Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

In this sacred month of Sawan, I bow at the feet of Baba Someshwarnath and seek his blessings, so that all the people of Bihar may be blessed with happiness and prosperity.

Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan ji; the popular Chief Minister of the State, Shri Nitish Kumar ji; my Cabinet colleagues —Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi ji, Shri Giriraj Singh ji, Shri Lalan Singh ji, Shri Chirag Paswan ji, Shri Ramnath Thakur ji, Shri Nityanand Rai ji, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey ji, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary ji; Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary ji and Shri Vijay Sinha ji; my fellow Parliamentarians; senior leader from Bihar, Shri Upendra Kushwaha ji; state President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bihar, Shri Dilip Jaiswal ji; the Ministers present; elected representatives; and my brothers and sisters of Bihar!

Thanks to Radha Mohan Singh ji, I often get the opportunity to visit Champaran.This is the land of Champaran—a land that has made history. During the freedom struggle, this land gave a new direction to Mahatma Gandhi. Now, the same land will inspire a new future for Bihar.

Today, projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crore have been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you, and to all the people of Bihar, for these development initiatives. Here, a young man has come with a complete model of the Ram Temple—what a magnificent creation! I believe he wishes to present it to me. I would like to request my SPG personnel to ensure that he writes his name and address underneath it. I will write a letter to you. Did you make this? Yes? Then kindly hand it over to my SPG personnel when they arrive—you will certainly receive a letter from me. I am deeply grateful to you. In a place where the daily remembrance of Sita Mata is part of the cultural fabric, you are presenting me with a beautiful model of the grand temple of Ayodhya. I am truly thankful to you, young man.

Friends,

In the 21st century, the world is advancing at a rapid pace. Once, power was concentrated in the hands of Western nations, but now, the influence and participation of Eastern nations are growing. Eastern nations are embracing a new momentum of development. Just as Eastern countries are progressing globally, this era in Bharat belongs to our Eastern states. It is our firm resolve that, in the times to come, just as Mumbai represents Western India, Motihari will represent the East. Just as Gurugram offers opportunities, so too shall Gaya. Like Pune, Patna shall witness industrial development. Just as Surat has seen growth, so too shall Santhal Pargana. Let tourism in Jalpaiguri and Jajpur reach new heights like Jaipur. And may the people of Birbhum advance as Bengaluru has.

Brothers and sisters,

To ensure the rise of Eastern Bharat, we must make Bihar a developed state. Today, the pace of development in Bihar is rapid because both the Centre and the State have governments dedicated to Bihar's progress. Let me share a statistic with you. During the 10 years of UPA rule, when Congress and RJD were in power at the Centre, Bihar received only around Rs 2 lakh crore. That is, over 10 years, approximately Rs 2 lakh crore. Clearly, they were punishing Nitish ji’s government, punishing Bihar. In 2014, when you gave me the opportunity to serve at the Centre, I put an end to this old politics of vengeance against Bihar. Over the past 10 years, under the NDA government, the funds allocated for Bihar’s development have increased manifold. Just now, Samrat Choudhary ji was sharing those figures—funds amounting to several lakh crore rupees have been provided.

Friends,

This means that compared to the Congress-RJD era, our government has given Bihar several times more financial support. These funds are being used for public welfare and development projects across the state.

Friends,

It is essential for today’s generation to understand the state of despair Bihar was in two decades ago. Under the rule of RJD and Congress, development had come to a standstill. The funds meant for the poor never reached them. Those in power were primarily concerned with how to loot the rights and entitlements of the poor. But Bihar is the land of bravehearts—those who make the impossible possible, the land of tireless workers. You liberated this land from the shackles of RJD and Congress. You made the impossible possible. As a result, welfare schemes are now directly reaching the poor in Bihar. In the past 11 years, over four crore houses have been built for the poor across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Of these, nearly 60 lakh homes have been constructed in Bihar alone for the poor. That means we have provided pucca houses to more people in Bihar than the entire population of countries like Norway, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Let me give you another example—right here in our own Motihari district, nearly 3 lakh poor families have received pucca houses. And the count continues to rise rapidly. Even today, over 12,000 families here have had the good fortune of moving into their own pucca houses. More than 40,000 poor families have received direct financial assistance in their bank accounts for constructing their homes. Most of these beneficiaries are my brothers and sisters from the Dalit, Mahadalit, and backward families. You are well aware that under the rule of RJD and Congress, it was unimaginable for the poor to get pucca houses. Under their regime, people were afraid even to paint or renovate their homes, fearing they might be harassed or evicted. Those under RJD could never have given you a pucca house.

