Bhagalpur (Bihar) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav for his remarks calling the Kumbh Mela “faaltu” (useless), asserting that those who believe in “jungle raj” despise India’s heritage and faith. Speaking at a massive rally in Bihar’s Bhagalpur, PM Modi expressed confidence that the people of Bihar would not forgive those who insult the sacred Mahakumbh being held in Prayagraj.
“More people than the entire population of Europe have taken a holy dip in this Mahakumbh. However, those from the ‘jungle raj’ are criticising this sacred event. Those who are against the Ram temple are seizing every chance to slander the Mahakumbh. I am confident that the people of Bihar will never forgive those who speak ill of this sacred occasion,” said PM Modi, referring to the ‘Mahakumbh of Unity’ as a representation of India’s deep-rooted faith, unity, and harmony.
His remarks come in response to Lalu Yadav’s February 16 comment, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai kumbh (Kumbh has no meaning. Kumbh is useless),” made in the context of crowd management issues following a tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station.
At the Bhagalpur rally, PM Modi, accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, also released the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana. “At this sacred time of Maha Shivratri, I had the privilege of sending another installment of PM Kisan Nidhi to crores of farmers. Nearly ₹22,000 crore has been transferred directly into the accounts of 9.8 crore farmers across the country with just one click,” he said.
Highlighting the NDA government’s commitment to farmers, PM Modi emphasized the transformation under his administration. “Today, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana includes over 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar alone, with ₹1,600 crore credited to their accounts. Farmers now get better seeds, affordable fertilizers, irrigation facilities, and protection from crop losses. These conditions were neglected under the ‘jungle raj’ and Congress regimes,” he stated.
Addressing agricultural exports and development, Modi said, “India’s agricultural exports have surged due to government efforts, giving farmers higher returns. Products like Bihar’s Makhana are now gaining global recognition. My dream is that every kitchen in the world has something grown by Indian farmers.” He announced the formation of a Makhana Board to promote Bihar’s famed foxnuts internationally.
PM Modi also spoke about the newly introduced ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana,’ aimed at improving farming in 100 districts with the lowest crop production. Celebrating a key milestone, he declared, “We set a target of creating 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across India. That goal has been achieved. The 10,000th FPO, focusing on maize, bananas, and paddy, has been registered in Bihar’s Khagaria district.”
Reiterating the NDA’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), Modi said it rests on four pillars: the poor, farmers, women, and youth. “Only a corruption-free, farmer-focused government can bring such reforms. When Congress and ‘jungle raj’ ruled, they ignored the plight of farmers during natural calamities. In contrast, the PM Phasal Bima Yojana, started in 2014, has provided ₹1.75 lakh crore in claims to farmers affected by disasters,” he asserted.
Bihar is gearing up for its Legislative Assembly elections in October or November this year. PM Modi’s address in Bhagalpur—known for its heritage, faith, and silk industry—comes at a significant time, underscoring the NDA’s focus on development and farmer welfare in the state.