Shah promises reopening of sugar mills in Bihar

Patna: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday promised the reopening of closed sugar mills in Bihar, saying that the NDA govt would prioritise the state’s industrial revival over the next five years.

Addressing an election rally in Gopalganj virtually due to heavy rain across the state, Shah said, “The Prime Minister has worked to restart the closed Riga Sugar Mill. The remaining closed sugar mills in Bihar will be restarted in the next five years.”


Shah was scheduled to address a public rally in Dalsingsarai but had to cancel it after his helicopter could not take off from Patna due to bad weather. He later addressed rallies in Ujiyarpur (Samastipur), Gopalganj and Vaishali virtually.

“This election is not about electing MLAs, but deciding the future of Bihar. Will we choose those who imposed jungle raj in Bihar for years or the development achieved under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar?” he asked.

Reminding the people of Gopalganj of the lawlessness during the RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi’s regime, Shah referred to Lalu’s brother-in-law Anirudh Prasad Yadav, alias Sadhu Yadav, and said, “Who knows more about Sadhu Yadav’s exploits than the people of Gopalganj? Numerous massacres took place during the jungle raj, including at Bathani Tola, Senari and Shankarbigha, which stained the land of Bihar with blood.”

Highlighting the social welfare measures implemented by the NDA govt, Shah said PM Modi and Nitish Kumar have transferred Rs 10,000 into the bank accounts of 1.41 crore Jeevika Didis. “PM Modi provides Rs 6,000 per year to 87 lakh farmers. After forming the NDA govt, the amount will increase to Rs 9,000. PM Modi and CM Nitish have worked for good governance in Bihar. We will work for the prosperity of farmers by restarting all closed sugar mills within the next five years. The Mahagathbandhan is talking about the MSP. In 2014-15, the MSP of paddy was Rs 1,310 per quintal. We have increased it to Rs 2,400,” he said.

Addressing people in Vaishali, Shah took a swipe at opposition CM face Tejashwi Prasad Yadav over his statement that, if elected, he would make Bihar number one. “CM Nitish has brought Bihar back on track from the jungle raj with much effort. Does Tejashwi want to make Bihar number one in crime and corruption again?” he asked.

He also questioned whether people wanted voting rights for infiltrators. “Rahul Gandhi can take out as many ghuspaithiya-bachao rallies as he wants, but the NDA govt will identify and chase away all infiltrators,” he said.