Bihar Election 2025: Jan Suraaj Fields Transgender Social Worker Preeti Kinnar from Bhore Assembly Seat in Bihar
Jan Suraaj Party nominates transgender social worker Preeti Kinnar from Bhore Assembly seat to showcase the party’s image of inclusivity. The Bhore Assembly constituency in Gopalganj district is emerging as one of the most closely watched seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Reserved for Scheduled Castes, Bhore has long been a stronghold of traditional political faces. But this time, the contest has taken a new turn with the Jan Suraaj Party fielding Preeti Kinnar, a transgender social worker, as its candidate — a move that has drawn both attention and controversy. The Bhore Constituency Bhore, located in southern Gopalganj, has a mixed voter base of Dalits, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and minorities. The constituency has seen tough contests in the past, with narrow victory margins. In the 2020 Assembly elections, JDU’s Sunil Kumar, who also serves as Bihar’s Education Minister, defeated CPI (ML)’s Jitendra Paswan by just 462 votes — one of the slimmest margins in the state. The tight race reflects how volatile and unpredictable Bhore’s political mood can be. This time, the entry of the Jan Suraaj Party, led by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has added a new dimension. Kishor’s party has positioned itself as an alternative to Bihar’s mainstream players — JDU, RJD, and BJP — by focusing on grassroots leaders and social workers instead of established politicians. On October 9, 2025, Prashant Kishor released Jan Suraaj’s first list of 51 candidates. Among doctors, lawyers, retired bureaucrats, and community leaders, one name stood out — Preeti Kinnar. Her nomination from Bhore symbolized Kishor’s promise of giving space to people from underrepresented and marginalized groups. Who is Preeti Kinnar? Preeti is from Khap village of Sonbarsa block in Sitamarhi district. Aged 41, she has been living in Kalyanpur village of Bhore block for the past 22 years. A matriculate by education, she earns her living through singing devotional songs and animal rearing. But what defines her most is her long-standing commitment to social service. Since 2008, Preeti has been actively working for the poor, especially women and girls. She has arranged marriages for over 27 underprivileged couples and provided food and essentials to hundreds of families during the COVID-19 lockdown. During natural calamities and accidents, she has often stepped in with relief materials, using her personal funds and community donations. Preeti’s nomination has not come without controversy. Jan Suraaj leader Vijay Aman has accused her of falsely claiming Dalit status to contest from the reserved constituency. He alleges that Preeti belongs to an upper-caste family and that her Scheduled Caste certificate was obtained fraudulently. Some of Preeti Kinnar’s caste is listed as Paswan on some documents, while official records like land registries list her father’s name as Harischandra Srivastava. This is why questions are being raised about her caste. Preeti has strongly denied these allegations. According to Jan Suraaj officials, a party team had visited her village in Sitamarhi and found no grounds to doubt her caste identity. Despite the controversy, Preeti’s candidacy has been welcomed by many locals. People believe that this could be a good strategy by Jan Suraaj to showcase its inclusive image. There are only 13 transgender voters in Bhore and 67 in the entire district, but the symbolic importance of her nomination goes beyond numbers. The representation of the third-gender community in politics is still very low. For Jan Suraaj, the move signals its commitment to a politics of inclusion. For Preeti, it’s a chance to transform years of grassroots work into legislative action. [Rh] Author: Varsha Pant Courtesy : News Gram Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsgram.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cong plans Pacgmarhi camp for dist leaders, Rahul invited
Bhopal: The State Congress is organising a ten-day training camp in Pachmarhi for the party’s newly appointed 72 organisational district presidents, starting from 2 November. State Congress President Jitu Patwari has sent an invitation to Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi to address the congregation on any day he is available during the training course. Initially, it was claimed that the Congress MP from Rae Bareli would address the Congress district presidents on 9 or 10 November after election campaigning comes to a halt in Bihar. However, sources in the state party office on Wednesday said that requests have been made for Rahul Gandhi to address the inaugural session in Pachmarhi on 2 November. But, the Lok Sabha LOP’s office has not confirmed his programme in Madhya Pradesh. PCC organisational general secretary Sanjay Kamle told TOI, “There is a possibility that the Lok Sabha LOP may come to the state either on 9 or 10 November. Campaigning in Bihar will come to an end on 8 November, after which he may come to address the training camp,” he said. Sanjay Kamle also added that the state Congress has requested the office of Rahul Gandhi to see if he can address the district presidents after campaigning stops for the first phase of Bihar elections on 3 November. State Congress vice-president Mahendra Joshi is the coordinator and in charge of the training