New Delhi [India], March 29 (ANI): BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda on Saturday addressed the 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat Sneh Milan' program in New Delhi, highlighting Bihar's historical significance, progress, and transformation under the BJP's leadership.

The program celebrated the recently concluded Bihar Diwas.

Emphasizing Bihar's contribution to history and democracy, Nadda said, 'Wherever Purvanchal moves, the nation progresses. History is witness to the fact that Bihar is the land of Chanakya, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi's and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan's movements. The world learned the principles of democracy from Bihar.'

He also criticized the tenure of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and stated, 'We have seen a progressing Bihar turn into a sinking Bihar under Lalu Yadav's leadership. There was a time when it became difficult for people to even step outside after five in the evening.'

The BJP national president also expressed gratitude to the Purvanchal people living in Delhi for making the Bharatiya Janata Party's government in the national capital.

'Recently, Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections were held. It was like 'Amavasya' here, darkness was looming. Instead of moving towards development, we were heading towards destruction. But today, I extend my gratitude to all of you for bringing the BJP government under the leadership of PM Modi. A special thanks to you because it is true that the country moves in the direction where Purvanchal moves,' JP Nadda said.

'No matter where we go in the world, we will always find people speaking Maithili, Magahi, or Bhojpuri. The strength to work with honesty is ingrained in the people of Bihar,' he emphasized.

Nadda also spoke about the infrastructural development in Bihar under the BJP's rule, comparing it to the stagnation during the Lalu Prasad era. He recalled his childhood memories, saying,

'During my childhood, I saw the construction of the Gandhi Sagar Setu bridge on the banks of the Ganga. The construction took decades. But today, a Marine Drive has been built along the Ganga in Bihar, and large road and rail bridges have been completed.'

'...Expressways have been built across Bihar. IIT Patna was gifted to Bihar under PM Modi's leadership. Did you ever imagine that cities like Purnia, Saran, Sitamarhi, Jhanjharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui would have medical colleges? Under PM Modi's leadership, Patna is set to have Asia's largest hospital,' the Union Minister said.

Bihar Day (Bihar Diwas) is observed every year on March 22, marking the formation of the state of Bihar. It was on this day when the British carved out the state from Bengal in 1912 and is observed as a public holiday in Bihar. (ANI)