Patna, Bihar – In a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during an election rally in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed RJD over what he described as the return of ‘Jungle Raj’ if the party regains power. Accusing RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family of grabbing land from poor people in exchange for government jobs, PM Modi’s comments reflect the BJP’s focused strategy to spotlight RJD’s alleged corruption and misrule ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi Slams RJD in Bihar became a central talking point as he underscored the risks of dynastic politics and lawlessness under RJD’s past rule.
Modi’s ‘Jungle Raj’ Allegation: A Direct Hit on RJD
Addressing a charged crowd, PM Modi said, “Under the RJD’s rule, Bihar experienced Jungle Raj. There was fear, lawlessness, and corruption. Lalu Yadav and his family snatched land from the poor in exchange for jobs. Is this the kind of politics we want to return to?”
This attack was a clear reference to the ongoing investigation into the “land-for-jobs” scam, in which members of Lalu Yadav’s family, including former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, have been named.
The Land-for-Jobs Controversy
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister (2004-2009), people were given jobs in exchange for land parcels registered in the names of his family members at significantly undervalued rates. The issue has become a major political weapon for the BJP, especially in election season.
In recent weeks, both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate have intensified their actions, including questioning and summoning members of the Yadav family. RJD, however, has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing its image ahead of polls.
BJP’s Political Strategy in Bihar
Bihar remains a politically sensitive state for the BJP, which is seeking to consolidate its voter base by drawing sharp contrasts with the RJD’s previous terms in power. By repeatedly invoking ‘Jungle Raj’ — a phrase that dominated political discourse during RJD’s earlier rule — Modi is aiming to remind voters of the lawlessness and chaos that allegedly prevailed during that time.
The term ‘Jungle Raj’ has long been associated with RJD’s 15-year rule in Bihar from 1990 to 2005, a period often criticized for rising crime rates, poor infrastructure, and weak governance.
RJD’s Counterattack
In response to Modi’s remarks, Tejashwi Yadav accused the Prime Minister of “spreading lies” and using the state’s past as a diversion from present failures. “PM Modi has nothing to show for 10 years of his own government, so he keeps bringing up the past,” Tejashwi said at a press conference. “Bihar needs development, not old accusations.”
He further argued that Modi’s remarks are part of a strategy to polarize voters and distract them from current issues like inflation, unemployment, and rural distress.
Will the ‘Jungle Raj’ Narrative Still Work?
The BJP’s decision to bring back the ‘Jungle Raj’ narrative signals a return to a tried-and-tested formula. However, political analysts suggest that Bihar’s electorate, particularly the youth and first-time voters, may be more concerned about job creation and infrastructure development than political history.
Still, corruption remains a potent issue in Indian politics, and the land-for-jobs allegations offer BJP a real-time controversy with legal traction.
Moreover, Modi’s messaging — linking corruption with dynasty politics — resonates beyond Bihar, fitting into his broader national campaign against family-led parties like RJD, Congress, and others.
