Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered a fiery and combative address in Bihar, intensifying the political temperature ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking to a charged crowd, Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition alliance of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress—popularly known as the Mahagathbandhan—accusing them of deceit, coercion, and internal chaos. His speech was laced with sharp metaphors, political jabs, and an unmistakable attempt to portray the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a symbol of order and nationalism against what he described as the “gundagardi” (hooliganism) of the opposition.

In one of the most striking moments of his speech, the Prime Minister used the vivid metaphor “RJD ne Congress ki kanpatti par katta rakhkar CM pad chura liya,” which translates to “RJD snatched the Chief Minister’s post from Congress by holding a gun to its temple.” The statement, though metaphorical, captured the essence of Modi’s allegation—that the RJD had effectively coerced the Congress into giving up its claim to the Chief Minister’s post during the alliance’s internal negotiations. According to Modi, the episode reflected the chaotic power dynamics within the Mahagathbandhan and exposed its lack of unity or ideological coherence.

Elaborating on the incident, Modi said that crucial decisions in the opposition camp were being made behind closed doors, far from the public eye, and through sheer political pressure rather than consensus. “In the band kamra (closed room), there was a power struggle, and RJD used its muscle to seize control,” he said. “Congress did not want an RJD leader as Chief Minister, but RJD would not let go of the opportunity. They forced the announcement at gunpoint.” His remarks drew loud cheers and applause from the crowd, underscoring how the metaphor had landed as both a criticism of RJD’s assertiveness and Congress’s weakness.

Modi’s use of the metaphor “kanpatti pe katta” (gun to the temple) was more than just a rhetorical flourish—it was a carefully chosen phrase aimed at evoking a sense of intimidation and coercion. By portraying RJD as a political bully and Congress as a helpless victim, the Prime Minister sought to frame the Mahagathbandhan as an alliance built on fear and compulsion, rather than cooperation and shared vision. The underlying message was clear: if this alliance cannot manage its internal affairs with dignity, how can it possibly govern a complex state like Bihar?

The Prime Minister went further, describing the RJD-Congress coalition as a “divided house,” plagued by infighting and mistrust. “Main aapko ek andar ki baat batane ja raha hoon (Let me tell you an insider’s truth),” he said in his trademark conversational tone. “Congress aur RJD mein ghamasaan macha hua hai (There is intense infighting between Congress and RJD), and it seems that after the election, they will end up breaking each other’s heads.” This remark drew laughter from the audience, but the underlying accusation was serious—Modi was painting the alliance as fundamentally unstable, one that would crumble under the weight of its internal contradictions even before it could challenge the BJP’s political machinery.

The attack was strategically timed and layered with multiple political objectives. Bihar’s political scene has long been shaped by shifting alliances and caste-driven politics, and the Mahagathbandhan’s attempt to present a united front against the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) poses a potential challenge. By emphasizing the supposed disunity between RJD and Congress, Modi aimed to weaken that perception of unity. At the same time, his speech sought to rally BJP’s core supporters by reminding them of the instability and opportunism that, in his view, characterize opposition politics.

However, the Prime Minister’s most stinging criticism of the Congress came when he turned his attention to national security—a topic he has often used to highlight his government’s assertive stance compared to the Congress’s perceived softness. While referring to “Operation Sindoor,” a recent military action that India had reportedly undertaken in response to cross-border threats, Modi accused the Congress’s leadership of being uncomfortable with strong responses against Pakistan. “Dhamake Pakistan mein ho rahe the, Congress ke shahi parivar ki neend ud jaati thi,” he said, meaning, “Even though the explosions were happening in Pakistan, the Congress’s royal family lost their sleep.”

This line not only drew thunderous applause but also served as a potent political message. Modi’s “Pakistan reference” was intended to reinforce two narratives simultaneously—first, that his government had taken decisive and bold action to protect India’s sovereignty, and second, that the Congress, especially its top leadership, was disconnected from the country’s patriotic sentiment. The phrase “shahi parivar” (royal family) was a deliberate dig at the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, a recurring motif in Modi’s speeches to paint the Congress as an elitist, family-run party that prioritizes personal comfort over national interest.

By invoking Pakistan, Modi sought to remind voters of his government’s track record in national security—from the Balakot air strikes to the abrogation of Article 370—while contrasting it with what he described as the Congress’s indecisiveness. The “Operation Sindoor” reference, though recent and contextually specific, was framed as part of a larger continuum of India’s assertive defense posture under the BJP. Modi’s argument was that Congress leaders had been unnerved by such operations, not out of humanitarian concern, but because they lacked the political courage to stand firmly against Pakistan or terrorism.

Throughout his speech, Modi’s rhetoric oscillated between local and national themes—a deliberate strategy to connect Bihar’s electoral politics with broader issues of governance, nationalism, and leadership. He portrayed the BJP as the party of strong decisions, unity, and purpose, while casting the opposition as fractured, weak, and self-serving. His repeated references to “band kamra” decisions and “gundagardi” within the Mahagathbandhan were designed to evoke memories of corruption scandals, nepotism, and lawlessness that have, at various times, been associated with RJD’s political legacy in Bihar.

Political observers see Modi’s remarks as part of a well-calibrated effort to set the tone for the BJP’s campaign narrative in Bihar. By combining humour, aggression, and nationalist rhetoric, the Prime Minister sought to energize his party’s base while undermining the opposition’s credibility. The metaphor of “kanpatti pe katta” and the Pakistan reference were not isolated jibes—they were deliberate rhetorical devices crafted to dominate headlines and social media discussions in the days to come.

In essence, Modi’s speech represented the BJP’s larger election strategy: to frame the contest not merely as a regional power struggle, but as a clash between two political philosophies—one rooted in decisive leadership and nationalism, the other mired in opportunism and internal discord. The portrayal of the Mahagathbandhan as a coalition built on fear and coercion, coupled with the accusation that the Congress leadership sympathized with Pakistan’s discomfort during Indian military operations, was designed to leave a lasting impression on the electorate.

As Bihar inches closer to the polls, Modi’s remarks have added a new edge to the campaign discourse. His vivid language and pointed metaphors ensured that the speech would dominate political discussions, drawing both criticism and applause. While opposition leaders are expected to counter his charges in the coming days, it is evident that Modi’s combination of rhetorical flair, nationalist appeal, and political theatre has once again set the stage for a high-octane electoral battle in one of India’s most politically vibrant states.