PM Narendra Modi at a rally in Bihar
In his fifth rally in the state in 24 hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told voters in Bihar that they were both court and judge and had to now punish those who had "destroyed the state."
For 60 years, he said at a
public meeting in Sasaram, the constituents of the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance had ruled Bihar. "The Congress for 35 years,
Bade Bhai (Lalu Prasad Yadav) and
Chhote Bhai (Nitish Kumar) for another 25 years. They must give an account of their governance and every paisa spent," the PM said.
"You are the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice too. You have to press the button and punish those who have destroyed Bihar," said PM Modi, who addressed one more rally later in the day.
He had spoken at four rallies yesterday, keeping the rival camp on its toes as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his partner Lalu Prasad rushed to counter the Prime Minister's many attacks on them.
At his fourth and last public meeting in Nawada on Thursday, he also addressed a litany of political attacks over the last week,
breaking his silence on the mob killing of a Muslim man over beef rumours in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, with a strong message. "In a democracy, everyone has the right to speak their mind. But Hindus must decide whether they want to fight Muslims or poverty. Muslims must decide whether they want to fight Hindus or poverty."
At today's rallies, he was back to the main script of the BJP's Bihar campaign - a pitch for development. "This election is about development... The youth have taken it upon themselves to change the future of Bihar... They will not let Bihar be destroyed," he said in Aurangabad.
The BJP has opted not to project a chief ministerial candidate for the Bihar assembly elections and has pegged its appeal for votes on PM Modi and his development agenda. In a
re-crafted strategy, the PM will now address many more rallies in the state, where elections will be held in five phases starting Monday.
In what is seen as a close contest, the BJP takes on the coalition led by Nitish Kumar, who is seeking a third term as chief minister.
Votes will be counted on November 8.