camp. Speaking to TOI, he said, “The training camp will be for the district party presidents appointed during the Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi in June. There are 72 organisational districts, including some city offices like Bhopal and Indore, which have one district president for rural areas and another for the city.” Joshi said that the district Congress presidents will be trained in various political aspects, social situations, organisational views, electoral rolls, the communalism factor, “false promises made by the ruling BJP and how to expose them to the people.” “After the training is completed, the district presidents will return to their work areas and utilise what they have been taught to train the grassroots workers at the district, assembly constituencies, blocks, mandal, sector, and panchayat levels,” Joshi said. “The focus of the training will be on how Congress workers can face the challenges of voter list manipulation by the rival political party, misinformation spread by them via technology, and how to make people aware of such tactics so they know the truth,” Mahendra Joshi argued. “Empowering our workers to spread information among people can come only with training,” he said. The district Congress presidents will be trained by party functionaries from Delhi and Bhopal, as well as political and academic experts. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CM Yogi: Rahul’s entry in campaign is guarantee of NDA’s victory in Bihar
Lucknow: Taking potshots at Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the Congress MP’s joining Bihar poll campaigning itself would ensure NDA’s victory. “Rahul Gandhi’s entry has happened in Bihar elections. This itself is the guarantee of BJP and NDA candidates’ victory. Whenever he campaigns, NDA’s victory becomes certain. He is the biggest guarantee of BJP and NDA’s victory,” he said during his three public meetings. At Siwan, Yogi warned people against the attempt by a mafia family to regain power in Bihar, giving the example of UP where he used the bulldozer to crush the mafia. “I came to Raghunathpur earlier because a dynastic mafia wants to capture power there again. In UP, we have crushed such mafiosos with bulldozers. No Marich and Subahu should be able to raise their heads again on the land of our Sita Maiya,” he said. He added that people across the world have acknowledged the intelligence and talent of Bihar’s youth which has been nurtured by the Nitish Kumar govt over the last 20 years. Promising that NDA would bring back the glory days of Chandragupta and Chanakya, the CM said during that era, India’s contribution to the world economy was 40% and the country was seen as a golden bird. “Foreign invaders destroyed Nalanda University, and their current descendants are using political Islam to obstruct development. The British forced the craftsmen, artisans and farmers to starve to death. As their heirs, Congress first created a crisis in Bihar and then obstructed development. Whatever was left to destroy, RJD completed it,” Yogi said. In Bhojpur, the CM hit out against Naxalism and said chants of ‘Lal Salaam’ would be replaced by ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and that communists were being wiped out not just in India but across the world. During a rally in Vaishali, he said if the Congress-RJD alliance was allowed to come to power, the era of mafia raj, loot and kidnapping would return to Bihar. “The INDIA bloc has come here to rob poor people’s rations. They are experienced in this kind of loot. They also stole fodder for cattle. These people will talk about the poor and will work to suppress them. They won’t give jobs but will grab land. They will force farmers to migrate. The mafia raj will create a crisis of identity and security,” he said. Targeting the Opposition, Yogi said RJD, CPI(ML) and Congress were birds of the same feather. They supported slavery, opposed India’s heritage, opposed the Ram temple in Ayodhya, opposed Sita’s temple in Sitamarhi, divided Indians, and tried to create riots before festivals. “Earlier, the road to Kashi Vishwanath temple was very narrow, but now 50,000 people can have darshan together. More than 10 lakh devotees have darshan together in Kashi and Ayodhya. Congress used to say that Ram never existed. RJD used to stop Ram temple’s chariot. SP people used to fire on Ram devotees and communists think about some other world. Those who do not accept Ram are of no use to us. Those opposing Ram are opposing the nation. Those opposing the nation are of no use to us. They need to be shown the way out of the nation,” the CM said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘It was raining …’: Congress recalls Indira Gandhi’s 1977 Bihar visit; posts pics of her on elephant
