As the political battle in Bihar intensifies ahead of the 2025 elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a bold promise during a rally in Gopalganj. He claimed that if the NDA is given another five years in power, they will make Bihar permanently flood-free. However, this statement did not go unchallenged, as RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav launched a sharp attack on the BJP’s track record in the state.
Lalu’s Counterattack: “What Were You Doing for 20 Years?”
Taking to social media, Lalu Yadav mocked Shah’s statement and asked, “Give us one more chance, we will work on flood control—Amit Shah. What were you doing for 20 years? Inviting floods?” His sarcastic remark pointed towards the BJP’s long-standing presence in Bihar’s political landscape, questioning why flood control measures had not been implemented effectively before.
Tejashwi Yadav Joins the Criticism
Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also criticized Amit Shah’s promise. In a fiery post on social media, he asked, “For the last 20 years, was Bihar being governed by the Taliban?” Tejashwi accused the BJP of misleading the public with empty promises and failing to deliver on real development.
The Reality of Bihar’s Flood Crisis
Bihar has historically suffered from severe floods due to its geographical location. Major rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, and Gandak frequently overflow, affecting millions of people. The state’s flood management policies have been inconsistent, with successive governments failing to provide a permanent solution.
Amit Shah’s promise to eradicate floods in just five years has raised skepticism among political analysts and the general public. Flood control requires massive infrastructure development, better drainage systems, embankment strengthening, and inter-state coordination, none of which can be accomplished in a short span of time without sustained efforts.
Amit Shah’s Other Promises: Revival of Sugar Mills
Apart from flood control, Amit Shah also pledged to revive Bihar’s defunct sugar mills. He pointed out that before 2005, Bihar accounted for nearly 30% of India’s sugar production, but this figure has drastically fallen due to the closure of multiple mills. He assured the public that if the NDA returns to power, these industries would be revitalized, creating employment and boosting the state’s economy.
Political Reactions and the Road to 2025 Elections
Amit Shah’s speech in Gopalganj was aimed at rallying support for the upcoming elections, but the backlash from opposition leaders like Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav indicates that the NDA will face stiff resistance in Bihar. The RJD and other opposition parties are using the BJP’s past failures as a weapon to challenge its credibility.
The NDA, on the other hand, is betting on promises of economic revival and infrastructure development to woo voters. With the elections approaching, the debate over Bihar’s development, especially flood management, is expected to become a major campaign issue.
