Bihar Youth Need To Dream Of Startups, Not ‘Hands Up'”: PM Modi Rips Into RJD
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp critique of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during a recent address in Bihar, emphasizing that the state’s youth must envision futures built on innovation and entrepreneurship, not fear or forced compliance. His remark that Bihar’s children should dream of “startups, not ‘hands up’” drew strong political reactions, setting the tone for yet another round of intense electoral debate.
The Prime Minister’s statement referenced past law-and-order issues during previous RJD-led regimes, painting a contrast between what he described as a “culture of intimidation” and his government’s development-centric vision. The comment has since become a talking point across Bihar’s political landscape.
Pitching a New Bihar: Innovation, Investment and Youth-Led Growth
PM Modi framed his message around the growing importance of innovation and entrepreneurship across India, pointing out that states leading in these sectors experience faster economic expansion. He argued that Bihar, with its young population and expanding digital ecosystem, has the potential to become a significant contributor to India’s startup story.
According to him, young people in the state should be encouraged to think creatively, take bold initiatives and participate in sectors that offer global opportunities. He highlighted how central government schemes focusing on digital empowerment, skill-building and startup incubation are designed to fuel aspirations in smaller towns and rural regions.
The Prime Minister underlined that Bihar must not be left behind in this national wave of innovation. He urged families, educational institutions and local leaders to support young individuals in exploring entrepreneurship rather than settling for traditional or limited paths.
A Political Jab Framed as a Development Message
While the speech emphasized development, the most discussed portion was his pointed reference to RJD. PM Modi accused the opposition party of nurturing an atmosphere where fear overshadowed opportunity. “A generation once grew up hearing ‘hands up’, not ‘heads high’,” he said, referring to what he described as an era tainted by lawlessness.
His criticism suggested that earlier political environments discouraged ambition and risk-taking. He implied that the youth could not pursue dreams of business or innovation because insecurity and instability consumed the state’s energies.
Read more: Top Court Offers Assurance to Air India Pilot Father: ‘Let Go of the Burden’
The comment has stirred reactions from RJD leaders, who argue that the Prime Minister is recycling old narratives instead of addressing contemporary challenges. However, the BJP maintains that the contrast is necessary to highlight the progress made in governance and development over the past decade.
Youth-Centric Governance Takes Center Stage
PM Modi positioned youth empowerment as the cornerstone of his vision for Bihar. He framed startups as more than just businesses, describing them as engines of job creation, self-reliance and state-wide modernization. Whether in agriculture, education technology, healthcare, renewable energy or digital services, he noted that Bihar’s youth are capable of competing with innovators across the world.
He pointed to ongoing improvements in infrastructure, connectivity and digital access as essential building blocks for future entrepreneurs. According to him, the combination of better roads, broadband expansion and government support creates fertile ground for young people to launch new ventures.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for cultivating confidence among Bihar’s youth. He spoke about building an ecosystem where talent is recognized, risk is supported and dreams are treated as assets rather than impractical ambitions.
A Vision That Aims to Redefine Bihar’s Identity
The broader message of PM Modi’s speech was a call for Bihar to redefine its identity through the strengths of its younger generation. He insisted that the state’s narrative must shift from one associated with political turmoil to one that celebrates innovation, education and economic mobility.
Read more: Trump Takes Credit for India–Pakistan Peace, Now Says Eight Jets Were Downed
The remark about “hands up” may have been sharp, but it was ultimately tied to his push for a future where Bihar is known for startups, skilled professionals and thriving industries. His argument centered on choice: Bihar can either revisit old political patterns or embrace an era driven by ambition and creativity.
Conclusion: A Political Message Wrapped in an Aspirational Appeal
The speech combined political attack with aspirational appeal, a style the Prime Minister often uses to connect with both emotion and ambition. His message was clear: Bihar’s future depends heavily on the mindset of its youth. If young people are encouraged to think boldly, build fearlessly and innovate freely, the state can transform itself into a hub of opportunity.
Read more: Rahul Gandhi Has No Right to Comment: LJP MP Responds to ‘Drama’ Remark
Whether this message translates into new political traction for the BJP or invites further pushback from opposition parties remains to be seen. What is certain is that the vision he laid out aims to place Bihar firmly in the path of modern India’s entrepreneurial surge.
