Key Points

Upon arriving in Patna, Sawant expressed his admiration for the significant changes in Bihar, particularly highlighting the stunning airport, which, as per him, meets international standards.

"I'm visiting Bihar for the first time during the elections. As I landed, I saw how much Bihar had changed... I felt as if I had arrived at an international airport" Sawant told reporters.

While praising Bihar, Sawant also mentioned that he will be in Bihar for two days and during his visit, Sawant will interact with party workers.

" For the Campaign, I am in Bihar for two days, which is today and tomorrow....... I will also interact with party workers in the state." added Sawant.

Discussing his plans with reporters, Sawant expressed that he is confident the public will bring back the BJP government to power in the state.

"Definitely, the people of Bihar will call for the return of the double-engine government," expressed Sawant. During his visit, the Chief Minister of Goa addressed remarks made by Rahul Gandhi, who had previously stated that democracy is in danger in India and expressed his support for those who stand against this threat. Sawant replied that the most dangerous times for democracy were witnessed during the Congress era.

He further emphasised that the current government's focus on infrastructure and human resource development under Modi's leadership is benefiting Bihar and the entire country.

"I would say that the biggest danger was during the time of Congress.... Now, Modi ji's sabka saath sabka vikas government is there. That is why infrastructure development and human resource development are going on very well in Bihar, and in the rest of the country," asserted Sawant.

In a related development, BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of vote theft, stating that Gandhi is making excuses ahead of the Bihar elections because he knows he's going to lose.

Speaking to ANI, Reddy questioned the logic of tampering with EVMs, asking why the need to "steal votes" if manipulation was possible. "After losing Maharashtra and Haryana, he blamed EVMS, claiming they are wrong. Now he knows he is going to lose Bihar, so he is making such excuses before the elections... If we can really tamper with EVMS, why do we need to steal votes?," said Reddy.

Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that thousands turned out to support the Bihar Adhikar Yatra, as the public is angry with Bihar's current government due to an increase in corruption and extortion in many block offices and police stations.

"The entire public of Bihar is furious with the current government. Corruption has increased, extortion has increased in block offices and police stations," Yadav told reporters. Ahead of Yatra's launch, Tejashwi Yadav also claimed that they will form a "corruption-free", "crime-free" government when they come to power.

Meanwhile, the Bihar Assembly election is se to be held later this year. The primary contest is between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates.

- ANI