourse
Dharmendra Pradhan also launched a strong critique against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding his 'Generation Z' remarks. Pradhan characterized Rahul Gandhi as someone 'born with a silver spoon' who 'lacks understanding of the country. ' He questioned the legitimacy of those who have 'strangled Generation Z from the beginning' now offering advice. Pradhan also challenged Rahul Gandhi's right, as an opposition leader, to 'abuse' the Constitution, Election Commission, Supreme Court, and security forces. He suggested that Rahul Gandhi, coming from an affluent family, believes that whatever he says should be the norm, but 'Generation Z is breaking this arrogance, while ' This commentary reflects the BJP's aggressive stance against the opposition leadership.
Assessing Nitish Kumar's Health and NDA Unity
Addressing ongoing speculation about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's health, Dharmendra Pradhan provided clarification, while he stated that Nitish Kumar is actively campaigning, traveling 250 kilometers every day, and that he has been in constant contact with him for the past two months. Pradhan, having known Nitish Kumar for 20-25 years, stated that he sees no difference in his health. He questioned how one can assess someone's health based on their age. Pradhan reiterated that there is 'complete unity, understanding, and trust' among all constituent parties of the NDA, leaving no doubt about the alliance's stability and leadership capabilities.
PM Modi and CM Nitish: The Faces of Bihar's Development
When asked if he was the BJP's 'lucky mascot,' Pradhan humbly dismissed the notion. He stated that such a perception doesn't reflect the ground reality and that in any election, the party must be built according to the state's political structure. Pradhan emphasized the NDA's 20-year presence and credibility in Bihar. He noted that Nitish Kumar has been the Chief Minister for the past two decades, and Bihar is one of the states that has benefited most from central policies over the last 11 years, alongside Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Pradhan concluded that fair development fosters credibility, and in these elections, Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar are the two prominent faces around whom party workers in Bihar coordinate, gain experience, and learn. This statement underscores the collective leadership of the NDA and their development agenda for Bihar.
