Patna, Bihar: Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asserted that the trends ahead of the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls clearly indicate a resounding win for the NDA, predicting a two-thirds majority for the ruling alliance.

Addressing a rally in Banka in support of the NDA candidate, Singh said the coalition government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has served Bihar for the last two decades with integrity and progress.

“No one can level corruption charges against Nitish Kumar. Earlier, there was an RJD chief minister who had to spend a long time in jail,” he said, indirectly referring to Lalu Prasad Yadav.

‘Era of Lanterns Is Over’

Without naming Tejashwi Yadav, Singh said the current Opposition’s CM face also faces corruption cases and that “the verdict in those cases is inevitable.”

Highlighting the NDA government’s development record, Singh noted that Bihar has undergone a transformation over the last 20 years.

“Earlier, RJD leaders used to say that police would reach villages only after roads were built. That era is over. Now roads, bridges, electricity, and health facilities are accessible everywhere,” he told the gathering.

He pointed out that Bihar’s health budget has increased from ₹700 crore to over ₹20,000 crore, and electricity supply has vastly improved.

“People used lanterns back then. Today, there is a network of roads and bridges. Earlier, death used to stalk the streets of Patna; now Metro rail is running,” Singh remarked.

Targets Congress, Hails Modi’s Leadership

Criticising the Congress, Singh alleged that the party had even opposed the construction of roads in border areas.

“No one can deny this truth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed this anti-development mindset. Today, India is progressing rapidly,” he said.

Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, Singh warned neighbouring countries against testing India’s resolve.

“If they do, they should remember that Operation Sindoor is not over yet,” he cautioned.

‘Army’s Religion Is the Uniform’

The Defence Minister said India’s global credibility and prestige have grown immensely in recent years under the Modi government.

He also warned the Opposition against attempting to divide the Armed Forces on religious or caste lines, asserting that “the Indian Army believes in only one religion — the religion of the uniform.”

Singh concluded by urging voters to support the NDA for continued progress and stability in Bihar.