Motihari , July 18 (Reporter) : In a high-pitched campaign push ahead of Assembly elections due later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a scathing attack on the opposition INDIA bloc, particularly the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing of halting growth of Bihar for decades. Addressing a massive public rally in Motihari,a BJP stronghold in East Champaran district, Modi accused them of “betraying” Bihar for political gains in the name of the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribals. “They have done politics over these communities for decades, but delivered nothing. When in power, they misused funds meant for their welfare and left Bihar lagging behind,” he said. PM Modi, while addressing a public meeting here after launching and laying foundation stones of various projects relating to roads, railways and others worth Rs 7,200 crores, said that his government was extending "full support to Bihar for accelerated pace of development, since coming to power in the year 2014". "On the contrary, Bihar was given a step motherly treatment by the previous UPA government of Congress and RJD, hampering its growth in all sectors," he added. He noted that since coming to power in 2014, the Centre had extended unprecedented financial support to the state. “Between 2004 and 2014, during the ten years tenure of UPA government at the Centre, Bihar received around Rs 2 lakh crore for development and welfare projects. But since 2014, our government has provided close to Rs 14 lakh crore, a clear reflection of our commitment to Bihar’s future,” Modi stated. PM Modi's visit is a part of his ongoing efforts to galvanize support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections. Highlighting the rise of eastern nations on the global stage, the Prime Minister said it was time for India’s eastern states,including Bihar,to move forward with renewed urgency. “Motihari should grow like Mumbai, Patna must progress like Pune, and Gayaji should develop like Gurugram,” he envisioned. He praised the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar for implementing schemes that directly benefit the poor. “Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over four crore pucca houses have been built across the country, 60 lakh of them in Bihar alone,” he said. Reiterating his vision of transforming Bihar into a “developed state,” PM Modi urged voters to continue supporting the NDA for stability, transparency, and growth...////...