Patna: There is no comfort zone for the BJP and the NDA takes every election very seriously. This Bihar election is also tough and a challenge for us. That’s why everyone is relentlessly working so hard to win this election,” said Union education minister and BJP’s Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan in an exclusive interview to TOI.
“PM Narendra Modi is reaching out to BJP karyakartas and holding 14 rallies and a roadshow in Patna. CM
Nitish Kumar, Amit Shah and many NDA leaders are travelling by roads and helicopters for hundreds of kilometres every day, braving heavy rain. But people’s trust in NDA to deliver will ensure a qualitative and decisive victory for us in the 2025
Bihar elections,” Pradhan said.
He added that Bihar is now in the take-off stage as there has been a paradigm shift in the state. “If any state is poised for a big leap toward industrialisation, it’s Bihar,” Pradhan said.
He also dismissed the health and anti-incumbency issues being raised by the opposition against Nitish. Pradhan said Nitish is perfectly healthy and addresses four to five election rallies daily. He also ruled out any trust deficit within the NDA, saying Nitish is the alliance’s mascot and that the people of Bihar have endorsed this coalition in several elections.
“There is huge trust and belief in PM Modi and CM Nitish. In fact, there is pro-incumbency in Bihar as the aspirational society in the state knows only NDA can deliver and realise their dream. While NDA is united, the opposition is tense. Nitish is Bihar CM and NDA is unanimous on his face in this election,” Pradhan said.
Targeting leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Chhath and PM Modi, he said the Congress leader is a dynasty politician and does not understand Indian culture, ethos or democratic values. “The language he uses to address the PM is unbecoming of the leader of the opposition. He comes to Bihar and abuses Chhath! This only shows his mental state,” Pradhan said.
“People have rejected RJD chief Lalu & Co. for the last 20 years. They trust the NDA,” he added.
The writer has a vast experience of over 30 years in the field of...
Read MoreThe writer has a vast experience of over 30 years in the field of journalism, as a reporter and a news editor. He has officiated as a bureau head and presided over the local desk in Patna and abroad. He has covered a variety of topics, from politics to sports, in India and abroad. He has covered top golfers and tennis players in tournaments held in Doha (Qatar).
Read Less