Bihar polls: Unfazed by EC notice, Rahul says it again

Rahul said Modi and BJP leaders initially talked about development but, after seeing Bihar’s well-built highways and railway lines, BJP leaders now talk about Pakistan and focus on making one Indian fight another.

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi waves during an election rally in Amour, Purnia district of Bihar on Monday. (Source: PTI)

A day after the Election Commission issued him a showcause notice for his remark that the BJP pits Hindus and Muslims into fighting one another, Rahul Gandhi repeated that statement Monday. He continued his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “abusing” his political opponents out of the frustration of losing and asked why he no longer talks of “achche din”.

Winding up his Bihar campaign in Araria of Seemanchal, Rahul said Modi and BJP leaders initially talked about development but, after seeing Bihar’s well-built highways and railway lines, BJP leaders now talk about Pakistan and focus on making one Indian fight another. “Elections are in Bihar and they are talking about Pakistan,” he said referring to BJP president Amit Shah’s statement that crackers will be burst in Pakistan if the BJP loses in Bihar. “When in villages two people fight and one of them realises he will be beaten up badly, he runs away abusing the other. This is happening in Bihar now.”

In Delhi, Congress spokesman Anand Sharma defended the statement Rahul has been making, saying there is “nothing wrong” in it as it is part of the political discourse. Sharma said the prime minister should have been given a notice instead as his speeches in Bihar have sown “seeds for dividing people by selectively targeting the minority community”. Sharma added the EC should “not have allowed blatant misuse of machinery by the prime minister” either.

In Araria, Rahul attacked Modi: “Modi comes on television saying Make in India, Make in India, Make in India… annoying everyone. But Babbar Sher has not given anybody jobs… Yes, big people: Modi’s friends are getting contracts and are making money.”

Referring to Union minister V K Singh’s remark about dogs, he said Modi did not take any action. “He does not do anything. If you go to Maharashtra, Biharis are beaten up by BJP and RSS activists. They make Hindus and Muslims fight one another. They will make Sikhs fight. Because they know that without making them fight, they cannot win elections,” he said.

Rahul addressed three rallies in the Seemanchal region. The Congress is contesting 12 of the 24 seats in the region, where the BJP could not win in the Lok Sabha elections as the Congress, the RJD and the NCP took the seats.

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More