Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the NDA government in Bihar, accusing it of failing the state on all fronts despite promises of rapid development under the so-called ‘double engine’ model.
Addressing the Extended Congress Working Committee meeting in Patna, Kharge said Bihar’s economy remains stagnant, with unemployment crossing 15% and lakhs of youth migrating each year. He also alleged that recruitment scams and frequent floods continue to worsen the plight of the state’s farmers and youth.
“The BJP reinstalled Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister in January 2024, claiming Bihar would progress with a ‘double engine’ government. But there has been no special package from the Centre. Floods, unemployment, and migration remain unaddressed. The double engine claim has proved hollow,” Kharge said.
He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of breaking his promise to revive Bihar’s sugar industry and alleged that BJP itself now considers CM Nitish Kumar a “liability.”
Highlighting caste and reservation issues, Kharge said 80% of Bihar’s population belongs to OBC, EBC, and SC/ST communities and demanded constitutional protection for the 65% reservation already passed by the state government. Drawing parallels with Tamil Nadu’s 69% quota protection granted three decades ago, he questioned the Centre’s reluctance to extend the same to Bihar.
Kharge also targeted Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath for banning caste-based references in rallies and records, calling it an attack on social justice movements.
On governance, the Congress chief alleged that Bihar is facing rising crime, shortage of teachers, and a collapsed public health system. “Hospitals lack medicines, and ordinary people are forced to rely on costly private care or travel outside Bihar for treatment,” he said.