Modi Launches $8B Bihar Push, Appeals for Peace in Strife-Torn Manipur

New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a high-stakes three-day tour covering the politically crucial state of Bihar and the violence-hit northeastern region of Manipur, unveiling a slew of infrastructure projects and issuing a strong call for peace.

In Bihar — India’s poorest state and a key battleground ahead of state elections due in October or November — Modi announced investments worth $8 billion. The development package includes agricultural initiatives, major road and rail upgrades, and a new airport terminal, in a bid to boost infrastructure and job creation in the state, home to more than 130 million people.

“This is not just an investment in Bihar’s infrastructure, but in its future,” Modi said during a rally, underscoring the central government’s focus on improving living standards and connectivity in India’s northern heartland. Despite being one of the largest Hindi-speaking states, Bihar remains the only major state in the region where Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has never ruled independently.

The tour also marks Modi’s first visit to Manipur since 2022, as the state continues to recover from ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023 between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribal group. The conflict, rooted in long-standing disputes over land rights and government jobs, has displaced tens of thousands, many of whom are still living in government-run camps.

Speaking in Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated town in southern Manipur, Modi appealed for peace and unity. “I promise you today that I’m with you. The government of India is with the people of Manipur,” he told a crowd of thousands. He urged all communities to “take the path of peace for realising their dreams.”

The Prime Minister also inaugurated development projects in Manipur worth over $960 million, including five national highways and a new police headquarters. He was scheduled to address a second rally in Imphal, the state capital and a Meitei stronghold.

Manipur has been under direct rule from New Delhi since February, following the resignation of former BJP Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who faced sharp criticism for failing to contain the violence. Rights groups have since accused political leaders of deepening ethnic divisions for electoral gains.

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With less than two months to go before Bihar’s crucial state elections, and tensions still simmering in the northeast, Modi’s visit signals a renewed push to stabilize restive regions and shore up support in challenging political terrain.