Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Siwan, Bihar, on Friday launched a fierce attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing the party of disrespecting Dr BR Ambedkar and ignoring the rights and dignity of Dalits and backward classes.
Referring to a controversial video allegedly showing RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav stretching his legs near Ambedkar’s portrait during his 78th birthday celebration, PM Modi said,
“The whole country saw what the RJD did to Babasaheb’s photo. There are posters across Bihar demanding an apology for this insult. But I know these people will never apologise because they have no respect for Dalits and backward classes. RJD and Congress place Babasaheb’s photo at their feet; I keep him in my heart.”
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued a notice to the Bihar Chief Secretary seeking a report within 15 days over the alleged insult to Dr Ambedkar.
Attacking the opposition’s dynastic politics, PM Modi added,
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to progress — this is the spirit of our Constitution. Our motto is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. But for the ‘Lantern’ (RJD) and ‘Panje’ (Congress) parties, it’s all about family progress. This is what Babasaheb opposed.”
In a major development push, the Prime Minister flagged off the first export locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra Plant, destined for the Republic of Guinea under the Make in India initiative. These state-of-the-art locomotives feature high-horsepower engines, advanced propulsion, and energy-efficient braking technologies.
PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, connecting key cities like Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, promising faster and more comfortable travel for the region.
Other key inaugurations included:
- The new Vaishali-Deoria railway line project, valued at over ₹400 crore.
- A new train service launched on this route to boost connectivity.
- Multiple projects in water, rail, and power sectors aimed at accelerating Bihar’s infrastructure growth.
PM Modi was felicitated at a public gathering in Siwan, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Bihar into a hub of development and progress.