Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, accusing the ruling party of aiming to dismantle the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. He alleged that the BJP desires a pre-independence era in India where the backward and extremely backward classes were denied any rights.
Speaking at a massive public rally in Shekhpura, the Congress MP assured the gathered crowd that if the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) forms the government in Bihar, it would not be a government for any single religion or caste, but an inclusive administration representing all faiths and communities. “This government will be for the people of Bihar, a government for every single citizen,” Gandhi affirmed, emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to unity and equitable representation.
Allegations of ‘Vote Theft’ and Warning to Voters
Gandhi extensively discussed the alleged practice of ‘vote theft,’ claiming that it occurred in both Maharashtra and Haryana. He suggested that there was a similar attempt in Bihar, which prompted his recent travel and campaigning across the state. The Congress leader urged the local populace to remain vigilant, cautioning them that these groups would try to “steal votes at the last minute.” He expressed concern that if voters allowed the alleged “vote theft,” the current government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would be reinstated.
Turning his attention to the incumbent administration, Gandhi strongly criticized Nitish Kumar’s two decades in power, stating that the government had failed to deliver adequately in the critical sectors of education, health, and employment in Bihar. Recalling Bihar’s historical prominence, Gandhi lamented the lost potential. “Bihar was once the world’s main centre for education,” he noted. “The world’s best university should be built in Nalanda, and the entire nation should know that the best education is available in Bihar. But this government does not want Bihar to develop.”
The ‘Operation Sindoor’ Reference and US Relations
The Congress MP also brought up ‘Operation Sindoor’ in his address. He claimed that the US President, Donald Trump, had “insulted Narendra Modi 50 times,” and specifically mentioned that Trump had instructed PM Modi over the phone to stop ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister complied within two days. He challenged the Prime Minister’s silence, stating that PM Modi “does not have the courage to say that the President of America is lying.”
Highlighting the plight of small traders, Gandhi stated that many had been forced to shut down their businesses. He presented an aspirational vision for the state, declaring, “We want to see ‘Made in Bihar’ written on all phones.” He reiterated his central accusation that the NDA government is fundamentally incapable of providing adequate employment opportunities for the youth of Bihar.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had also addressed a separate election rally in Nalanda, which is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the ongoing electoral campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the core promise made by Rahul Gandhi regarding the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar?
Rahul Gandhi promised that the Mahagathbandhan government, if elected, would be inclusive, representing all religions and castes in Bihar, and would not belong to any single community.
What primary accusations did Rahul Gandhi level against the BJP and the current Nitish Kumar government?
Gandhi accused the BJP of seeking to undermine the Constitution and wanting to return to a pre-independence era where marginalized communities had no rights. He criticized Nitish Kumar’s 20-year rule for failing to deliver progress in education, health, and employment, stating the government does not want Bihar to develop.
What warning did Rahul Gandhi issue to the voters of Bihar?
He warned the public to be extremely cautious and vigilant against “vote theft,” alleging that attempts were made in other states and that similar efforts could be made in Bihar “at the last minute” to ensure the reinstatement of the current Nitish Kumar government.