Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched 28 development projects worth more than Rs 5,900 crore in Bihar’s Siwan district.

Addressing a public gathering in Bihar, Prime Minister launched an attack on the Opposition parties Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing them of hurting the pride of the state.

“Bihar became a symbol of poverty under the rule of ‘Panja’ (Congress) and ‘Lantern’ (RJD). It is the NDA that has brought Bihar back on the path of development,” the Prime Minister said.

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The actions of RJD and Congress reflect their anti-Bihar and anti-investment mindset, said Modi adding, “Whenever they talk about development, people see shops shut, businesses closed, industries stalled and locks hanging everywhere. That’s why they have never won the trust of Bihar’s youth.”

He also stated that Congress’ ‘licence raj’ kept Bihar poor for a long time.

The Prime Minister further stated that while the BJP’s slogan is ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’, the opposition believes in ‘parivaar ka vikas’.

Reflecting upon his recent visit to Canada for the 51st G-7 Summit, the Prime Minister said that leaders around the world are very impressed with the progress of India. He said they are seeing India becoming the third largest economic power and stated that Bihar will play a crucial role in the same.

“The jungle raj rulers had completely shut down Bihar’s engine of development. But today, an engine made in Bihar will power trains in Africa and that is a matter of great pride. I firmly believe that Bihar will become a major hub for ‘Made in India’. Not only will Bihar’s makhana and fruits and vegetables reach international markets, but products made in Bihar’s factories will also find their way to markets across the world,” he said.

The Prime Minister was felicitated at the public meeting in Siwan, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects, including in the water, rail, and power sectors.