As Bihar gears up for its assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a spirited campaign in the state, exuding confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will return to power with what he called “the biggest majority in 20 years.” While addressing multiple rallies, Shah combined electoral optimism with an emotional pitch to the people of Bihar, invoking both the symbolism of Diwali and the alliance’s record of governance over the last two decades.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Shah said that the people of Bihar are getting the opportunity to celebrate not just one, but “four Diwalis” this year — a metaphor designed to highlight the NDA government’s welfare and economic achievements. “People of Bihar are celebrating four Diwalis this year — on the day of Diwali, on the day when the NDA government transferred ₹10,000 into the accounts of Jeevika Didis, on the day when GST was reduced, and on November 14, when the results of the elections will be announced,” he said, drawing loud cheers from supporters.

Praise for Nitish Kumar and the NDA’s Governance Record

In a marked display of unity within the NDA, Amit Shah lavished praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, acknowledging his contributions to the state’s transformation. “Nitish Kumar has made Bihar free from ‘jungle raj’ in the last 20 years,” Shah said, crediting the chief minister and the NDA government for maintaining law and order and bringing stability to a state once known for its crime and corruption.

The home minister emphasized that under the NDA’s governance, Bihar has witnessed a drastic reduction in criminal activities, improved infrastructure, and a reversal in migration trends. “So much infrastructure work has been done in Bihar that it doesn’t even take five hours to travel from one corner of Bihar to another. This development has been done together by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,” he said. Shah asserted that the NDA’s model of development has changed the image of Bihar from one of backwardness to a state of opportunity and growth.

Highlighting the NDA’s achievements in rural empowerment, Shah pointed to the Jeevika initiative, a state-run livelihood program aimed at supporting women’s self-help groups. The transfer of funds directly into the accounts of Jeevika Didis, he said, represents the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and grassroots development.

Attack on Opposition: “Jungle Raj and Terror Politics”

Turning his attention to the opposition, Shah launched a fierce attack on the Congress-RJD alliance, accusing them of bringing chaos, lawlessness, and terror during their rule. He drew a sharp contrast between the NDA’s governance and what he described as the “dark era” of RJD rule in the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Under the Congress and RJD, terrorists used to play Holi with bloodshed,” Shah said, referring to incidents of violence and insecurity that marked earlier regimes. He added that Bihar had suffered from rampant extortion, kidnappings, and organized crime during those years, whereas the NDA government had restored law and order and given people a sense of safety and pride.

He went on to cite the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s strong response under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’sleadership. “When the Pahalgam terror attack happened, under the leadership of PM Modi, the Armed Forces, through Operation Sindoor, eliminated the terrorists and destroyed their sites,” Shah declared, positioning the NDA as the defender of national security and sovereignty.

RJD Under Fire for Fielding Osama Shahab

A major flashpoint in Shah’s speech was his criticism of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for giving an election ticket to Osama Shahab, the son of late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, from the Raghunathpur assembly constituency in Siwan. Shah questioned the party’s commitment to public safety and governance, asking how a party that promotes individuals with criminal backgrounds could ensure the security of Bihar’s citizens.

“RJD has given a ticket to the son of Shahabuddin, who terrorized Siwan for years. Is this the model of governance they want to bring back? How will the RJD ensure safety and peace if such people are their candidates?” Shah asked. His comments drew strong reactions from NDA supporters, who see the issue as emblematic of the contrast between the current government’s stability and the opposition’s alleged return to “lawlessness.”

The “Four Diwalis” Message: A Strategic Political Metaphor

Amit Shah’s “four Diwalis” pitch was not just a rhetorical flourish — it was a carefully crafted campaign message aimed at connecting development achievements with emotional resonance. By framing the NDA’s welfare and economic measures as occasions of celebration, Shah sought to blend traditional symbolism with modern policy outcomes.

The four “Diwalis” he referred to represent:

1. The festival itself, symbolizing hope and prosperity.
2. Financial empowerment of women, through the transfer of ₹10,000 to Jeevika Didis.
3. Economic relief, through the reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
4. Political victory, predicted for November 14 when election results are declared.

This messaging taps into the emotional and cultural significance of Diwali while underlining tangible government actions that affect voters’ lives. Political analysts suggest that such rhetoric helps the BJP and NDA project themselves as agents of both cultural continuity and material progress — an effective combination in Bihar’s socio-political landscape.

Election Dynamics and NDA’s Strategy

The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases — November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. The NDA alliance, consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and smaller allies, is contesting jointly against a united opposition front led by the RJD and Congress.

The BJP and JD(U) are contesting 101 seats each, while the LJP(R) has been allotted 29 seats, and other smaller allies like HAM and RLM have six each. The NDA’s campaign strategy centers on projecting the Modi-Nitish partnership as a symbol of continuity, stability, and development, while painting the opposition as a return to chaos and corruption.

Amit Shah’s campaign tour in Bihar marks one of the NDA’s most aggressive pushes yet. His consistent praise for Nitish Kumar — once a frequent critic within the BJP’s rank-and-file — signals a deliberate effort to present a united front in the face of opposition challenges.

Conclusion

Amit Shah’s campaign speech in Bihar combined praise, symbolism, and attack in equal measure — celebrating the NDA’s achievements while warning voters against the return of what he called “jungle raj.” His “four Diwalis” analogy served as a metaphor for prosperity, empowerment, and anticipated victory, encapsulating the party’s optimism heading into the polls.

By publicly commending Nitish Kumar and emphasizing 20 years of collaborative governance, Shah sought to reassure voters of the NDA’s unity and developmental continuity. As Bihar heads into elections next month, this campaign narrative — mixing development, security, and symbolism — may well become the defining tone of the NDA’s message to voters.