Modiji is steering India into the 'digital age', while RJD is pushing it back to the 'lantern era', says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

CM Yogi addresses election rally in Nawada, Bihar, in support of BJP candidate Vivek Thakur. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

By Our Correspondent

Nawada, April 15: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country to the digital age, the Rashtriya Jatanta Dal (RJD) and its supporters seemed determined to pull Bihar back to the lantern era. 

Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Nawada, Bihar, to seek support for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur, the UP CM took a dig at the RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, saying: "Ishwar Lalu ji ko swasth karein, vah aabadi badhayein aur BJP aawas banane ka karya karegi" (May God bless Laluji with good health and he contributes to increasing the population while the BJP will handle the housing construction).  

He encouraged voters to back the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) based on their developmental achievements while at the same time taking aim at Congress and the RJD. While spotlighting RJD's past governance as a 'dark era,' he also emphasized BJP's commitment to honoring esteemed figures. Yogi Adityanath greeted the crowd in the local language.

Taking a swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal, Yogi Adityanath assured that funds from Delhi now directly reach beneficiaries' accounts. Highlighting developmental achievements, CM Yogi noted that under the Modi government's tenure, four crore impoverished individuals have received homes over the past decade. An additional three crore houses are planned to be constructed in the upcoming five years.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that Nawada is the revered 'karmbhumi' of the Late Jaiprakash Babu, who played a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation's democracy, and the esteemed land of former Chief Minister Late Karpuri Thakur. He underscored Bihar's immense contributions to the nation, mentioning notable figures like Constitution Making Committee Chairman Rajendra Babu and former Chief Minister Krishna Babu who hail from the region.

He commented, "Congress and its allies consistently failed to honor Jayaprakash ji and Karpoori Thakur. However, PM Modi and the BJP demonstrated their respect for Bihar's people by bestowing 'Bharat Ratna' upon Karpoori Thakur. Bihar is revered as the cradle of democracy, shaping the nation's history and imparting invaluable lessons in democracy."

Yogi Adityanath also pointed out that the gravest challenges to democracy include the ‘criminalization of politics’ and the ‘politicization of criminals.’ He added that politics based on caste and family is a major impediment to the democratic process.

CM Yogi emphasized that a secure environment is essential for fostering a vision of development. He pointed out that before 2019, citizens from other parts of India were prohibited from purchasing land in Jammu and Kashmir due to Article 370, which isolated the region from the rest of India. PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah repealed Article 370, realizing the vision of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

Yogi remarked, "With Ram Lalla being established in Ayodhya, there was a surge of enthusiasm in Bihar. The first gift for the Ram Lalla temple even came from Bihar." He also mentioned that previously, youth could avail interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh. However, as outlined in the sankalp patra, this loan amount has now been doubled to Rs 20 lakh.

CM Yogi criticized RJD for engaging in extortion activities, asserting that such activities are not tolerated under the BJP-NDA government. He pointed out that many associated with RJD are known for brandishing weapons, questioning their commitment to progress. While the BJP and its allies aim to realize the vision of a self-reliant and digitally advanced India through initiatives like Digital India, RJD and its allies oppose these efforts.

CM Yogi stated, "We haven't just established Ram Lalla in Ayodhya; we've also sent the mafia and criminals on a journey to Ram-Nam Satya. Some ended up in jail, and some are in hell. Only the BJP can achieve this. If you wish for Bihar to mirror UP's progress, don't let the heat deter you on April 19th. Vote for the lotus symbol and stand against those who tarnish politics."

CM Yogi shared that during his assembly election campaign in 2022, Vivek Thakur had spent six months to a year in Uttar Pradesh, supporting BJP workers. He emphasized that Vivek Thakur's ability and capability are beyond doubt, describing him as a worthy son following in the footsteps of a worthy father.

During this event, BJP candidates from Nawada Vivek Thakur, MLA Aruna Devi, MLC Nivedita Singh, former minister Poonam Sharma, former MLA Anil Singh, Kanhaiya, and others were in attendance.