Modi’s Makhana Politics: Day After Budget, PM Woos Delhi Voters By Referring To Sop For Bihar

New Delhi: A day after Budget 2025— which had big gifts for poll-bound Bihar—Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his NDA government’s efforts for the eastern state, which is being ruled by its ally, Nitish Kumar’s JDU, for wooing voters in New Delhi’s RK Puram, where he addressed a rally on Sunday.

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections later this year, the Centre announced several key initiatives for the state. Finance Minister Sitharaman had announced plans to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar to help farmers access central scheme benefits. Also, Bihar will also see the development of greenfield airports. Apart from this, she announced the launch of a canal project in the Mithilanchal region and capacity expansion at IIT Patna.

Speaking at the Delhi campaign rally, Modi claimed that he  had got messages in large numbers from Purvanchali and Bihari communities. “I understand their feelings because I am also an MP from Purvanchal. During Covid, some parties treated them unfairly. They were forced out of Delhi. But the BJP government will always support the people of Purvanchal and Bihar,” he added. This was an indirect reference to AAP government’s handling of migrant workers in Delhi during the Covid pandemic.

He also mentioned the creation of a Makhana Board to support local farmers in Bihar, especially Dalits. “When I work for the welfare of Dalit families, these people mock us,” he added.

‘No slums in Delhi will be demolished’

He also assured the people of Delhi that no slum would be demolished in Delhi if the BJP comes to power. This was an indirect response to the recent claims by Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who alleged that the BJP would target slum areas if voted to power. “Not a single slum will be demolished in Delhi. We don’t make announcements just for show. We make provisions in the budget to back our promises,” PM Modi said, condemning the AAP for spreading misinformation.

Campaigning has gained momentum in the national capital as voting across 70 assembly seats in Delhi will be held in a single phase on Feb 5. The counting of votes is scheduled for Feb 8.

Attacks AAP, Congress, woos women voters

Modi credited women voters for his political success. He dubbed the women voters as his “shield”. “Mothers, sisters, and daughters are Modi’s protective shield. If I am serving the country for the third time, it’s because of the support from the women of India. That’s why women remain at the center of every Modi guarantee,” he added. He accused AAP and Congress of betraying Delhi’s youth in the name of sports development. He made references to the Commonwealth Games scam.