Friends,

Today, as Bihar moves forward, mothers and sisters of the state are the greatest strength behind this progress. As I observed earlier today, lakhs of women were blessing us—it was a heart-touching sight. The mothers and sisters of Bihar, the women of this land, fully understand the significance of every step being taken by the NDA. Just recall—there was a time when even if you had ten rupees, you had to hide it. You had no bank accounts, nor was anyone allowed to enter banks. Only Modi understands what self-respect means for the poor. Modi asked the banks—how can you not open your doors for the poor? We launched a massive campaign and opened Jan Dhan accounts. This initiative greatly benefitted the women from the poor families. In Bihar alone, approximately 3.5 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened for women. After that, the money from government schemes began to be transferred directly into these accounts. Just a few days ago, my friend Nitish ji’s government, as he also just announced, increased the pension amount for the elderly, differently-abled, and widowed mothers from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month. This money too will be deposited directly into your bank accounts. In just the last 1.5 months, assistance worth more than Rs 1,000 crore has been sent to over 24,000 self-help groups in Bihar. This has been possible only because our mothers and sisters now possess the power of Jan Dhan accounts.

Friends,

The results of these efforts towards women’s empowerment are clearly visible. Across the country, and in Bihar too, the number of “Lakhpati Didis” is steadily rising. Our target is to make 3 crore women as 'Lakhpati Didis' in Bharat. So far, 1.5 crore women have achieved this milestone. In Bihar too, over 20 lakh women have become “Lakhpati Didis.” Right here in Champaran, more than 80,000 women have joined self-help groups and become “Lakhpati Didis.”

Friends,

Today, a Community Investment Fund of Rs 400 crore has also been disbursed here. This fund will help strengthen the power of women. The 'Jeevika Didi' scheme introduced by Nitish ji has paved the way for lakhs of women in Bihar to become self-reliant.

Friends,

The vision of the BJP and NDA is clear—Bharat will move forward only when Bihar progresses. And Bihar will move forward only when the youth of Bihar progress. Our resolve is clear—A prosperous Bihar, with employment for every youth! To ensure that the youth of Bihar find ample employment opportunities within the state itself, significant work has been undertaken over the past years. Nitish ji’s government has provided employment to lakhs of young people in government jobs with complete transparency. Nitish ji has recently made fresh resolutions for employment opportunities for the youth of Bihar, and the Central Government is working shoulder to shoulder with him.

Friends,

A few days ago, the Central Government approved a major scheme. Under this initiative, any young person receiving their first employment opportunity in a private company will be given Rs 15,000 from the Central Government. This scheme is set to be implemented from 1st August. The Central Government plans to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in this programme—to provide new jobs to new youngsters. Bihar’s youth will also greatly benefit from this initiative.

Friends,

To promote self-employment in Bihar, schemes like the MUDRA Yojana are being accelerated. In just the past two months, lakhs of loans have been distributed in Bihar under this scheme. Right here in Champaran, 60,000 youngsters have received MUDRA loans for self-employment.

Friends,

Those in RJD can never provide you with employment—the very people who, in the name of giving you jobs, would take your land and register it in their own names. Never forget—on one hand, the Bihar of the lantern era, and on the other this Bihar lit with the flame of new hope. This journey has been made possible by walking hand in hand with the NDA. That is why Bihar’s resolve is unwavering—With the NDA, at every moment!

Friends,

In recent years, the firm crackdown on Naxalism in Bihar has paved the way for a better and more secure future for the state's youth. Maoism, which held back districts like Champaran, Aurangabad, Gaya ji, and Jamui for many years, is now breathing its last. The dark shadow of Maoism that once loomed over these regions has lifted, and today, the youth of these areas are dreaming big. It is our firm resolve to completely rid Bharat of Naxalism.

Friends,

This is a new Bharat—one that spares no effort, leaving no stone unturned to bring justice to the enemies of Bharat Mata. From this very soil of Bihar, I had resolved to launch 'Operation Sindoor', and today, the entire world is witnessing its success.

Friends,

Bihar lacks neither potential nor resources. Today, these resources are becoming the driving force of Bihar’s progress. Just look at how, thanks to the NDA government’s efforts, the price of makhana has significantly increased—because we connected the makhana farmers here to larger markets. We are establishing a Makhana Board. Banana, litchi, Marcha rice, Katarni rice, Zardalu mangoes, Magahi paan—these and many other products will now connect the farmers and youth of Bihar to global markets.

Brothers and sisters,

Enhancing agricultural produce and increasing farmers' incomes is our top priority. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, approximately Rs 3.5 lakh crore has already been provided to farmers. Here in Motihari alone, more than 5 lakh farmers have received over Rs 1,500 crore.

Friends,

We do not stop at slogans, nor do we limit ourselves to promises—we deliver through action. When we say that we are continuously working for the backward and most backward sections, this is clearly reflected in both our policies and our decisions. The mission of the NDA government is—priority to every backward section! Whether it be backward regions or socially backward classes, they are our government's foremost priority. For decades, more than 110 districts in our country were labelled as 'backward' and left to their fate. We, however, prioritised these districts—not calling them backward but renaming them Aspirational Districts and driving their development. That is, 'priority to the backward'. Even our border villages were long regarded as the last villages and thus neglected. We changed this mindset—giving priority to the development of these so-called ‘last villages’, and redefined them instead as the 'first villages' of the country. Once again, 'priority to the backward'. Our OBC community had been demanding constitutional status for the OBC Commission for decades. It was our government that fulfilled this demand. Among our tribal communities as well, we identified and prioritised those who were most marginalised through the JANMAN scheme, and Rs 25,000 crore is now being spent for their development. That is why I say—those who are backward are our priority.

And in line with this very vision, another major scheme has just been launched. Two days ago, the Union Cabinet approved the 'Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana'. Under this scheme, 100 of the most agriculturally backward districts will be identified. These are districts that hold immense agricultural potential but still lag behind in productivity and farmer income. These districts will be prioritised and supported under this scheme. That is, 'priority to the backward'—and nearly 1.75 crore farmers across the country will directly benefit from it. A very large number of these beneficiaries will be my farmer brothers and sisters from Bihar.

Friends,

Today, railway and road projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have been inaugurated and had their foundation stones laid. These projects will greatly benefit the people of Bihar. Across various routes in the country, the Amrit Bharat Express has been flagged off. A direct Amrit Bharat Express will now also run from Motihari-Bapudham to Anand Vihar, Delhi. The Motihari railway station too is being redeveloped with a new look and enhanced facilities. The doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line will provide a lot of convenience to passengers on this route.

Friends,

The land of Champaran is also deeply connected to our Spirituality and culture. The Ram-Janaki Path passes through Sattarghat, Kesariya, Chakia, and Madhuban in Motihari. The new railway line being constructed from Sitamarhi to Ayodhya will enable devotees from Champaran to travel to Ayodhya for darshan. The greatest benefit of all these efforts is the improved connectivity in Bihar, which will also generate new employment opportunities.

Friends,

Congress and RJD have long practised politics in the name of the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities. But far from granting equal rights, they do not even extend respect to those outside their own families. Their arrogance is now plain for all of Bihar to see. We must protect Bihar from their ill intentions. The team of Nitish ji, the BJP team, and the entire NDA have worked tirelessly here for many years. Distinguished figures like Shri Chandra Mohan Rai ji have guided us along the way. Together, we must accelerate these efforts for Bihar’s development. Together, we must move towards a brighter future for Bihar. Let us take a pledge—Banayenge Naya Bihar, Phir Ekbar NDA Sarkar (We will build a new Bihar, once again with the NDA government!)

With this, I once again extend my hearty congratulations to you all for today’s development projects. Now, with both hands raised high, say with full strength—

Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/VJ/SKS/IG

 

(Release ID: 2145773)