Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who represents Patna Sahib in Parliament, expressed confidence that the NDA will secure a decisive victory when results are declared on November 14. He emphasized that the BJP values long-standing alliances, saying the party maintains relationships regardless of seat-sharing equations. Prasad highlighted the contrast between Nitish Kumar's governance and the previous Lalu-Rabri administration, which he described as marked by kidnappings, police inaction, and corruption. He stated that under Nitish Kumar, Bihar witnessed good roads, universal village electrification, women's empowerment schemes like Jeevika, and honest administration. The BJP leader dismissed concerns about the party lacking a second-rung leadership in Bihar, calling such questions hypothetical and denying allegations against party leaders including Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. He characterized Rahul Gandhi as a political tourist whose campaign about voter roll manipulation failed, noting that Tejashwi Yadav himself did not raise the issue. Prasad called Tejashwi's promise of government jobs for every family financially unviable, estimating it would cost Rs 12 lakh crore. He also downplayed Jan Suraaj's impact, stating it would not hurt the NDA's prospects. Regarding Nitish Kumar's health, Prasad said the Chief Minister has been campaigning extensively across the state.
NDA Alliance and Seat-Sharing Dynamics
Prasad dismissed the significance of the BJP and JD(U) contesting an equal number of seats for the first time, stating that unity matters more than numbers. He recalled that even when the BJP had more seats in 2005 and 2020, the party made Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister. The alliance between BJP and Nitish Kumar dates back to 1996, with only occasional disruptions. Prasad contrasted this with other parties that left the NDA on their own, such as the Badals and Shiv Sena. He described the NDA as having a solid bedrock of support with additional partners joining. The BJP leader stressed that his party ensures alliances continue, despite governing nearly 18 states. He added that the relationship with Nitish Kumar remains rock solid and that only together with the BJP can Kumar deliver stable government with coordination between Union and state administrations.
Opposition Campaign and Jan Suraaj Impact
The BJP leader called Rahul Gandhi a political tourist who occasionally visits Bihar before travelling abroad. He noted that Gandhi's campaign about vote manipulation was a fiasco, pointing out that Tejashwi Yadav himself did not mention the issue. With 99.9 percent of people registering as voters, Prasad said Gandhi's claims were exposed. He explained that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a routine process that continues even a month before voting. Regarding Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, Prasad said everyone has the right to participate in democracy but the movement will not hurt the NDA. He stated that Kishor has been asked many questions without providing answers, and allegations against BJP leaders have been denied. According to Prasad's analysis, Jan Suraaj will not survive the electoral campaign heat and the NDA will win with a massive tally.
Employment Promises and Development Record
Prasad called Tejashwi Yadav's promise of government jobs for all 2.97 crore families financially unviable, calculating it would cost the exchequer Rs 12 lakh crore at conservative estimates. He said Tejashwi knows he will not come to power and is therefore promising the undeliverable. The BJP leader contrasted employment records, stating that during the entire 15 years of Lalu-Rabri administration, only 94,000 jobs were created, while Nitish Kumar's government provided 18 lakh jobs. The NDA is now promising one crore jobs. Prasad highlighted developmental achievements including universal village electrification, new roads and bridges, fertilizer plants, NTPC facilities, and digital payment penetration. He said common service centres and various developmental activities create employment opportunities. The BJP leader emphasized that people of Bihar are mature enough to understand that only Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi can deliver on promises.
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