Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp political message during his Bihar election rally in Samastipur, declaring that the state no longer needs “lanterns” in the age of mobile flashlights and digital connectivity. He highlighted NDA’s digital transformation efforts and urged voters to reject outdated governance models.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted the NDA’s Bihar Assembly election campaign with a high-energy rally in Samastipur on October 24, 2025. In a symbolic swipe at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), whose election symbol is the lantern, Modi asked the crowd to turn on their mobile flashlights and questioned the relevance of lanterns in a digitally empowered Bihar.
Key Highlights
- Modi declared, “When every hand has light, do we still need a lantern?”—drawing thunderous applause from the audience
- He emphasized the NDA government’s role in extending internet access to even the remotest villages of Bihar, making data affordable and accessible
- The Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership and hinted at him being the NDA’s CM candidate, reinforcing alliance unity
- Modi warned against a return to “jungle raj,” referencing the law-and-order issues during previous RJD-led regimes
- The rally also served as a platform to showcase Bihar’s digital transformation, including STPI initiatives in Patna and Darbhanga aimed at nurturing startups and tech innovation
- Modi’s speech blended nostalgia, symbolism, and policy achievements to energize the NDA base ahead of the two-phase elections scheduled for November 6 and 11
The rally marked a strategic blend of emotional appeal and developmental narrative, positioning the NDA as the torchbearer of modern governance in Bihar. With the opposition INDIA bloc led by Tejashwi Yadav mounting its challenge, the digital metaphor of “light over lantern” sets the tone for a high-stakes electoral contest.
Sources: UNI India, Times of India, Indian Express, India TV, NarendraModi.in, Economic Times Government Blog