‘Trump insulting Modi in country after country’: Rahul Gandhi on US president’s India-Pak claim in South Korea; urges him to respond
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims on India-Pakistan truce. Pointing out Trump’s recent remarks made at Apec summit in South Korea, Rahul said, “Trump is insulting Modi in country after country. Latest is South Korea.” Highlighting snippets from Trump’s speech where he “repeated that he used trade to frighten Modi into stopping Operation Sindoor” and “said 7 planes were shot down”, the Congress leader said: “Don’t be scared Modi ji, find the courage to respond.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) While PM Modi has steered clear from making any direct remarks on Trump’s claims, India has, at several occasions, clarified that India-Pakistan truce was completely bilateral in nature, at the request of Pakistan DGMO and did not involve any third party intervention. Earlier in the day, while Trump admired PM Modi as a “great-looking guy, killer and tough as hell”, he also said that it was his efforts that made India and Pakistan stop fighting. “If you look at India, and Pakistan, so, I’m doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and and love. As you know, for Prime Minister Modi, we have a great relationship. Likewise, the prime minister of Pakistan is a great guy. And the field marshal, they have a field marshal. He’s a great fighter. He really is, he’s a great guy too,” he said. “And I’m reading that 7 planes were shot down. They’re going at it and they’re really starting to go and this is a big thing,” he added. “These are 2 nuclear nations, and they’re really starting to go and this is a big thing. And I called Prime Minister Modi and I said we can’t make a trade deal with you know. I said, no, we can’t. you starting a war with Pakistan. We’re not going to do it. And then I called Pakistan, I said we’re not going to do trade with you because you’re fighting with India,” he claimed. 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: After weeks of being away, Rahul Gandhi returns with vitriol for PM Modi
PATNA: Missing in action for weeks, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi opened his campaign for INDIA bloc in Bihar Wednesday with a barrage of personal attacks targeting PM Narendra Modi, saying the latter would “happily dance for votes” if he needed to. “Modi ji just wants your votes… He can perform Bharatanatyam,” the Rae Bareli MP said at a rally in Muzaffarpur, INDIA bloc’s CM face Tejashwi Yadav by his side. The vitriol continued to flow in Darbhanga, where he told the crowd that BJP was out to “steal your votes like they did in Maharashtra & Haryana”. Asking people to be extra careful this poll season to prevent “vote theft”, Rahul said, “Catch BJP people if they try to steal your votes at polling booths…” Rahul, whose absence from opposition’s campaign was as much a talking point as his prolonged reluctance to acknowledge RJD scion Tejashwi as the chief ministerial candidate, alleged that Nitish Kumar was CM only in name. “Nitish is not running the govt. It is Modi and (Amit) Shah who are running it through remote control.” He also accused PM Modi of failing to counter US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that his intervention halted Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. “Trump has said it 50 times…He is constantly insulting PM Modi, but the latter is silent. Not once has he said Trump is lying as he is scared of the US President. Indira Gandhi stuck to her stand on Bangladesh during 1971 India-Pakistan war despite international pressure… That is what a PM means,” he said, suggesting that was why PM Modi “can’t develop Bihar”. Rahul asked voters to distinguish between people prone to making false promises and those working with good intentions. Tejashwi appealed to voters to give him one chance. “I haven’t done anybody harm. If I get a chance to govern, you will get govt jobs,” he 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
Karnataka: Amid demands for a Dalit CM, SC/ST ministers stage a major “show of strength,” preparing for “Dalit Ekta Samavesh” next month.