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on the 41st anniversary of Indira Gandhi’s assassination remembered the former prime minister’s “uncommon grit, courage, perseverance, and resilience,” recalling her 1977 visit to Belchhi in Bihar. Ramesh, in a post on X, said, “Today, the nation recalls the indomitable Indira Gandhi and pays tribute on the 41st anniversary of her martyrdom. She was a person of uncommon grit, courage, perseverance, and resilience.” He recounted how on a rainy August 13, 1977, Gandhi travelled through difficult terrain — “first by car, jeep, and tractor and then rode on an elephant to the remote village of Belchhi” — to meet families devastated by caste atrocities. Calling it an “extraordinary and spontaneous outreach,” Ramesh wrote that the visit “marked her political revival.” Belchhi, in Nalanda district, had witnessed one of Bihar’s worst caste massacres earlier that year, and Gandhi’s visit to console the Dalit victims was widely seen as a turning point that reignited her connection with the masses after her electoral defeat in 1977. Ramesh added that a day later, Gandhi met her “then-bitterest political critic and adversary Jayaprakash Narayan in Patna,” recalling their “deep personal association over a period of four decades.” He also shared archival images of Gandhi riding the elephant through muddy fields to reach Belchhi. At Delhi’s Shakti Sthal, Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to the former prime minister. “India’s Indira – Fearless, resolute, and steadfast in the face of every power,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, saying her “courage, compassion, and patriotism” continue to inspire him. Kharge described her as the “Iron Lady of India” and said her “resolute commitment to India’s progress and unity remains in our hearts and minds.” Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman prime minister, served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination on October 31, 1984. She was born on November 19, 1917. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘What does he know’: Tejashwi’s brother Tej Pratap slams Rahul Gandhi over Chhath remark; cites his abroad trips
NEW DELHI: Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) chief and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, on Thursday, attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, over his “drama,” remarks on Chhath Puja. “What drama? What does he (Congress MP Rahul Gandhi) know about Chhath Puja? Has he ever done Chhath?” Tej Pratap said, questioning Gandhi’s understanding of the festival. Going further, Tej Pratap cited the Congress leader’s foreign trips, “he is someone who goes abroad. What will he know about Chhath?” His remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, while reacting to the Prime Minister’s participation in the Chhath ceremony on the Yamuna, mocked the exercise and said, “They staged a drama and showed the truth of India… The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die. No one can go inside.” The controversy has quickly escalated amid the background of elections in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had jointly launched the INDIA bloc’s election campaign in the state on Wednesday. The BJP also criticised Rahul’s comments, accusing the Congress of insulting the sacred festival. Union home minister Amit Shah asked voters to respond strongly to the remarks. “For Congress and RJD, the worship of Chhathi Maiyya is a drama and ‘nautanki’. Do you agree with them? Will you punish them or not?” Shah said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, slammed Congress and RJD, saying, “Congress and RJD are insulting Chhathi Maiyya. Can anyone insult Chhathi Maiyya for votes in the election? Will the people of Bihar and the country tolerate this?…” Meanwhile, Tej Pratap Yadav expressed confidence about his prospects in the upcoming elections. Contesting again from Mahua, he said he enjoys strong public support and dismissed competition. He stated that the outcome rests entirely with the electorate, noting that the “real power lies with the voters” and that the people of Bihar will deci de who forms the next government. Bihar goes to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. This year’s contest is shaping up as a three-way fight between the ruling NDA, the INDIA bloc led by Tejashwi Yadav, and new players such as Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj and Tej Pratap’s JJD, both hoping to reshape the state’s political landscape. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
If INDIA bloc wins, Nalanda to get world’s best varsity: Rahul
Patna: Raking up the issue of “vote chori” in Bihar, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the NDA govt at the Centre was formed through poll rigging during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and urged voters to remain vigilant to prevent a repeat of such practices in the state polls. “Agar vote-chori nahin ki hoti toh INDIA gathbandhan ki sarkar Hindustan me raj kar rahi hoti (If there had been no poll rigging, the INDIA bloc govt would be ruling at the Centre),” Rahul said while addressing rallies in Nalanda and Sheikhpura. He alleged that the NDA had been “frequently winning elections due to poll rigging”, adding, “Yet, they barely managed to win the last General Election even after stealing votes.” The Congress leader said if the INDIA bloc came to power in Bihar, it would establish “the world’s best university” in Nalanda, restoring the ancient seat of learning to its former global glory. Recalling Bihar’s historical significance, Rahul promised that the state would once again emerge as a “global centre of knowledge and education” under an INDIA bloc govt. Promising representation for all sections of society, Rahul said, “Each caste and religion will have a place in our government. Hatred can’t advance the state; love is beneficial.” He added that only unity and compassion could take Bihar forward, not division or fear. Targeting the NDA over the recurring paper leak scandals, he said, “Nalanda, which once