Amit Shah’s Purnia Rally Criticizes Mahagathbandhan Ahead of Bihar Phase-2 Polls

Purnia: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections saw record voter turnout, and the second phase is scheduled for November 11. At this crucial time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a rally in Banmankhi, Purnea, and made scathing remarks against the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). His speech was primarily an attack on the leadership and actions of the Mahagathbandhan, aimed at influencing voters in favor of the NDA. Bihar Elections: Leaders step up campaigning from Seemanchal to Champaran ahead of 2nd Phase Direct Allegation Against the Mahagathbandhan Amit Shah stated that Mahagathbandhan leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav want to turn the Seemanchal region into a "stronghold of infiltrators." He alleged that the Mahagathbandhan protects those who create problems for the local population – impacting jobs, rations, and security. Shah explicitly stated that the NDA would remove these infiltrators and free the land of Seemanchal. 'Alliance of Thieves' vs. 'Five Pandavas' Amit Shah framed the election as a contest between two camps: on one side, he described the Mahagathbandhan as a "disjointed alliance of thieves," and on the other, he presented the NDA as the "five Pandavas." This statement is part of a strategy to portray the opposition as irresponsible and fragmented, while presenting the NDA as a united, capable, and development-oriented leadership. [caption id="attachment_169178" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Amit Shah urges Bihar voters to vote in record numbers to block the return of Jungle Raj.[/caption] He claimed that the results of the first phase were unfavorable for the Mahagathbandhan and that the NDA was poised to win a majority. Security, Crime, and the Previous Regime Shah referred to the rule of Lalu and Rabri, stating that there were serious law and order problems during their time – reiterating instances of murder, robbery, and kidnapping. His argument was that Nitish Kumar ended the "jungle raj" (lawless rule), but now the same "jungle raj" is trying to return in a different guise, and therefore, it must be stopped by voting against it. The purpose of this statement was to suggest that the crime and insecurity of the past could return if the opposition comes to power. Use of Controversial Names and Rhetoric He also mentioned the case of giving a ticket to the son of Shahabuddin in Siwan, accusing the Mahagathbandhan of promoting criminal elements. Such names are used to intensify electoral sentiments and connect with local voters—although this rhetoric can also be considered controversial and divisive. Explained: Why did voter turnout surge by 8%in Bihar Election 2025? Overall, Amit Shah's speech was a mixed approach of asserting the NDA's strength, criticizing the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), and appealing to voters' emotions on the Seemanchal issue. He urged voters to prevent the return of the old order by casting their votes and to give the NDA a full majority for development.