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The Prime Minister is expected to unveil projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore, including the launch of a Vande Bharat Express train that will connect Pataliputra with Gorakhpur.
PM Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during a public meeting, in Rohtas district, Bihar on May 30. (Image: PMO India)
Just a day after completing his three-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bihar on June 20. The state is set to go to polls later this year. The visit to Siwan holds both developmental and political significance. During this trip, PM Modi will inaugurate numerous infrastructure and welfare projects, and will also address a public rally aimed at boosting the NDA’s campaign in the state.
The Prime Minister is expected to unveil projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore, including the launch of a Vande Bharat Express train that will connect Pataliputra in Bihar with Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
This visit is particularly important given the region’s political history. Siwan was once a stronghold of RJD strongman-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin. With Bihar divided into eight zones for targeted campaigning, BJP sources have indicated that PM Modi will play a central role in the NDA’s outreach efforts in the state.
However, Modi’s visits to Bihar have consistently focused on more than just electoral politics. Each trip has introduced various development and welfare initiatives aimed at transforming the state, which was once labelled as “sick.”
The key projects to be inaugurated by PM Modi during this visit include:
- Bettiah Power Supply Project – Rs 69 crore
- Chhapra Water Supply Project – Rs 19 crore
- Buxar Water Supply Project – Rs 156 crore
- Motihari Sewerage Management Project – Rs 400 crore
- Buxar Sewerage Management Project – Rs 256 crore
- Sasaram Sewerage Network & Treatment Plant – Rs 456 crore
- Siwan Sewerage Network & Treatment Plant – Rs 367 crore
- Arrah Water Supply Project – Rs 138 crore
- Siwan Water Supply Project – Rs 113 crore
- Sasaram Water Supply Project – Rs 77 crore
- Begusarai Water Supply Project – Rs 133 crore
- Motihari I&D and STP Project – Rs 149 crore
- Kasbaul I&D and STP Project – Rs 79 crore
- Buxar I&D and STP Project – Rs 257 crore
- Arrah I&D and STP Project – Rs 328 crore
As the election nears, the NDA has yet to finalise its seat-sharing arrangement. Early indications suggest that both the BJP and JD(U) will contest an equal number of seats, with Nitish Kumar leading the alliance.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the NDA’s chief strategist in Bihar, was scheduled to visit the state recently but had to postpone due to other commitments. He is now expected to tour Bihar in the coming fortnight. Drawing from his Maharashtra campaign strategy, Shah is likely to conduct grassroots-level meetings with party workers rather than large public rallies.
“There is no one like the Home Minister when it comes to energising karyakartas. His connection with the party’s booth-level workers is unparalleled and will play a decisive role in shaping our fortunes in Bihar,” a senior BJP leader said.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to visit Bihar later this month to assess the ground situation, including the impact of flooding in several districts. Elections in the state are likely to be held in two to three phases.
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