Synopsis
During Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, he and CM Nitish Kumar showcased the NDA’s unity, with Modi praising Kumar as Bihar’s ‘Ladla’ Chief Minister. Modi released ₹22,000 crore under the PM Kisan scheme, benefiting over 75 lakh farmers in Bihar. Modi targeted the opposition, highlighted farmer welfare schemes, and announced development projects in Bihar.
Navbharat TimesDuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, the NDA showcased its unity as both Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar praised each other. Upon arrival, the two leaders held a roadshow, riding in an open vehicle while crowds cheered.
Kumar was the first to commend Modi for his efforts in development and his special focus on Bihar in the Union Budget. Modi reciprocated by calling Nitish the ‘Ladla’ (beloved) Chief Minister of Bihar.
The stage was shared by NDA union ministers, two deputy chief ministers, and several other leaders during the event. Modi released the 19th installment of the PM Kisan scheme, transferring approximately ₹22,000 crore into farmers’ accounts across India, including ₹1,600 crore for farmers in Bihar.
“This installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi benefits over 75 lakh farmers from Bihar. I extend my best wishes to all farmer families in Bihar and across the nation,” Modi said. Emphasising the NDA government’s commitment to farmers, he added that both at the Centre and in Bihar, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA prioritises farmers’ welfare.
Modi also took the opportunity to criticise the opposition. “Under Congress and Jungle Raj, the agriculture budget was meager. But today, we have transferred multiple times that amount directly to farmers’ accounts. Only an honest, dedicated government can achieve this, not a corrupt one,” he remarked.
In a jab at the main opposition party, RJD, Modi added, “Those who could steal animal fodder will never bring real change to the system.”
Addressing farmers, Modi highlighted the cost of fertilisers, stating that while in many countries a bag costs ₹3,000, in India it for less than ₹300. “Without the NDA government, you’d pay ₹3,000 for a bag of urea,” he said.
Reflecting on past governments, Modi pointed out that small farmers previously couldn’t fully benefit from government schemes due to middlemen.
Modi used the occasion to discuss several central schemes for farmers, such as PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, and the creation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He mentioned the establishment of 10,000 FPOs, with the 10,000th registered in Khagaria, Bihar.
During his visit, Modi was presented with a garland made of Makhana, an agricultural product cultivated in 10 districts of Bihar. The Union Budget had announced the formation of a Makhana Vikas Board.
On women, Modi highlighted the creation of 1.25 cr ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across the country, including thousands of Jeevika Didis in Bihar.
He also mentioned ongoing development projects in Bihar, including the Centre of Excellence in the dairy sector in Motihari, a milk plant in Barauni, and three Centres of Excellence in agriculture in Munger, Bhagalpur, and Buxar. Additionally, Modi noted road and rail projects, flood management, and infrastructure development for the textile sector.
In attendance alongside Modi and Nitish were Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jitan Ram Manji, Giriraj Singh, Lalan Singh, Chirag Paswan, and Ram Nath Thakur.
