New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Operation Sindoor from Bihar’s Motihari as a testament to India’s firm resolve to punish its enemies, asserting that the “new India” spares no effort in defending its interests, whether on land or in the skies.
Addressing a massive public gathering, PM Modi declared, “This is a new India—one that punishes its enemies decisively.” He recalled how Operation Sindoor was launched from the soil of Bihar and emphasized that its success is now being acknowledged globally.
During his visit, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over ₹7,000 crore in Motihari. He lauded Bihar as the land of Champaran, a historic place that gave direction to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement, adding that this inspiration will now shape Bihar’s future.
PM Modi emphasized that the 21st century marks the rise of Eastern nations, and likewise, Eastern India is now set to lead the country’s growth. He envisioned a future where Motihari rivals Mumbai, Patna mirrors Pune, and Jalpaiguri and Jajpur attract tourists like Jaipur. “For Eastern India to progress, Bihar must be transformed into a developed state,” he said.
Criticizing past central governments, PM Modi said that only ₹2 lakh crore was allocated to Bihar over a 10-year period, which he termed political revenge against the Nitish Kumar-led government. In contrast, he stated, his government has provided ₹9 lakh crore for Bihar’s development over the past decade—four times more than before.
He condemned previous regimes for stalling development and misusing funds meant for the poor. “Earlier, development was impossible, and the poor were robbed. Today, the funds go directly to beneficiaries,” he said.
PM Modi celebrated the empowerment of women in Bihar, noting the transformation from a time when they couldn’t even deposit ₹10 in banks to now holding over 3.5 crore Jan Dhan accounts in the state. He credited this financial inclusion for improving the dignity and independence of women.
Highlighting the PM Awas Yojana, he said over 4 crore pucca houses have been built across India, with nearly 60 lakh in Bihar. In Motihari alone, around 3 lakh families have received homes, including 12,000 families who received keys today.
In a major announcement, the Prime Minister unveiled a new ₹1 lakh crore Central Government scheme to support first-time job seekers in the private sector. Starting August 1, beneficiaries will receive ₹15,000 upon their first private-sector appointment.
PM Modi also spotlighted the Mudra Yojana, under which 60,000 youth in Champaran have received loans for self-employment ventures in just the past two months.
He took a jibe at opposition leaders, accusing them of offering false promises of jobs while grabbing land from the people. He urged voters to remember the contrast between the “era of lanterns” and the “Bihar of today”, now bright with hope and progress.
Lauding the decline in Naxalism, the PM said districts like Champaran, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Jamui are now seeing peace and development. He reiterated the government’s goal to eliminate Maoist violence entirely, enabling youth to dream big.
For tribal welfare, PM Modi highlighted the Janman Yojana, with ₹25,000 crore allocated for the development of the most marginalized tribal communities.
He introduced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 underperforming yet agriculturally promising districts to boost productivity and income. Nearly 1.75 crore farmers, including many from Bihar, will benefit.
Referring to Bihar’s rich agricultural heritage, he mentioned the formation of a Makhana Board, and linked produce like banana, litchi, Mircha rice, Katarni rice, Zardalu mango, and Maghai paan to global markets.
Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, he said over ₹3.5 lakh crore has been distributed across India, with ₹1,500 crore reaching over 5 lakh farmers in Motihari alone.
The PM highlighted the construction of the Ram-Janaki Path through Sattarghat, Kesariya, Chakia, and Madhuban, and a Sitamarhi-Ayodhya rail line to ease travel for pilgrims. These infrastructure projects, he noted, will also generate local employment.
Stressing inclusivity, PM Modi said their government gives priority to the backward and extremely backward—whether regions or communities. He credited the granting of constitutional status to the OBC Commission as a major milestone.
He also emphasized that border villages, once deemed “last,” are now viewed as “first” by the government, reflecting a shift in developmental priorities.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Jitan Ram Manjhi, Giriraj Singh, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Chirag Paswan, and others.