Is a show of strength being planned under the guise of “Dalit Ekta Samavesh”? Ministers united under G. Parameshwara’s leadership, with all eyes on the high command’s response. Bengaluru: A major development is taking place in Karnataka politics. Ministers from the state’s Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, led by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, have revived plans to hold a major community conference next month. The conference, dubbed “Dalit Ekta Samavesh,” is expected to be held in Chitradurga or Davangere. This proposed rally, seen as a potential “show of strength,” has created a stir in political circles. This move comes amid heightened debate over the possibility of a transfer of power from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to his Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. Additionally, the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister in the state is gaining momentum again. This isn’t the first time such a rally has been planned. Previous attempts to organize such a rally had been made, but had to be shelved after the party high command didn’t approve. At that time, it was believed that Shivakumar’s supporters opposed the event, seeing it as an attempt by the Siddaramaiah camp to undermine the informal power-sharing arrangement between the two senior leaders. However, this time, Dalit ministers are moving forward with renewed determination. After a meeting in Bengaluru with cabinet colleague H.C. Mahadevappa, Parameshwara said, “Dalit voters wholeheartedly supported the Congress in the elections, and it is our duty to express our gratitude.” He added, “We must inform them about the series of schemes implemented for them by our government and explain future plans.” Parameshwara, Mahadevappa, KH Muniyappa, RB Thimmapur, and Satish Jarkiholi (from the ST community) have regrouped to form an internal pressure group within the government. Former ministers KN Rajanna and B Nagendra (both from the Valmiki community) were also part of this group before being dropped from the cabinet. This group previously attracted attention by highlighting its role in the Congress’s landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Significantly, Congress won 31 of the 36 SC-reserved seats and 14 of the 15 ST-reserved seats. The discussion about a Dalit Chief Minister has further fueled speculation. This debate was reignited when Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah described Jarkiholi as his father’s “political successor.” Recently, party workers in Kolar raised slogans in support of Muniyappa for the top post. Parameshwara also openly supported Muniyappa, citing his long political career. But Muniyappa offered a measured response. He said, “Parameshwara is one of our most respected members. He has the distinction of serving as KPCC president for eight years, the longest tenure, and has also served as deputy CM. When we talk about a Dalit CM, Parameshwara will naturally be considered based on merit.” However, he added, “But now is not the time to discuss a CM change. Siddaramaiah will continue his full five-year term.” Regarding the proposed rally, Muniyappa said, “We are awaiting the high command’s approval.” Parameshwara maintained that there was nothing wrong with demanding a Dalit CM or holding a Dalit convention. He added, “We should listen to their (the community’s) demands and assure them of the future.” Jarkiholi, on the other hand, took a cautious stance, saying, “We should patiently wait for our turn. Whatever we plan to do is in the best interest of the party.” Political analysts say the Congress high command’s response will be closely watched, especially given that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and his ministerial son, Priyank Kharge, both come from the Dalit community. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar Elections 2025: Big signals emerging in Bihar…People have complete faith in the Rahul-Tejashwi duo, every promise of the ‘Grand Alliance’ will be fulfilled.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said that Bihar voters have faith in Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to fulfill their promises. The Grand Alliance has released its manifesto, which focuses on the welfare of Bihar. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued a notice to Prashant Kishore for registering his name on a duplicate voter list. New Delhi: The election bugle has been sounded in Bihar, and the voting dates have also been announced. As the polling date approaches, the political heat in the state is increasing. All the contesting parties are trying to woo Bihar voters in different ways. Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance has released its election manifesto. Congress leader Pawan Khera has reacted to the Grand Alliance’s manifesto. The people of Bihar have full confidence Congress leader Pawan Khera said on Tuesday that voters are confident that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Grand Alliance’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, will fulfill their election promises in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He said that the manifesto focuses on the welfare of Bihar and reflects the alliance’s dedication to the people. These are the big signs in Bihar Dismissing speculation about a rift in the alliance over seat sharing, the Congress leader said that the public is confident that Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi will fulfill their promises. Those who want to see a split are losing elections. He further said that the India Block has gained an edge by announcing its chief ministerial candidate and manifesto, which clearly indicates which way the wind is blowing. Rahul and Priyanka will campaign The Congress leader said, “We announced our chief ministerial candidate first. Our manifesto is also coming first, so you can understand which way the wind is blowing.” Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and all our star campaigners will campaign in their respective constituencies. Notice issued to Prashant Kishor Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued a notice to Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party, seeking a response within three days regarding alleged duplicate voter lists in Bihar and West Bengal. Explanation required within three days According to a notice issued by the Returning Officer of the Kargahar Assembly constituency, “According to a news item published on October 28, 2025, your name is listed in the voter lists of Bihar and West Bengal… Therefore, you must submit your version regarding your name being listed in more than one constituency within three days.” Criticism from Opposition Parties The Election Commission of India conducted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to update the voter list, which was criticized by opposition parties. This notice has drawn attention amid the intensive scrutiny of the voter list in Bihar, steps being taken by election officials to ensure transparency ahead of the upcoming elections. Edited by: NBT Desk Courtesy: Hindi News
The Bihar election campaign begins after Chhath, with Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav launching a “direct attack” on each other.
