In a powerful rally in Alinagar, Darbhanga, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress for promoting dynastic politics. Speaking in support of the 25-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Maithili Thakur, Shah lauded her as a symbol of opportunity and merit, contrasting her candidacy with what he referred to as the “family-first” politics of the opposition parties. His speech targeted the dynastic nature of political parties, which, he claimed, prioritize family interests over public service.

Amit Shah’s Support for Maithili Thakur

Shah highlighted Maithili Thakur’s nomination as a major step forward in challenging the traditional dynastic politics of parties like the RJD and Congress. He pointed out that Thakur, at just 25 years old, had no political background, which, he argued, was a refreshing contrast to the RJD and Congress, both of which he accused of promoting political dynasties. “We have given a ticket to Maithili Thakur, who has no political background. Can this happen in the Congress or RJD?” he asked the crowd, noting the difference between the BJP’s approach and the opposition’s reliance on family politics.

He further criticized the Congress and RJD for focusing on family legacies, stating that Sonia Gandhi was aiming to make her son, Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister, and Lalu Prasad Yadav was grooming his son to become the Chief Minister. Shah used these examples to draw a sharp contrast with the BJP, underlining that such practices were a hindrance to true democratic values and opportunity. “With Narendra Modi in Delhi and Nitish Kumar in Bihar, there are no vacancies for dynastic politics right now,” Shah said, making a clear distinction between the BJP’s vision and that of its rivals.

Cultural Identity and Development in Mithila

Shah then shifted the focus to the cultural identity of Mithila, emphasizing its importance and connection to the local heritage. He invoked revered local figures such as Vidyapati and Sharda Sinha, highlighting their contribution to the region’s culture. He also announced two major projects aimed at further promoting Mithila’s cultural heritage. Shah revealed plans for a grand Sita Maiya Temple, to be built with a budget of Rs 850 crore, and a cultural museum in Darbhanga, with a budget of Rs 500 crore. These projects, he said, would not only enhance the region’s cultural identity but also contribute to its economic growth.

In addition to these cultural projects, Shah credited the Modi government for its recognition of Maithili in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and the establishment of the Makhana Board, which he said would provide significant support to the region’s agricultural and economic sectors.

Corruption Allegations Against RJD and Congress

Continuing his criticism of the opposition, Shah accused the RJD and Congress of being involved in decades of corruption. He specifically mentioned the fodder scam, land-for-jobs scam, and alleged that the Congress had committed scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore. He pointed to these accusations as evidence of the failures of the previous governments and their focus on personal and family interests instead of serving the people.

Shah also took a moment to highlight the achievements of the Modi government, including the revocation of Article 370, the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), and the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He remarked that “Ram Lalla had to live in a tent for 550 years because of these parties,” underscoring the BJP’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues that the Congress and RJD had failed to address.

Development Projects in Darbhanga

In his speech, Shah took time to showcase the development initiatives undertaken by the NDA government in the Darbhanga region. He listed several key projects, such as the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in Darbhanga, the Darbhanga Airport, the Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, and the Western Kosi Canal Project. These initiatives, Shah said, were a testament to the NDA government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Bihar.

He also highlighted various welfare measures that the government has implemented, including the distribution of free rations to 8.52 crore people in Bihar. Shah emphasized the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, which covers Rs 5 lakh for 3.53 crore citizens in Bihar. Additionally, he mentioned the financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each provided to 1.25 crore Jeevika Didis, contributing to the empowerment of women in the state.

Strengthening the NDA’s Vision for Bihar

Concluding his speech, Shah urged the people of Bihar to reject dynastic politics and to support the BJP’s vision for a developed and prosperous state. He called on voters to strengthen the hands of both Narendra Modi at the national level and Nitish Kumar at the state level, stating that the NDA’s focus on development and heritage (Vikas and Virasat) would pave the way for a brighter future for Bihar.

Shah’s remarks were clear: the BJP’s emphasis on opportunity, merit, and good governance stood in stark contrast to the opposition’s focus on family politics. He urged the people to choose progress over nepotism and to give their support to candidates like Maithili Thakur, who represent the future of Bihar, not just a continuation of family legacies.

Amit Shah’s speech in Darbhanga was a direct challenge to the dynastic politics of the RJD and Congress. By backing Maithili Thakur, the BJP is positioning itself as a party of opportunity and merit, in contrast to the family-first politics of the opposition. The development projects and welfare measures highlighted by Shah emphasize the NDA’s commitment to improving the infrastructure and well-being of the people of Bihar. As the election season progresses, this rallying cry for change and progress is likely to resonate with many voters who are seeking a break from the old political dynasties and are looking for a government that prioritizes development, merit, and inclusive growth.