Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a pointed attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Sitamarhi on Saturday, referencing Gandhi’s recent fishing expedition during the Bihar campaign.
“Even big leaders are coming here to see the fish. They are diving into the water, practising drowning in Bihar’s elections,” PM Modi said.
Gandhi’s Campaign Break Draws Political Attention
Days earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha had taken a fishing break in Begusarai following a political rally. Gandhi, accompanied by other leaders, traveled by boat to a pond’s center before jumping into the water. Local fishermen gathered in large numbers, with some wading into waist-deep water to join the political delegation.
Congress shared video footage of the event, stating that Gandhi discussed with fishermen the “challenges and struggles they face in their work.”
PM Modi Targets RJD-Led Opposition Alliance
During multiple rallies across Bihar on Saturday, Modi intensified his criticism of the RJD-led opposition, alleging attempts to transform the state’s youth into hooligans and gangsters. He claimed voters feared the INDIA bloc would resort to intimidation tactics if elected.
“I shudder to hear that the RJD, in its campaign, is encouraging children to say that they aspire to become rangdaar (street bully) when they grow up. Bihar certainly does not want a government characterized by katta, kushasan (misgovernance), kroorta (cruelty), and corruption,” PM Modi stated.
NDA’s Development Agenda Highlighted
The Prime Minister contrasted the opposition’s approach with the NDA’s focus on entrepreneurship, education, and sports development. “Wherever I go, the prevailing sentiment is clear – Bihar does not want a kata government; it wants an NDA government once again,” he added.
PM Modi has conducted over a dozen rallies since the election announcement, maintaining an aggressive campaign schedule.
Election Timeline
The second and final phase of Bihar’s assembly elections is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting set for November 14. The outcome will determine the political direction of one of India’s most populous states for the coming term.