Bihar Election News: With the Chhath festival over, the Grand Alliance and the NDA have geared up for a strong electoral campaign. Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Yogi Adityanath are holding a rally today, Wednesday, October 29th. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav are also in the fray. Patna: The countdown for the first phase of voting in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections has begun. With the Chhath festival over, political heavyweights have entered the fray today. Not only are Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Yogi Adityanath entering the battleground of Bihar today, but Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav are also campaigning for the Grand Alliance. First, learn about the NDA’s campaign today. The NDA has put all its efforts into the Bihar elections. Many prominent leaders from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh are taking to the streets today, October 29th. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath, along with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, will also campaign for the Bihar elections today. Learn about these leaders’ schedules first… Amit Shah will seek votes for Maithili Thakur in Alinagar today. Amit Shah will hold a rally in Alinagar, Darbhanga, at 12:15 pm. After this, he will campaign in Rosera, Samastipur, at 1:30 pm, and then in Bhagwanpur, Begusarai, at 3 pm. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will hold road shows in four assembly constituencies in Nalanda district today, October 29th. He will also hold a rally in Harnaut. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will hold an election rally in Hayaghat, Darbhanga. He will also hold rallies in Barh and Chapra. While UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will target Siwan and Buxar, holding rallies in both locations. While Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is scheduled to hold election rallies in Muzaffarpur and Patna Sahib. MP CM Mohan Yadav has been assigned to today’s election rallies in Banka, Bhagalpur, and Madhepura. Grand Alliance’s Election Campaign The Grand Alliance is also going to give the NDA a tough fight in this election campaign. Today, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will take the field together to counter the NDA’s attacks. Both leaders will jointly lead the election campaign from the same platform. Priyanka Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will jointly hold election rallies from the same platform in support of the Grand Alliance candidates in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. Tejashwi Yadav will hold back-to-back election rallies in six assembly seats of Chhapra today, October 29th. However, Priyanka Gandhi will not begin campaigning today. Priyanka Gandhi will hold public meetings in Bachhwara in Begusarai on November 1, 2025, in Lakhisarai and Rosera (Samastipur) on November 3, and in Govindganj and Chanpatia (East Champaran) on November 6. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will hold election rallies in Kuchaykot (Gopalganj) on October 31, Amarpur (Banka) on November 3, and Kutumba (Aurangabad) on November 5. Compiled by: Rishikesh Narayan Singh About the Author Rishikesh Narayan Singh is in charge of Bihar-Jharkhand for Navbharat Times Digital. A 20-year journey in journalism spans from Janmat TV, IBN 7, ETV Bihar-Jharkhand, News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, to Times Internet. After starting from the national capital, Delhi, Bihar is now his workplace. Courtesy: Hindi News
Senior RJD neta, bro Tej object to Tejashwi’s ‘nayak’ poster
Patna: Not only the BJP but his own party’s national general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui took exception to projection of the INDIA bloc CM face Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as the hero of the people of Bihar, or, ‘jannayak’. While RJD posters with Tejashwi’s photograph, captioned “Bihar ka Nayak” have come up ahead of the assembly elections, he as well as Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, were first called ‘jannayak’ during the recent ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in the state against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.Siddiqui said it will take Tejashwi time and hard work to get the title of ‘Jannayak’, which is exclusively used for Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, a socialist leader and former CM.