Bihar polls: In his first rally, Rahul invokes killing of 20 soldiers in Ladakh; Tejashwi Yadav attacks CM

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi invoked the killing of 20 soldiers of Bihar in Ladakh in his first rally in favour of the candidates fielded by the Grand Alliance in Nawada, Bihar on Friday.

Saying that Bihar has realised the truth, Rahul raised the issue of Bihari identity in his rally.

With Tejashwi Yadav – the Chief Ministerial candidate of the Grand Alliance on the dias, Rahul attacked PM Modi over several issues including the Chinese incursion, the migrant crisis during the lockdown, demonetisation and unemployment.

Saying that the PM insulted the martyrs of Bihar, Rahul said, “The Chinese army martyred 20 of our soldiers and took over 1200 kilometres of our land. When China came inside our land, the PM said that no one came inside India. And today he says I bow my head. Why did our PM insult the heroes?”

Highlighting the pain and suffering borne by migrants forced to head home during the first phase of lockdown, Rahul said, “When migrant workers from Bihar were being chased away from other states, PM Narendra Modi didn’t help them”.

“You were forced to stand in queues in the heat and rain...Was Adani also standing in line like you? Modi took away your money and put it in the pocket of a handful of rich people,” said Rahul.

“You walked thousands of kilometres, Modi didn’t give you trains or buses. This is the truth. He let you walk with your stomach empty. This time, Modiji will get the answer. I am sure Bihar will teach Modi a lesson,” said Rahul.

Rahul also attacked Modi on the farm laws, saying, “Because of farm laws, thousands of people will become unemployed.”

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav hit out at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the rally, criticising the JD (U) boss for “staying put at home”.

Saying that “Mai yaha ubau aur thakau bhashan dene nahi aaya hu (I have not come here to give a boring and tiresome speech)” Tejasvi said, “Nitish Kumar stayed inside the CM house for 144 days. But now he is out of his house. Why? Tab bhi corona tha, ab bhi corona hai. But now he wants your vote, so he has to step out”.

Attacking Modi, Tejasvi said, “PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar even took away the jobs of those employed and forced all mills to close”.

“Some will make you vote in the name of caste and religion, but remember, you have to keep your focus on the issues of employment. My promise of providing 10 lakhs job will be fulfilled. November 9 is my birthday. On the same day, Lalu ji will walk out of jail. And on November 10, it will be bidayi (departure) of Nitish ji,” he added.

Bihar will vote in three phases on October 28, November 3 and 7 for a new government and the results will be announced on November 10.