Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, expressed supreme confidence in the NDA’s prospects in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, predicting a decisive two-thirds majority victory.
The Big Prediction
- Target: Shah predicted the NDA would win “more than 160 seats” in the 243-member Assembly, calling the alliance’s position “very good” and comfortable.
- Alliance Unity: He dismissed concerns about the BJP and JD(U) performance, asserting that their strike rate would be “at least equal.”
- Prashant Kishor Factor: Shah acknowledged that every participant must be taken seriously but smiled off the Jan Suraaj party’s potential impact, stating NDA would get over 160 seats and the rest would be divided among others.
On Development & Promises
- One Crore Jobs: The job promise will be delivered through a blend of government, private, and self-employment opportunities, with a detailed plan to be prepared over the next two years.
- Infrastructure Focus: He highlighted 11 years of work on roads, bridges, and power plants, noting that this industrial infrastructure is now complete.
- Industrial Boost: Shah pointed to Bihar’s recent progress, including becoming No. 1 in ethanol production, the operational Barauni fertiliser plant, and the development of nine large industrial estates.
- Rs 10,000 Aid to Women: Defending the financial assistance, Shah rejected “vote-buying” claims, explaining it’s an empowerment tool that provides seed money for cottage and small-scale industries.
Countering the Opposition
- Jungle Raj Warning: Shah vehemently attacked the RJD, asserting that the party “still runs on the same ideology of lathi rallies and muscle power” and warned, “If they come to power, Jungle Raj will return.”
- Lalu Conviction: He differentiated between a single crime (Mokama incident) and systemic lawlessness, pointing to Lalu Prasad’s conviction as proof of the opposition’s “proven offender” leadership.
- Migration Challenge: Shah acknowledged that reversing the “labour-exporting state” image will take 20-25 years, but believes the trend will begin reversing within the next five years due to industrial growth.
Is there a specific section of the interview you would like me to elaborate on, such as the job plan or the “Jungle Raj” narrative?