“Tejashwi is currently doing politics based on his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s legacy. He is the ‘virasat’ of Lalu Prasad’s politics and may get this honour after establishing himself by following the footsteps of his father and Thakur,” he said. BJP national office-bearer Rituraj Sinha also said the titles like ‘Jananayak’ and ‘Lokanayak’ are earned. “The public bestows these titles based on work and contributions. Thakur and Jayaprakash Narayan did such works because of which they were given the titles of ‘Jananayak’ and ‘Lokanayak’ respectively. Referring to Siddiqui’s statement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said neither public nor his own colleagues have confidence in him. “Despite contesting elections for years, he has failed to earn people’s trust. Even within his circle, from RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui to Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mehrotra, besides his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, no one sees him as a true leader. In reality, he is neither a people’s leader nor a capable leader; he is a villain of corruption, dynastic politics, criminalisation and jungle raj,” he said. Another BJP spokesman Ajay Alok said Tejashwi is not a ‘nayak’ (hero) but ‘nalayak’ (worthless). Tej Pratap also attacked Tejashwi and Rahul for being called ‘jannayak’ by their party supporters. “Calling yourself ‘jannayak’ doesn’t make you a people’s leader. Karpoori Thakur, Ram Manohar Lohia, Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi were the real ‘jannayak’. Rahul and Tejashwi are under the ‘chatrachaya’ (protection and patronage) of Lalu Prasad. If that protection is removed, they will be nothing,” Tej, the elder son of the RJD chief, said.Courtesy : TOINote: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Harish insulted Dalits with comments on Cabinet: Telangana minister Adluri
Speaking to the media at Jubilee Hills Ministers Quarters, he accused the BRS of running a “Bandipotu politics” (politics of dacoits) for a decade. HYDERABAD: SC, ST and Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Monday slammed BRS leader T Harish Rao for calling the state Cabinet a “Dandupalyam batch” (criminal gang). Terming the BRS leader’s remarks “disrespectful and shameful”, Laxman Kumar demanded an open apology from the former for insulting ministers who belong to Dalit communities and weaker sections. Speaking to the media at Jubilee Hills Ministers Quarters, he accused the BRS of running a “Bandipotu politics” (politics of dacoits) for a decade. Stating that the Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, was ensuring inclusive governance, he said: “When I challenged Harish Rao to an open debate, he backed off. If he has courage, he should come forward and discuss these issues before the people.” Koppula arrested BRS leader and former minister Koppula Eshwar and his party colleague Korukanit Chander were arrested from the 125-feet Ambedkar statue here on Monday, when they reached there for a debate with SC, ST and Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar. Eshwar dared Laxman to a debate on welfare schemes but the latter wanted to debate with former minister T Harish Rao. Police took both Eshwar and Chander into custody and shifted them to a police station. Laxman had earlier challenged BRS working president KT Rama Rao or Harish Rao to a debate. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit CM for Karnataka: Muniyappa, Jarkiholi backed by supporters amidst speculation
The call for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka is gaining momentum amidst leadership change buzz, with names like K.H. Muniyappa and Satish Jarkiholi in contention Amid political buzz over a leadership change in Karnataka, the call for a Dalit Chief Minister is getting louder. Several Dalit organisations and senior ministers are raising the demand, with supporters of ministers of M H Muniyappa stating that Karnataka deserves a Dalit CM. Not just Muniyappa, even the names of ministers Dr. G. Parameshwar, Satish Jarkiholi, and former minister K.N. Rajanna are doing the rounds. This is amidst Jarkiholi already stating that discussions for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka is currently not under discussion and has been put on a pause. Despite Jarkiholi being in contention for the post of CM, if a leadership change happens, many leaders are already openly discussing the idea. According to Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, there is nothing wrong with Muniyappa becoming the Chief Minister. “He is capable and has the qualifications. I will be happy if he becomes the Chief Minister. I will be happy that our class has got an opportunity,” Parameshwara was quoted by Asianet Suvarna. A seven-time MP, Muniyappa is a senior member and was a former Union Minister. However, Parameshwara said it was the High Command that had to take the final call. Former Minister K N Rajanna too spoke in support of a Dalit Chief Minister. “What is wrong with the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister? A Dalit Chief Minister should be happy. But the high command will decide who should be the chief minister,” he added. In the background, a state is also being set for a show of strength through a Dalit conference. Speculations are that Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa, and Jarkiholi are holding a meeting soon to discuss the outline. The conference will likely be held in Chitradurga or Davangere with the aim of highlighting to the High Command the contributions made by the community for the party. Preliminary discussions have already taken place, and a meeting will be held soon to discuss the final outline. That said, there is still no confirmation that Siddaramaiah would be removed. The Chief Minister himself has given no hints about stepping down and has rubbished all talks of his political retirement. As for the Congress party, it needs a leader like Siddaramaiah who has the ability to bring 25 percent of the votes to the Congress party. He has control of all the districts of the state. Courtesy : TW Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bihar Elections: Rahul Gandhi to hold first rally on October 29th, Grand Alliance manifesto to be released tomorrow; Priyanka to also take charge soon
Bihar Assembly Election 2025 – The Congress is now ready to enter the Bihar Assembly elections with full force and strategy. Former party president Rahul Gandhi will address his first election rally in the state on October 29th. Priyanka Gandhi will also return from a two-day visit to Wayanad and will soon resume her campaign. Patna: The Congress is now preparing to enter the Bihar Assembly elections with full force. Rahul Gandhi will hold his first election rally in Bihar on October 29th, while Priyanka Gandhi will also return from a two-day visit to Wayanad and will soon join the campaign. According to Congress’s plan, Rahul Gandhi will hold a total of 12 rallies and Priyanka Gandhi will hold 10. Grand Alliance to release its manifesto on October 28th Just a day before, on October 28th, the Grand Alliance will release its manifesto. Rahul Gandhi’s first rally after the manifesto’s release will formally kick off the Grand Alliance’s campaign. Congress has fielded 40 star campaigners for the first phase of the campaign. These include party president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Ashok Gehlot, KC Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel, and many others. High Command Working to Calm Down Discontent Over Ticket Distribution The Congress high command has taken the lead in addressing the discontent that has emerged within the party over ticket distribution. Senior party leader and Bihar Election Observer Ashok Gehlot, Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal, and Election Screening Committee Chief Ajay Maken arrived in Patna late Saturday evening and reviewed the situation in a series of meetings. Several local leaders had alleged arbitrariness in ticket distribution and neglect of party workers. Party Working on a Special Strategy The Congress leadership wants to send a message of unity within the organization before Rahul and Priyanka’s rallies after Chhath Puja, so that the party can contest with full strength. Rahul Gandhi previously led a Voter Rights Yatra in Bihar, covering 110 assembly constituencies. The party is now working on a strategy to convert that public relations momentum into electoral energy. Edited by: Ravi Sinha About the Author Ravi Prakash Sinha is a senior journalist (Principal Digital Content Producer) at Navbharat Times Online. He has 25 years of experience covering current affairs, Jharkhand-Bihar politics, and ground reporting. Ravi Sinha has been with NBT (Digital) for the past three years. Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar assembly elections: 56 days and counting – where is Rahul Gandhi?
NEW DELHI: When Rahul Gandhi set out under Bihar’s unforgiving August sun for his ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, it was a test of whether he could still find takers in a land where the Congress survives mostly as a fading afterimage. For 16 days, his campaign carved a noisy trail through dusty highways and crowded colonies. Today, however, as Bihar’s election heat rises and the state readies for a two-phase assembly poll, the buzz is dominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fiery speeches, Amit Shah’s rallies, Tejashwi Yadav’s roadshows and Prashant Kishor’s groundwork. Amid all this, one voice remains missing – Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leaders’s last appearance in Bihar was nearly two months ago, when he wrapped up his yatra at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on September 1. The campaign was pitched as a moral crusade to “protect the vote” – an attempt to awaken Bihar’s electorate against what he called ‘vote chori’ (theft of votes) by the ruling NDA. Over sixteen days, he covered 1,300 km across 25 districts and 110 assembly constituencies – riding motorbikes, donning ‘gamcha’ for local appeal, visiting makhana farmers – often joined by allies like Tejashwi Yadav, Hemant Soren and others. Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra. But two months later, the narrative has shifted. Rahul, who had briefly stirred Congress’s dormant base through his yatra, seems to have lost the momentum. And instead of leading the charge from the front, its leader is missing in action. When the Mahagathbandhan announced Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate on October 23, the press conference banner carried only one face – Tejashwi’s. Rahul was missing, both on stage and in spirit. Within the alliance, the unspoken verdict seemed clear: he may be the face of opposition on the national level, but he was no longer its in-charge in Bihar. Though there has been no official seat-sharing arrangement, RJD is contesting 143 of the 243 seats of Bihar and Congress is contesting 61 seats. In the 2020 assembly elections, Congress had the worst strike rate in the opposition camp despite Tejashwi’s electrifying campaign that led RJD to emerge as the largest single party. Congress had contested 70 seats, the most in the opposition alliance after the RJD (144), and could win only 19. Pizza breaks and policy talk abroad Since his Patna rally, Rahul Gandhi has appeared in public only five times – none of them in Bihar. In late September, he was spotted at a pizza outlet in Gurugram. In early October, he travelled to Colombia, where he declared that “India’s democratic system is under attack from all sides.” During a talk at the University of Chile, he lamented that “free and scientific thinking” was under “tremendous attack” in India. On October 17, he visited singer Zubeen Garg’s village in Assam to pay tributes. Three days later, he was seen at a sweet shop in Old Delhi, rolling laddoos for the cameras. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, however, maintained that the party’s “full-throttle campaign” will begin only after the Chhath festival. Rahul Gandhi, he said, will tour Bihar on October 29 and 30, followed by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. A joint rally with Tejashwi is planned in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. But will this late entry work? For the past month, while PM Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda have flooded Bihar with rallies and Tejashwi has built emotional momentum across districts, Congress has remained in political limbo. Rahul’s absence has left party candidates and workers scrambling for visibility and credibility on the ground. His re-entry, barely a week before Phase 1 polling on November 6, feels less like a strategy and more like irrelevance. For now, Congress is trying to make up for his absence by circulating old clips from the yatra, calling Rahul Gandhi the ‘Jan Nayak’ — the “hero of the people.” — INCIndia (@INCIndia) The crisis within the camp Adding to the drift is Congress’s own internal turmoil in Bihar. Ticket distribution had triggered open rebellion, with state leaders accusing AICC in-charge Krishna Allavaru of corruption and favouritism. Disgruntled members were seen protesting at the party headquarters. Their slogan, “Ticket chor, gaddi chhodd,” was an ironic echo of Rahul’s own “Vote chor, gaddi chhodd” taunt at the NDA government. The dissent underscores the deep disconnect between the central leadership and the local cadre, even at the last leg of the election campaign. In recent days, senior leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel were parachuted in to manage the fallout, both within the party and with allies like RJD. Hemant Soren, who walked with Rahul in Bihar in a show of strength, eventually walked out and decided not to contest elections. But through it all, Rahul has remained absent. BJP’s blitz Meanwhile, BJP has turned Bihar into a campaign battlefield. Prime Minister Modi has led from the front with rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, urging voters to deliver a “record-breaking victory.” Home minister Amit Shah has addressed meetings in Siwan and Buxar, while BJP president JP Nadda has courted intellectuals in Vaishali. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has been roped in to hold over 20 rallies. The optics are unmistakable, a full-spectrum show of power and coordination. Rahul’s partner, Tejashwi Yadav, has also been a relentless presence on the ground, addressing multiple rallies a day. When asked about Rahul’s absence, he sidesteps diplomatically, but the contract remains too stark to miss. The Chhath countdown Even after literally no presence till now, Congress insists that its campaign will finally shift gears after Chhath Puja (October 27). The party’s manifesto, focusing on social justice and women’s welfare, is scheduled for release on October 28. He is scheduled to address his first political rally along with Tejashwi Yadav on October 29. The duo will hold a joint rally in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. His late entry may well be planned. But ask any political pundit and they will tell you that in any election, presence on the ground matters the most, and