attracted scholars from across the world, has now become known for question paper leaks. Youths study hard and dream of jobs, but their hopes are dashed when papers are leaked and someone else walks away with the job.” Rahul said that as long as PM Narendra Modi and the NDA remained in power, India’s youth would continue to face unemployment. “Important public sectors like defence, airports, railways, roads, and solar or wind power — which once generated lakhs of jobs — have either been privatised or shut down,” he said. Accusing the ruling coalition of centralised control, he said, “The current govt is run by Modi, Amit Shah, and Nagpur (RSS), while Nitish Kumar is merely a mask. Modi presses the button, and Nitish plays to his tune.” Rahul said the INDIA bloc would “change all this” and form a “people’s govt” in Bihar. The Rae Bareli MP also criticised the PM for not responding to former US President Donald Trump’s claims about intervening to prevent India-Pakistan conflicts. “The US President insulted our PM several times, but he kept avoiding him. Modi does not have the courage to say that Trump is lying,” Rahul said, challenging the PM to clarify the issue before the people of Bihar. “Instead of confronting Trump, Modi is busy stealing votes and manipulating elections to undermine the Constitution of Dr BR Ambedkar,” Rahul alleged. Urging voters to remain alert, he said, “They could go for poll rigging till the last minute… Unko chhodna nahin (Don’t leave them).” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bihar Elections: Congress claims Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav’s alliance has shaken the BJP
Bihar Election 2025: Amidst the ongoing accusations and counter-accusations regarding the Bihar Assembly elections, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has claimed that the BJP is afraid of the Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav duo. Patna: The Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav duo has given the BJP sleepless nights in Bihar. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has made this statement. He claimed that the Congress, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, is opposing vote rigging and is confident that the Grand Alliance with Tejashwi Yadav will pose a significant challenge to the BJP in Bihar. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “They used to say they wouldn’t allow elections in Bengal, but under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, we have made our stand. We have opposed vote theft, and whenever the right to vote is obstructed, Congress will not remain silent. Change is coming in Bihar too. The Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav duo has shaken the BJP in Bihar.” Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed confidence that the people have decided to form a Grand Alliance government. Hooda said, “The people of Bihar have made up their minds, and the Grand Alliance government will be formed in the upcoming elections. Ultimately, it is the people who will vote, no matter how many big leaders the BJP fields.” Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. He alleged that the Modi government has failed to provide employment and healthcare facilities in Bihar. Addressing a public rally in Sheikhpura, Bihar, Rahul Gandhi questioned why hardworking youth from Bihar have to go to other states for jobs and wander for medical treatment. He said that Bihar should once again become a center of education and industry. Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of employment. Rahul Gandhi said, “A city like Dubai was built with the hard work of the people of Bihar. When you work so hard, why don’t you find employment? Why do young people from Bihar go to other states to work as laborers, but can’t find work in Bihar? Another question: Why do you have to travel from Bihar to AIIMS in Delhi for treatment? Can’t you get treatment in Bihar? Bihar was a center of education long ago, and it should become that again. Nalanda should have the best university in the world, and the entire country should know that the best education is available in Bihar.” He said, “I want your phone to say ‘Made in Bihar’ instead of ‘Made in China.’” The assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. Votes will be counted on November 14. Curated by: Suryakant Pathak About the author Suryakant Pathak is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has been a journalist for the past 31 years. He writes news, analysis and blogs on India’s international relations and political and social developments in the country and the world. Courtesy: Hindi News
Cong plans Pacgmarhi camp for dist leaders, Rahul invited
