In a significant election rally held in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a forceful critique of the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing the opposition parties of insulting the deeply revered Chhath festival and the devotion of its followers. Addressing a large gathering of party workers, supporters, and residents, the Prime Minister sought to position the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as the protector of cultural traditions while highlighting the opposition’s alleged history of misgovernance, corruption, and violence in the state.

The Prime Minister focused his remarks on the devotion exhibited by Bihari women during Chhath, emphasizing their steadfast faith and dedication. He noted that women observing the festival endure arduous fasts without water, stand for long hours in the sacred waters of the Ganga, and offer arghya (ritual offerings) to Surya Dev, the Sun God, as part of their religious observances. Modi highlighted that, according to his assessment, leaders of the RJD and Congress have trivialized this devotion, describing it as mere ‘drama’ in their political rhetoric. Speaking passionately, he asked the crowd, “Will the mothers and sisters of Bihar tolerate this insult to Chhathi Maiyya? No true Bihari can ever forget such disrespect.”

Beyond emphasizing the sanctity of Chhath, Prime Minister Modi reminded the audience of his government’s efforts to secure UNESCO heritage recognition for the festival, framing this initiative as part of broader efforts to preserve and celebrate Bihar’s cultural identity on a global platform. He underscored that the NDA’s policies aim not only at development and infrastructure but also at protecting the state’s cultural and religious traditions, ensuring that the devotion of millions is formally acknowledged and celebrated internationally.

The Prime Minister did not limit his speech to cultural issues but integrated it with a critique of the opposition’s governance record, particularly focusing on the historical rule of the RJD in Bihar. Modi questioned whether parties responsible for past looting of state resources, including the railways, could be trusted to bring meaningful development or improve connectivity in Bihar. According to him, the opposition has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of misgovernance, corruption, and criminal activity, which has hampered growth and progress in the state.

In his speech, Modi introduced a pointed framework he described as the “five identities of RJD’s Jungle Raj”, highlighting what he characterized as systemic flaws and failures under the RJD’s previous tenure. The five identities, according to Modi, are katta (country-made guns), krurta (cruelty), katuta (resentment), kusashan (misgovernance), and corruption. He argued that these factors collectively represent the lawlessness and disorder that prevailed during periods of RJD rule, contrasting it with the NDA’s focus on development, law and order, and cultural preservation. This categorization of Jungle Raj was intended to reinforce the message that Bihar had historically suffered under the opposition’s governance, and that electing NDA would ensure stability, development, and respect for cultural traditions.

Modi further referenced his earlier remarks about the opposition alliance, which he had described as a “lathbandhan”, meaning a coalition of criminals. He noted that leaders of this alliance were currently out on bail and framed this as evidence of the opposition’s lack of moral and administrative legitimacy. By invoking the term lathbandhan, the Prime Minister sought to create a stark contrast between the NDA’s governance record and the opposition’s alleged criminal tendencies, positioning the NDA as the only credible alternative capable of delivering justice, security, and development for Bihar’s citizens.

In addition to critiquing the opposition, Modi addressed the importance of coordinated campaigning among NDA partners ahead of the two-phase Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for early November. He urged young BJP workers and allied parties to highlight the NDA’s achievements in Bihar, ranging from infrastructure development, connectivity projects, cultural initiatives, and social welfare programs. By doing so, he aimed to consolidate voter support around the NDA’s governance record while emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to both progress and cultural preservation.

Modi’s remarks also included a pointed critique of the opposition’s attitude toward religion and cultural festivals, framing it as emblematic of broader disrespect for the traditions of Bihar. He specifically addressed remarks by Congress and RJD leaders who allegedly dismissed Chhath Puja as a political stunt, underscoring that such statements insult the devotion of millions of Bihari families. By foregrounding the sanctity of Chhath, Modi sought to connect with voters on a cultural and emotional level, portraying the NDA as defenders of faith and tradition.

The Muzaffarpur rally, in Modi’s own words, marked his first visit to Bihar after Chhath Puja and was intended to reaffirm his commitment to promoting and protecting the festival. He emphasized that the NDA government’s efforts to secure UNESCO recognition would elevate the global profile of Chhath, bringing international attention to Bihar’s rich cultural heritage. At the same time, Modi used this occasion to highlight the alleged failures of Congress and RJD in safeguarding both cultural and administrative integrity in the state, creating a clear contrast between the governance philosophies of the two sides.

In the context of Bihar’s upcoming elections, Modi’s speech served multiple objectives. Firstly, it reinforced the NDA’s commitment to cultural preservation and respect for traditional practices. Secondly, it positioned the opposition as a party with a record of misgovernance, corruption, and criminality. Thirdly, it sought to mobilize voters through an appeal to emotional and cultural identity, particularly emphasizing the importance of Chhath as a shared symbol of faith, devotion, and community cohesion in Bihar.

By linking cultural pride with political accountability, Modi framed the narrative of the election around development, integrity, and respect for tradition, contrasting it sharply with the opposition’s record and alleged attempts to undermine cultural practices for electoral gain. The speech also highlighted the NDA’s broader campaign strategy, which focuses on combining governance achievements with appeals to cultural identity to consolidate electoral support.

The Prime Minister’s Muzaffarpur rally thus became a platform not only for attacking the opposition but also for reinforcing the NDA’s vision for Bihar’s future, combining infrastructure development, law and order, and promotion of cultural heritage. By emphasizing the five identities of Jungle Raj, criticizing the opposition’s disrespect for Chhath, and urging coordinated campaigning among NDA allies, Modi sought to present a comprehensive narrative that blends governance, cultural preservation, and political strategy.

As Bihar prepares for the Assembly elections, the rally in Muzaffarpur is indicative of the BJP and NDA’s broader electoral messaging: a dual focus on development and cultural pride, positioning the coalition as the protector of Bihar’s traditions, while portraying the opposition as historically corrupt, criminally inclined, and dismissive of the state’s cultural identity. Modi’s remarks underscore a strategy that combines electoral mobilization with emotional and cultural resonance, aiming to consolidate voter loyalty and reinforce the NDA’s governance narrative in the run-up to the polls.

In conclusion, the Muzaffarpur rally highlighted PM Modi’s approach of integrating cultural, political, and governance messaging. By defending Chhath Puja, criticizing the opposition, and urging unified campaigning, Modi sought to strengthen the NDA’s position ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The rally illustrated the centrality of cultural symbolism, governance critique, and coalition strategy in the NDA’s campaign, signaling an effort to appeal both to voters’ sense of identity and to their desire for effective governance and development in the state.