Patna: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing the party of fostering a “culture of violence” in Bihar and warning voters against allowing a return to the era of lawlessness that once plagued the state.

Addressing an election rally at a high school in Patahi (East Champaran), Singh said, “RJD’s culture has been one of violence. Even in their election campaigns, they are making children sing songs about guns.”

He said that during RJD’s rule, Bihar was gripped by fear, and its image across India was that of a state under “jungle raj”.

“Goons held sway. People were afraid to step out after dark. Bihar does not want to see that era again,” Singh said.

‘Congress Spreading Confusion with Baseless Allegations’

Taking aim at the Congress and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Singh dismissed allegations of vote rigging as “completely baseless”.

“Congress leaders are continuously trying to mislead the public by making unfounded statements. Claims like ‘vote theft’ are merely attempts to spread confusion and distract people,” he asserted.

NDA’s Achievements Highlighted

Listing the NDA government’s welfare measures, the Defence Minister cited key initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Vande Bharat trains, railway station upgrades, Ujjwala Yojana, and the distribution of 5 kg free food grain under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana.

He also pointed to improvements in per-capita income as a sign of Bihar’s progress under NDA rule.

Praising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Singh said, “Despite being Chief Minister for 20 years, not a single allegation has been levelled against him. Today’s leaders who are accused of corruption keep praising themselves. The people of Bihar will form an NDA government with a two-thirds majority.”

Three Rallies in a Day

Singh addressed three back-to-back rallies in Bathnaha, Chiraiya, and Kesariya Assembly constituencies on Thursday as part of the second-phase campaign.

Polling in Bihar is being conducted in two phases — the first on November 6 and the second on November 11. The results will be declared on November 14.