Amit Shah Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over “Chhath Maiya” Remark Ahead of Bihar Polls
- MGMMTeam
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
As Bihar gears up for its crucial 2025 Assembly Elections, a political storm has erupted over remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Gandhi of insulting not only Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also the sanctity of “Chhath Maiya” — a revered deity worshipped during the Chhath Puja festival deeply rooted in Bihar and the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.
During a rally in Lakhisarai, Shah claimed that Gandhi’s comments were an affront to the faith and traditions of millions who observe Chhath Puja with devotion. “Rahul Gandhi has not only insulted Modi ji but also Chhath Maiya and the proud people of Bihar and Purvanchal,” Shah said, warning that such statements would not be forgiven by the state’s electorate.
Rahul Gandhi’s Remark Sparks Outrage
The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi, addressing a campaign gathering, said, “If you tell Modi ji to dance, he will dance. They are busy stealing your votes.” While the Congress defended it as a metaphor aimed at BJP’s alleged political opportunism, the ruling party interpreted the line as an attack on cultural and religious sentiments, particularly during the festive season.
BJP leaders quickly framed the issue as disrespect toward Chhath Maiya and the traditions associated with the festival. Amit Shah and other senior leaders launched a counter-offensive, accusing Gandhi of lacking cultural awareness and disrespecting Indian traditions. Some even drew attention to Gandhi’s “foreign roots,” suggesting he was disconnected from India’s spiritual ethos.
Cultural Identity and the Bihar Battleground
In Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is not merely a religious observance but a cultural identity marker. It celebrates gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life and prosperity. Families across caste and class unite during this festival, reinforcing social and cultural bonds.
By linking Gandhi’s remark to Chhath, the BJP has strategically turned a political statement into an emotional cultural issue. Amit Shah’s assertion that Gandhi’s words “insulted every devotee of Chhath” reflects the party’s effort to consolidate traditional and regional sentiment ahead of the polls.
The Political Stakes
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases — on November 6 and 11, 2025 — with results to be declared on November 14. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is campaigning on a dual plank of development and cultural pride, while the Congress-RJD alliance is focusing on unemployment, rising prices, and alleged administrative failures.
Rahul Gandhi’s latest remark, however, has shifted much of the electoral narrative toward identity politics. The BJP appears determined to use the incident to portray Gandhi as disrespectful of local traditions — an image that could resonate powerfully in a state where religion and culture intertwine with political identity.
Public Reaction and Legal Trouble
The controversy has already spilled into the legal sphere. A complaint has reportedly been filed in a Muzaffarpur court against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly insulting Chhath Maiya and hurting religious sentiments. Social media platforms, particularly in Bihar, have been flooded with reactions, many expressing anger over Gandhi’s phrasing and perceived insensitivity.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have accused the BJP of twisting Gandhi’s words to distract voters from pressing issues like unemployment and farmer distress. They argue that the Home Minister’s statements are part of a deliberate attempt to divert attention toward religion over governance.
Analysis: When Faith Meets Politics
This episode underscores a recurring trend in Indian politics — the blending of faith, identity, and election strategy. Chhath Puja, known for its simplicity and devotion, has become an emotional flashpoint for political mobilisation. For the BJP, this controversy provides a way to connect emotionally with Bihar’s cultural core, while the Congress now faces the challenge of damage control in a region where symbolic gestures carry heavy electoral weight.
In an election where both alliances are battling for narrative dominance, even a single phrase can shift public mood. The Chhath controversy reveals how cultural reverence, political rhetoric, and regional pride can converge into decisive electoral narratives.
The MGMM Outlook
Rahul Gandhi’s latest remark, made during a campaign rally, once again exposes the Congress party’s disconnect from India’s cultural and spiritual roots. His comments, perceived as mocking the traditions of “Chhath Maiya” and the devotion of millions in Bihar and Purvanchal, demonstrate a lack of respect toward India’s cultural fabric. Amit Shah was right to call out Gandhi’s insensitivity — such statements not only insult the faith of common people but also show how the Congress leadership continues to trivialise India’s deeply held beliefs. The timing, right before the Bihar elections, adds to the perception that Congress fails to understand the pulse of India’s heartland.
While the BJP continues to campaign on themes of development and cultural pride, Rahul Gandhi’s words have handed the party a potent symbol of Congress’s cultural alienation. Instead of engaging with the real emotions of the people, the Congress seems determined to reduce everything to political theatrics. The outrage across Bihar and the legal complaint against Gandhi reflect the growing public fatigue with his careless rhetoric. As faith and politics intertwine, it’s clear that the Congress leadership still hasn’t learned that insulting India’s culture is not just bad politics — it’s an affront to the soul of the nation.
(Sources: Livemint, Times of India, Economic Times)
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