Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed strong confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) victory in Bihar and cautioned voters against the possible return of “jungle raj” if they stray from supporting the Lotus (BJP) or the Arrow (JDU) in the upcoming second phase of elections on November 11. Speaking at a public rally in Jamui, Shah warned, “If you make even a small mistake and move away from the lotus or the arrow, jungle raj will return. Does Jamui want jungle raj again?” He urged voters to ensure that all four assembly constituencies in Jamui go to the NDA.

Highlighting the NDA government’s achievements, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for making previously Naxal-affected regions like Jamui safer and more peaceful. He recalled that the area once saw violent incidents, such as when Naxals hijacked the Dhanbad-Patna Express and killed three people, but now polling continues peacefully till 5 PM — a testament to the improved law and order.

Criticizing RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Shah took a jibe saying that if the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) came to power, they would “open a new department for kidnapping.” In contrast, he said, “If we win, we will set up a department to make Bihar flood-free. PM Modi has built roads, bridges, ethanol, and sugar factories over the past decade. The next five years will focus on developing Bihar further. We won’t let jungle raj return.”

Commenting on the first phase of polling held on November 6, Shah claimed that the “Lalu-Rahul” alliance — referring to RJD and Congress — had already been wiped out and should meet the same fate in Jamui. Jamui district has four assembly segments — Jamui, Jhajha, Chakai, and Sikandra (SC-reserved). BJP is contesting from Jamui, fielding sitting MLA Shreyasi Singh against RJD’s Shamshad Alam. JDU is contesting Jhajha and Chakai with candidates Damodar Rawat and Sumit Kumar Singh, respectively, while the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) has Prafull Kumar Singh contesting from Sikandra.

In the first phase, voting took place across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, with around 3.75 crore voters eligible to cast their votes. The second phase on November 11 will cover 122 seats across 20 districts, including Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Bhagalpur, and Purnia. Vote counting will take place on November 14, marking the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections.