A political storm erupted on Wednesday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi allegedly referred to Chhath Puja as a “drama,” prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to accuse him of insulting the faith of Bihar.
While addressing a public rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that his participation in Chhath Puja rituals was a mere political act.
“There’s no Yamuna there; it’s just a pond. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with Yamuna or Chhath Puja — he just wants your vote,” Rahul Gandhi said, criticizing reports that the Prime Minister performed Chhath rituals in filtered water near the polluted Yamuna River.
⚡ BJP Reacts Sharply
The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi’s remarks an affront to Bihar’s cultural and religious sentiments.
“Rahul Gandhi has begun his campaign by insulting Bihar and its faith. According to him, performing Chhath Puja is a drama,” the BJP posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Tejashwi Yadav won’t say anything because he embraces those who insult Bihar’s beliefs,” the party added, targeting the RJD ally.
BJP leaders accused Gandhi of disrespecting one of Bihar’s most sacred Hindu festivals, celebrated with deep devotion across eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
🗣️ Rahul Gandhi’s Broader Attack
In the same speech, Gandhi accused the BJP government of destroying small businesses through policies like demonetisation and GST, claiming that these steps crippled local industries.
“Look at the back of your phone — it says Made in China. Modi ji’s policies have destroyed small businesses in Bihar. We want things to be Made in Bihar, not Made in China. Our youth should get jobs in their own state,” Gandhi said, promising to boost local manufacturing.
He further alleged that the BJP and RSS were “attacking the Constitution”, adding that his party would continue to safeguard democratic values.
“When Modi steals votes or places RSS people in key institutions, that’s an attack on the Constitution. But we will protect it — no one can destroy it,” he said.
🙏 Chhath Puja: A Festival of Faith
Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s most revered festivals, involves devotees offering prayers to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and family well-being. The festival holds immense cultural pride in the state, and any political comment on it often stirs strong reactions.
As elections approach, the controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks adds another layer of tension to the political battleground in Bihar, where faith, identity, and development continue to intertwine with campaign rhetoric.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
