Patna, Bihar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kicked off his party’s Bihar election campaign with sharp attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing both leaders of “betraying the trust of the people” and “failing Bihar’s youth.” The campaign launch, held in Patna on Tuesday, marks the Congress party’s renewed push in the Hindi heartland, where it seeks to revive its political footing ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.
However, Gandhi’s speech sparked controversy after his campaign event coincided with the Chhath Puja celebrations, drawing criticism from local leaders and citizens who viewed the timing as “insensitive.” Social media users and BJP leaders slammed Gandhi for “politicizing during a sacred festival.”
“Rahul Gandhi has no understanding of Bihar’s cultural sentiments. Organizing a rally on Chhath Puja is an insult to the faith of millions,” said BJP spokesperson Sanjay Jaiswal.
Attacks on Modi and Nitish
During his address, Rahul Gandhi alleged that both BJP and JD(U) governments have failed to deliver jobs, improve agriculture, and ensure law and order in Bihar. He accused Nitish Kumar of “switching alliances for power” and Modi of “making empty promises” to the poor.
“Nitish ji keeps changing sides, and Modi ji keeps changing slogans. But Bihar’s condition remains the same — broken roads, unemployed youth, and rising prices,” Gandhi said to loud cheers from Congress supporters.
The Congress leader also emphasized the party’s vision for employment generation, women’s empowerment, and agricultural reform, claiming that “the INDIA alliance will bring real change” to the state.
Chhath Puja Controversy
The controversy overshadowed much of the campaign’s opening day. Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s most revered festivals dedicated to the Sun God, is observed with strict rituals and public devotion. Many leaders across party lines suggested Gandhi should have postponed the event out of respect for local traditions.
Despite the backlash, Congress sources defended the timing, saying it was “coincidental” and that the campaign was planned in advance due to Rahul Gandhi’s packed schedule.
Political Reactions
The BJP and JD(U) were quick to seize on the issue. Union Minister Giriraj Singh called Gandhi’s move “political arrogance,” while JD(U) leaders accused Congress of being “disconnected from Bihar’s culture.”
Meanwhile, Congress allies within the INDIA bloc, including RJD, urged restraint, calling the issue “avoidable” but minor compared to “larger governance failures” of the ruling coalition.
Looking Ahead
Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar campaign is expected to continue across Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur in the coming week. Party insiders say the Congress will focus on youth employment, inflation, and agrarian distress as key talking points, while also working to rebuild its grassroots network.
As the Chhath controversy simmers, observers say Gandhi’s Bihar push underscores both his determination to expand the Congress footprint and the challenges of navigating India’s deeply cultural and politically charged landscape.
