Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the people of Bihar for their overwhelming participation in the first phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections, saying that Bihar has chosen development and sent a message of a strong return for the NDA.

Addressing public meetings in Sitamarhi and Bettiah on Saturday, PM Modi said the youth and women have supported the NDA. The “jungle raj” (lawlessness) has been dealt a blow, and the so-called “katta sarkar” (gun rule) has been rejected.

Referring to the historic 65% voting in the first phase, he said, “Bihar has done wonders in the first phase of voting. Those responsible for the ‘jungle raj’ have suffered a 65-volt shock. Everywhere, people are talking about how Bihar’s youth have chosen development and voted for the NDA. Bihar’s sisters and daughters have also ensured a record victory for the NDA.”

In Sitamarhi, he took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his viral “fishing video.” Mocking the Congress leader, Modi said, “Big leaders are coming to Bihar to catch fish, but the people will not get trapped.”

PM Modi also launched a strong attack on the RJD, saying that on its platforms, innocent children are being made to say that they want to become “rangdaars” (local strongmen).

“There is no place in Bihar now for those who make people say ‘hands up’. What Bihar needs are young people who dream of start-ups. Children of Bihar can no longer become ‘rangdaars’. Our children will become engineers, doctors, and lawyers,” he said.

Modi told the people of Bihar that it is their collective responsibility to prevent the state from returning to ‘jungle raj’ and to continue its journey towards higher levels of development.

“I remind you of this because where the rule of law ends, the poor, the deprived, and the oppressed suffer first. Where guns and extortion rule, the dreams of the youth die. Where there is ‘goonda raj’ (rule of goons), shops shut down, and trade and businesses collapse,” he said.

In Bettiah, Modi said the rally marked the conclusion of his election campaign for the Bihar Assembly election.

“I began the campaign by taking blessings at the sacred birthplace of Bharat Ratna Jananayak Karpoori Thakur. And today, here on the land of truth and satyagraha in Champaran, I am holding my final rally,” he said.

“Champaran has witnessed the most terrifying form of RJD and Congress’s jungle raj. Those who ruled during that period turned this holy land of Satyagraha into a stronghold of goons and dacoits. Murders were frequent, and it was unsafe for sisters and daughters to even step out of their homes,” he added.

“Bihar has given the country the true meaning of social justice. Now, Bihar will become a new example of a prosperous and developed India,” Modi said.