Bhopal: The State Congress is organising a ten-day training camp in Pachmarhi for the party’s newly appointed 72 organisational district presidents, starting from 2 November. State Congress President Jitu Patwari has sent an invitation to Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi to address the congregation on any day he is available during the training course. Initially, it was claimed that the Congress MP from Rae Bareli would address the Congress district presidents on 9 or 10 November after election campaigning comes to a halt in Bihar. However, sources in the state party office on Wednesday said that requests have been made for Rahul Gandhi to address the inaugural session in Pachmarhi on 2 November. But, the Lok Sabha LOP’s office has not confirmed his programme in Madhya Pradesh. PCC organisational general secretary Sanjay Kamle told TOI, “There is a possibility that the Lok Sabha LOP may come to the state either on 9 or 10 November. Campaigning in Bihar will come to an end on 8 November, after which he may come to address the training camp,” he said. Sanjay Kamle also added that the state Congress has requested the office of Rahul Gandhi to see if he can address the district presidents after campaigning stops for the first phase of Bihar elections on 3 November. State Congress vice-president Mahendra Joshi is the coordinator and in charge of the training camp. Speaking to TOI, he said, “The training camp will be for the district party presidents appointed during the Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi in June. There are 72 organisational districts, including some city offices like Bhopal and Indore, which have one district president for rural areas and another for the city.” Joshi said that the district Congress presidents will be trained in various political aspects, social situations, organisational views, electoral rolls, the communalism factor, “false promises made by the ruling BJP and how to expose them to the people.” “After the training is completed, the district presidents will return to their work areas and utilise what they have been taught to train the grassroots workers at the district, assembly constituencies, blocks, mandal, sector, and panchayat levels,” Joshi said. “The focus of the training will be on how Congress workers can face the challenges of voter list manipulation by the rival political party, misinformation spread by them via technology, and how to make people aware of such tactics so they know the truth,” Mahendra Joshi argued. “Empowering our workers to spread information among people can come only with training,” he said. The district Congress presidents will be trained by party functionaries from Delhi and Bhopal, as well as political and academic experts. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Mayawati reveals 2027 election strategy to strengthen BSP base:Focuses on Dalit-Muslim unity, organisational revival, and grassroots voter mobilisation to counter SP-BJP dominance in UP
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has outlined her detailed roadmap for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Chairing the Muslim Brotherhood Committee meeting herself for the first time, she projected a winning combination of 20% Dalit and 19% Muslim voters, positioning the BSP as a stronger alternative to the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP). In her address, Mayawati emphasised that while the SP’s traditional Yadav vote base stands at only 8%, even with complete Muslim support, it forms just 27% of the vote share, insufficient to unseat the BJP. She contrasted this with BSP’s 2007 victory, when the party won power by combining Dalit votes with limited Muslim support. According to her, unlike the SP, which “uses fear of the BJP to secure Muslim votes,” the BSP believes in offering genuine representation and development. 5 Key takeaways from the meeting Mayawati personally chaired the Muslim Brotherhood Committee meeting for the first time since the BSP’s inception. Muslim members were seated in the front rows, signalling respect and inclusion, while other office-bearers sat behind. The committee was reconstituted after being dissolved post-2017. A target was set to connect 100 prominent Muslim faces from each assembly constituency. Monthly performance reviews of the committee will take place on the 20th of every month. Message of respect and representation The meeting was attended by Mayawati, BSP national coordinator and nephew Akash Anand, and general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra. By giving Muslims front-row seats, Mayawati symbolically conveyed that the community would receive honour and prominence in the party structure. The committee, which had been inactive since 2017, is being rebuilt with two conveners per division, one Dalit and one Muslim, across all 18 divisions. A similar structure will be replicated at the assembly and booth levels. BSP leaders were also provided a list of 100 key development projects for Muslims implemented during Mayawati’s four terms as Chief Minister. The list will be circulated during local meetings to remind voters of BSP’s governance record. Connecting voters through SIR Mayawati instructed her party workers not to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission, currently active in 12 states, including Uttar Pradesh . She advised the cadre to focus on forming Booth Level Agent (BLA) teams and connecting verified BSP supporters instead of engaging in protests.A short Election Commission booklet has been distributed to guide officials in voter registration efforts. Faizan Khan, convener of the Lucknow division, said, ‘Our leader has made it clear that we must work at the grassroots, not waste time opposing SIR.’ Restoring lost muslim support According to Faizan Khan, BSP has always treated Muslims as an integral part of its social alliance. He accused opposition parties of misleading the community and claimed that under BSP rule, no communal riots occurred.He added that SP and Congress gained Muslim votes in the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls but failed to prevent BJP’s return. ‘Only BSP can defeat BJP now,’ he asserted. Mayawati clarifies Samsuddin’s expulsion Mayawati also addressed the removal of party leader Samsuddin, explaining that he had been repeatedly warned. She alleged he fielded weak candidates in collusion with BJP and SP during elections and promoted factionalism within the party.She instructed members to report any such internal sabotage directly to her, assuring strict disciplinary action. Akash Anand’s return to UP after Bihar polls Mayawati announced that Akash Anand will soon focus fully on Uttar Pradesh after completing his campaign duties in Bihar. He will tour all districts, hold meetings, and monitor booth-level progress. ‘After the Bihar elections, Akash will work full-time in UP. Where necessary, I too will step out,’ Mayawati declared. Rebuilding from the Ground Up By reviving the Muslim Brotherhood Committee, strengthening booth structures, and reintroducing her 2007-style social engineering, Mayawati has clearly signalled a full-scale comeback bid for 2027. Her message was unambiguous, the path to power lies not through fear, but through representation, respect, and grassroots organisation. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘If you tell Modi to dance…’: Rahul Gandhi opens Bihar campaign with attack on PM; brings back ‘vote chori’ barb
NEW DELHI: Weeks after the Election Commission announced poll dates in Bihar — and days after the Mahagathbandhan released its chief ministerial face — leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi finally kicked off his election campaign in the state on Wednesday. Addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur, the Congress leader launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that “he just wants vote” and alleging that he would go to any extent to win elections. — INCIndia (@INCIndia) “He just wants your vote. If 200 people from the crowd ask PM Modi to dance on stage in return for votes, the dance would begin. PM Modi will start performing Bharatnatyam on stage,” Rahul said. Follow Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Live Updates Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister’s statement on Chhath Puja observance on the banks of the Yamuna, Rahul mocked the act, saying, “They staged a drama and showed the truth of India… The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die. No one can go inside. The water is so dirty that if you enter it, you would get sick or get an infection… But Modi staged a drama. He built a small pond there… They will show you anything for elections… A pipe is installed from behind. Clean water is poured into it… The problem arose that someone took a photo of the pipe..” Continuing his tirade, Rahul reiterated his charge of “vote chori” and accused the BJP of subverting democracy. “They are engaged in stealing your votes. Because they want to end this election disease. I am telling you, they stole elections in Maharashtra, they stole elections in Haryana, and they will try their best in Bihar,” he said. The Congress leader also hit out at PM Modi over economic policies, accusing him of crushing small businesses through demonetisation and GST. “Tell me what is written on the back of your phone. Made in China. Narendra Modi ji has destroyed all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and GST. Wherever you look, it is Made in China. We say that it should not be Made in China, it should be Made in Bihar. Mobiles, shirts, pants — all these should be made in Bihar and the youth of Bihar should get employment in those factories. We want such a Bihar,” he declared. BJP hits back at Rahul BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday hit back at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remark that “PM Modi will dance for votes,” branding him a “local goon.” Bhandari accused the Congress leader of “mocking voters” and “insulting” the poor with his comments. In a post on X, the BJP leader said, “Rahul Gandhi speaks like a ‘Local Goon’. Rahul Gandhi has openly insulted every poor of India, & Bihar who has voted for PM Narendra Modi ji! Rahul Gandhi has mocked voters and Indian democracy.” — pradip103 (@pradip103) ‘Nitish ji’s face being used’: Rahul Rahul didn’t spare Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar either, claiming he was merely a “face” while the BJP pulled the strings from behind. “Nitish ji’s face is being used. The remote control is in the hands of the BJP. You should not think that the voice of the most backward people is heard there,” he said. Accusing the BJP of being “against social justice,” Rahul added, “Three or four people control it. BJP controls it. They have the remote controller in their hands, and they have nothing to do with social justice. I said in front of the Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha that you should get the caste census done. He did not say a single word… BJP is against social justice. They do not want it.” As Bihar gears up for a high-stakes battle, the political lines are clearly drawn. The NDA — comprising the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha — faces off against the Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and including Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and Mukesh Sahani’s VIP. Adding another twist, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has announced candidates for all 243 assembly seats. Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights