PM Modi accuses RJD of grooming ‘Rangdaars’, says record turnout jolted opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 escalated his criticism of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), alleging that the party is encouraging a culture of intimidation among children and fostering an environment of lawlessness in Bihar.

Addressing a high-energy rally in Sitamarhi, Modi said he was “shocked” by a viral video featuring a young boy who declared he wished to become a “rangdaar” — or street bully — when he grows up.

Modi cited the video, in which the child, seen holding a RJD flag, claiming he wants to “loot, beat and kill” and accuses the state government of spreading “jungle raj.” The remarks were made in reference to a recent political clash in Mokama, where Dularchand Yadav was killed, leading to the arrest of Anant Singh.

“Bihar does not want a government built on ‘katta’, ‘kushasan’, ‘kroorta’ and corruption,” Modi said, invoking terms associated with unlawful firearms, misgovernance and brutality. He warned that a return of the RJD would mean a government that “puts a katta to people’s heads and asks them to raise their hands.”

Modi contrasted this with the NDA’s vision. “People don’t want hands up, they want start-up,” he said. “The NDA promotes school bags, computers, cricket bats and hockey sticks — not kattas.”

The Prime Minister also hailed the first-phase voter turnout, which reached 65.08% — the highest in 25 years, according to the Election Commission. Modi described it as a “65-volt shock” to the Opposition. “They are losing sleep. People have made clear where their support lies,” he said.

Positioning himself as a “brand ambassador” of Mithila’s cultural heritage, Modi highlighted his efforts to promote Madhubani paintings globally, noting that he has gifted them to foreign dignitaries.

He also underscored the NDA government’s work in developing the fisheries sector and took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped into a muddy pond in an attempt to show solidarity with fishermen. “I hear some people are practising how to sink,” Modi said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The rally marked an intensification of the Prime Minister’s messaging as he seeks to frame the election as a choice between what he calls the RJD’s legacy of disorder and the NDA’s promise of stability, opportunity and development.