Will uproot Maoists, drive out infiltrators from Bihar: Amit Shah

PATNA: Union minister Amit Shah vowed Sunday to uproot remaining Maoist influence in Bihar and "drive out infiltrators", while telling voters at rallies in Arwal and Sasaram that victory for opposition could reopen doors for Left-wing insurgents, revive 'jungle raj', and push investors out. Campaigning on the final day before second phase of polling on Nov 11, Shah said first phase had "already wiped out" Lalu Prasad's RJD. He claimed voters had decided to return NDA to office, while Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav were "preparing to blame" EC for an expected defeat on Nov 14. Pointing to fights among allies in seats such as Kahalgaon and Sultanganj, Shah said MGB was "fighting less against NDA and more among themselves". Targeting Congress, Shah alleged that the party had repeatedly disrespected Babu Jagjivan Ram, who represented Sasaram. He said PM Modi's govt worked to restore Dalit dignity. "In the next five years, govt will ensure progress of Mallah, Kevat, Bind, Noniya, Teli, Tamoli, Barhai, Dhanuk, Lohar, Kumhar, Nai and Shilpkar communities through financial help and skill development," he said. Recalling Maoist presence in Magadh, Shah said Aurangabad, Sasaram and Gaya were once under heavy influence.

"...but Modi govt freed Bihar from Naxalism," he said, alleging RJD and Congress "change their clothes, but their identity remains the same - the lantern and the claw". Accusing Rahul and Tejashwi of shielding infiltrators, Shah said NDA did not want "votes of ghuspaithiyas". He said: "If 'thugbandhan' comes, jungle raj will be back. They turn ghuspaithiyas into vote banks and want to create an infiltrator corridor in country."