Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has dismissed the BJP’s claims of winning over 160 seats in the Bihar Assembly elections. He stated that the people will decide the final outcome. Kharge also questioned the ruling alliance’s failure to address law and order issues and illegal infiltration. Union home minister Amit Shah had earlier projected a sweeping victory for the NDA. Mallikarjun Kharge (ANI) NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) claims of securing over 160 seats in the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the final verdict will rest with the people, not political slogans or data projections.“We have faith in the people. We know where they get their data and figures from. Earlier as well, they gave a slogan of 400 paar and whatnot. But we have faith only in the people. People will do justice and decide what’s best for them,” Kharge said, responding to the NDA’s claim of a sweeping victory.Taking aim at the NDA’s frequent use of the “jungle raj” narrative against the opposition, Kharge questioned why the BJP-led alliance had failed to curb law and order issues or illegal infiltration despite being in power for years.“Jungle Raj and all these things are old issues. Why did they not end jungleraj in 20 years? Why didn’t they push out infiltrators? This is a failure of the central government and the state government. I want to call out their double-engine government for this failure,” he said.Kharge’s remarks came soon after Union home minister Amit Shah told a rally in Purnea that the NDA would win “over 160 seats” in the 243-member assembly. Shah has been leading the BJP’s campaign across Bihar, highlighting, according to him, infrastructure growth, improved law and order, and social welfare measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar.Shah has repeatedly warned voters against a possible return of “jungle raj” under a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led government, accusing the RJD-Congress alliance of prioritising family interests over governance. He has cited incidents of violence, kidnapping, and extortion during the RJD’s previous tenure to back his charge.The NDA campaign has centred around themes of development, security, and regional pride, while the opposition bloc, including the Congress and RJD, has sought to counter the allegations with price rise, unemployment, and failure of the so-called “double-engine” government.The first phase of the Bihar elections this week recorded a 65.08 per cent voter turnout, the highest in the state’s electoral history. The second phase of polling for 122 seats will take place on November 11, with results scheduled for November 14.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDeadlock Deepens: Afghanistan Calls Pakistan Irresponsible As Peace Talks Break Down Once AgainPM Modi’s ‘65-Volt Jhatka’ Jibe Rocks Bihar Rally, Mocks Rahul’s Pond Dive As ‘Doobne Ki Practice’From Canada To New Zealand, The World Sings Along As India’s National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ Turns 150CIA Whistleblower Confirms Pakistan’s F-16s Were Nuke-Capable, But US Hid The Truth From The WorldBangladesh: NCP Warns Of Political Violence Ahead Of First Polls Since Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster‘They Were Treated Badly’: Families of Indians Trapped in Myanmar Job Scam React, MEA Sounds WarningPM Modi Flags Off Four Vande Bharat Express Trains From Varanasi, Says ‘New India On Fast Track’Massive Fire Engulf Bengali Basti Near Rithala Metro, One Killed As Firefighters Battle FlamesMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira Govt123Photostories12 deep-fried foods to enjoy with chai during the winter season10 flowers that mostly bloom in November‘English Vinglish’,‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ to ‘Kapoor & Sons’: When Bollywood broke the sanskaari mold and portrayed families as they really areAnanya Panday to Ariana Grande: 5 best looks of the day7 things not to shop for on Saturday and whyManoj Bajpayee’s most iconic scenes from ‘The Family Man’ seasonsExplained: What’s behind massive Delhi airport chaos that led to 800 flight delays?8 Common vegetables in Japan which are powerhouse of nutrition8 red butterfly species found across the worldMeenakshi Seshadri, Bhagyashree to Twinkle Khanna: Bollywood divas who gave up the limelight for love and family123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathWWE Smackdown HighlightsJoe DavisShohei OhtaniGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaDwayne JohnsonBO Nix WifeNew Vande Bharat ExpressIndia World Cup Cash Prize
NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) claims of securing over 160 seats in the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the final verdict will rest with the people, not political slogans or data projections.“We have faith in the people. We know where they get their data and figures from. Earlier as well, they gave a slogan of 400 paar and whatnot. But we have faith only in the people. People will do justice and decide what’s best for them,” Kharge said, responding to the NDA’s claim of a sweeping victory.Taking aim at the NDA’s frequent use of the “jungle raj” narrative against the opposition, Kharge questioned why the BJP-led alliance had failed to curb law and order issues or illegal infiltration despite being in power for years.“Jungle Raj and all these things are old issues. Why did they not end jungleraj in 20 years? Why didn’t they push out infiltrators? This is a failure of the central government and the state government. I want to call out their double-engine government for this failure,” he said.Kharge’s remarks came soon after Union home minister Amit Shah told a rally in Purnea that the NDA would win “over 160 seats” in the 243-member assembly. Shah has been leading the BJP’s campaign across Bihar, highlighting, according to him, infrastructure growth, improved law and order, and social welfare measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar.Shah has repeatedly warned voters against a possible return of “jungle raj” under a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led government, accusing the RJD-Congress alliance of prioritising family interests over governance. He has cited incidents of violence, kidnapping, and extortion during the RJD’s previous tenure to back his charge.The NDA campaign has centred around themes of development, security, and regional pride, while the opposition bloc, including the Congress and RJD, has sought to counter the allegations with price rise, unemployment, and failure of the so-called “double-engine” government.The first phase of the Bihar elections this week recorded a 65.08 per cent voter turnout, the highest in the state’s electoral history. The second phase of polling for 122 seats will take place on November 11, with results scheduled for November 14.
