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.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad releases book at Kitab Utsav

 Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad released a book at the closing function of Kitab Utsav (book festival) in Patna on September 28, 2023.

Photo: Aftab alam Siddiqui 

RJD leaders perform Hawan for speedy recovery of Lalu Parsad

Patna: RJD leaders performed Hawan for speedy recovery of RJD chief Lalu Prasad in December 5, 2022.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Lalu Prasad visits RJD office in Patna

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad along with his son and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav visited RJD office to attend a party's meet in Patna on September 14, 2022. Lalu Prasad attended any party meeting after a long-time at RJD office.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
 

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar meets ailing Lalu Prasad at hospital

Patna, July 6, 2022: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday visited a private hospital in Patna to meet RJD supremo Lalu Prasad who has been undergoing treatment at the hospital for shoulder fracture, sprain in waist and other ailments for the last three days.

Later talking to media persons, Kumar said Lalu Parasad is his old friend and he prayed for his speedy recovery. “Lalu Ji’s condition is stable now. We were constantly inquiring about his wellbeing.” The chief minister further said that Lalu Parasad Ji will be sent to Delhi with government facilities. All the investigations will be done there in a better way, he added.

When CM Nitish Kumar reached to meet Lalu Yadav, at that time Lalu’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav was also present at the hospital along with former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and Lalu’s youngest son Tejashwi Parasad.  Tejashwi went to ICU with the chief minister. The CM inquired about his condition from Lalu Yadav and also gave some instructions to the hospital administration.

Meanwhile, health minister Mangal Pandey and industries minister Shahnawaz Hussain also reached the hospital. Later in the evening Lalu Prasad was flown to Delhi by an air ambulance. He will be admitted to AIIMS for further treatment.

Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Asif Rehman said that his condition is stable.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Lalu turns 75, RJD celebrates his birthday in a grand manner

RJD workers and leaders celebrated the 75th birthday of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad at party office in Patna on June 11, 2022. On the occasion, Lalu Prasad cut a massive laddu weighing 75 kg. He also released a book on the occasion. Leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly and his youngest son Tejashwi Yadav and his eldest son and MLA Tej Pratap Yadav were present on the occasion.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

 

Lalu celebrates his birthday with slum children

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad celebrated his 75th birthday with slum children at RJD MLA and his eldest son Tej Prarap Yadav's house in Patna on June 11, 2022. He also inaugurated a school called Lalu Pathshala. The new Lalu Pathshala concept has been developed by Tej Pratap Yadav.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui 

 

Lalu Prasad's birthday celebrated at Kadam Kuan

Biscuits, toffees and study materials were distributed to the children to celebrate the 75th birthday of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad at Kadam Kuan in Patna on June 11, 2022.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

RJD leaders discuss present political situation of Bihar

Patna, March 26, 2017: RJD leaders including MPs, MLAs, MLCs and others participated in the party  meeting to discuss the present political situation in Bihar post Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. RJD chief Lalu Prasad and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi were present in the meeting.
RJD leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav called upon the party workers to get prepared for the 2019 general election.
It is also learnt that RJD is mulling to go alone in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui  

RJD leaders greet Lalu Prasad on New Year

RJD leaders greeted RJD chief Lalu Prasad on the first day of New Year in Patna on January 1, 2017.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Disabled person greets Lalu on New Year

A disabled person extended new greetings to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad and Bihar Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav in Patna on January 1, 2017.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Selfie with Lalu Prasad

Fans took selfie with RJD president Lalu Prasad during a function in Patna on September 18, 2016.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Lalu Prasad felicitates Bihar doctors

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad felicitated outstanding doctors of Bihar in function in Patna on September 18, 2016.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

RJD chief Lalu Prasad holds meeting with newly elected MLAs of his party

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad held a meeting with party leaders and new elected members of Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna on November 24, 2015.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Lalu, Rabri offer Arghya to Sun God on Chhath Mahaparva

  

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her husband and RJD chief Lalu Prasad offered Arghya to Sun God at their residence in Patna on November 17, 2015 on the third day of Chhath Mahaparva. Entire family members of Lalu Prasad were present on the occasion.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

RJD chief Lalu Prasad distributes Kharna Prasad

RJD chief Lalu Prasad distributed Kharna Prasad to his party workers on the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival in Patna on November 16, 2015.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui