In the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, the political heat in the state has intensified, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launching a series of sharp attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, combining personal jabs with critiques of policy decisions. Addressing an election rally in Begusarai, Gandhi took aim at Modi’s style of leadership, policies, and handling of both domestic and foreign affairs, drawing attention from political observers across the country.

Gandhi’s remarks came just days after a separate controversy erupted over his previous comment in which he humorously suggested that Modi would dance if told to, highlighting the growing rhetoric between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition Mahagathbandhan ahead of the polls. At Begusarai, he returned to a similar vein, juxtaposing it with serious criticisms about governance, foreign policy, and economic decisions, ensuring his address combined satire with pointed political critique.

Opening his speech, Gandhi directly addressed Modi’s much-publicized “56-inch chest” claim, saying, “Having a huge chest does not make you strong.” He drew a contrast with Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing that physical build does not equate to moral or strategic strength. “Just look at Mahatma Gandhi, who had a frail build but took on the British, who were the superpowers of the time,” he said, reminding the audience that courage and decisiveness matter more than mere bravado.

Gandhi then turned to India’s foreign policy, focusing on the ceasefire with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor in May of this year. He claimed that the Prime Minister reacted with panic when former US President Donald Trump allegedly intervened, suggesting that India’s resolution of the conflict was “remote-controlled” by external pressure. Gandhi’s remarks implied that Modi’s decisions were influenced not solely by Indian interests but also by big international players. The Modi government, however, has consistently denied any US intervention in Operation Sindoor. Gandhi, undeterred, maintained his line of critique, asserting that Modi’s deference to external pressures reflects a weakness in leadership.

Alongside foreign affairs, Gandhi addressed domestic economic policies. He criticized central government decisions such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation, claiming these initiatives disproportionately harmed small businesses while benefiting large conglomerates, explicitly naming the Ambani and Adani groups. Gandhi framed his party’s economic approach in stark contrast, saying the Congress and its allies aimed to strengthen small businesses and promote local manufacturing. “We want to replace made-in-China labels on your phones and T-shirts with ‘made in Bihar,’” he said, positioning economic nationalism and local enterprise as key elements of the opposition’s platform.

The Congress leader also returned to the theme of Modi’s alleged performative politics, blending humor with critique. “Tell him to do yoga, he will do a few asanas,” Gandhi quipped, implying that the Prime Minister would engage in symbolic gestures for political gain rather than addressing substantive issues. This line was an extension of his earlier remark suggesting that Modi would even dance at a rally if asked to secure votes, a comment that drew a formal complaint from the BJP. Gandhi emphasized that these actions reflect a willingness to prioritize electoral gains over genuine governance.

In addition to policy critiques and personal jabs, Gandhi took aim at youth engagement and social media trends. He alleged that Modi was using popular media, such as reels and short videos, to distract young people from serious issues like unemployment. By diverting attention to entertainment and spectacle, Gandhi claimed, the NDA sought to prevent the electorate from scrutinizing real governance challenges, particularly those affecting young workers and aspiring professionals.

Throughout his speech, Gandhi reinforced the broader opposition message: the Congress-led INDIA bloc seeks to build a government representing all sections of society, not just a specific caste or political interest. He highlighted the contrast with the NDA, which he framed as being driven by a few influential business groups and top-down politics, rather than genuinely addressing the needs of Bihar’s citizens.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks also reflected the broader election narrative in Bihar, where the BJP and its allies have positioned themselves as experienced administrators, while the opposition is attempting to portray them as disconnected from ground realities. By invoking Operation Sindoor, economic policies, and alleged distractions of youth, Gandhi sought to question Modi’s effectiveness as a leader and cast doubt on the NDA’s claim to prioritize Bihar’s development.

The timing of Gandhi’s comments is significant, coming just days before the state goes to polls. Bihar’s 243-seat assembly election is scheduled in two phases, with voting on November 6 and 11, and counting set for November 14. In this context, such pointed rhetoric aims to consolidate the opposition vote while energizing supporters to actively participate in the final stages of campaigning.

The political atmosphere in Bihar has been charged with confrontations, allegations, and satirical jabs, with Gandhi’s latest speech fitting into a pattern of heightened electoral rhetoric. By combining humor, personal attacks, and policy critiques, he has sought to present a multifaceted challenge to Modi, framing the Prime Minister as a figure who prioritizes appearances, external influences, and business interests over the substantive needs of the state’s populace.

Observers note that Gandhi’s approach is designed to appeal both to traditional Congress supporters and the younger demographic, emphasizing economic opportunity, transparency, and local enterprise while using satire and humor to gain media traction. His repeated reference to “yogasana” and past remarks on dancing illustrate an attempt to make his criticisms relatable and memorable, ensuring that the Prime Minister’s image is scrutinized in both political and public discourse.

The Begusarai rally also saw Gandhi reiterate his party’s commitment to inclusive governance, highlighting the INDIA bloc’s promise to form a government that addresses the concerns of every social group. In contrast, he portrayed the NDA as being preoccupied with short-term electoral gains, external pressures, and promoting policies favoring the wealthy. This dual narrative—combining governance critique with political satire—was central to his message in the rally.

As the elections draw near, the battle of narratives between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan is likely to intensify further, with leaders on both sides amplifying rhetoric around leadership style, policy decisions, and governance achievements. Gandhi’s Begusarai speech exemplifies this strategy, blending humor, critique, and populist messaging in an effort to sway undecided voters and energize the opposition base.

In summary, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks at the Begusarai rally reflect a multi-pronged strategy ahead of the Bihar elections: highlighting perceived weaknesses in Modi’s leadership, critiquing economic and foreign policy decisions, and using humor and symbolic gestures to make political points. By drawing contrasts between the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the NDA, Gandhi aimed to present a compelling case for change while simultaneously engaging the electorate with memorable commentary. The rally underscores the intense political competition in Bihar and illustrates the methods by which national leaders are attempting to shape voter perception in a high-stakes election.