Amit Shah Fires Salvo at Rahul Gandhi Over Chhath Puja Insult Calls for Tremors in Italy

Amit Shah Fires Salvo at Rahul Gandhi Over Chhath Puja Insult Calls for Tremors in Italy

Patna, October 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah unleashed a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during high-voltage election rallies in Bihar, accusing him of mocking the sacred Chhath Puja and betraying his Italian heritage. Campaigning across Patna, Nalanda, Lakhisarai, and Munger, Shah urged voters to press EVM buttons so forcefully that “tremors are felt in Italy,” predicting a complete wipeout of the INDIA bloc in the upcoming assembly polls.

Shah claimed Rahul labeled PM Modi’s Chhath worship as “drama,” insulting Chhathi Maiyya and Hindu sentiments. “His maternal roots in Italy prevent him from understanding Indian culture,” the Home Minister thundered. He vowed Bihar’s people would avenge this Chhath Puja remark by decimating the opposition, while highlighting NDA’s development achievements and Nitish Kumar’s governance.

The rallies showcased Shah’s aggressive strategy to polarize voters on cultural and security issues. He announced major projects, praised Nitish for ending “jungle raj,” and positioned the BJP-led NDA as the guardian of Bihari pride against perceived Congress arrogance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Chhath Puja Remark: What Sparked the Controversy

The flashpoint was Rahul Gandhi’s alleged statement calling Chhath Puja observances by PM Modi and allies “drama.” Chhath, Bihar’s most revered festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyya, involves rigorous fasting and riverbank rituals. Shah framed this as an attack on millions of devotees, especially Purvanchali migrants across India.

“Rahul Baba doesn’t understand faith because his roots are foreign,” Shah repeated across venues. He linked it to past Congress actions-like alleged insults to Modi’s mother-and positioned the BJP as the sole defender of Sanatan Dharma. The Amit Shah Chhath Puja rhetoric resonated strongly in rural constituencies where the festival holds deep emotional significance.

Congress dismissed the charge as distortion, but Shah’s “Italy tremors” line went viral, amplifying BJP’s narrative of Congress being anti-Hindu and disconnected from grassroots India.

INDIA Bloc Wipeout Prediction: Shah’s Electoral Warning

Shah confidently declared the INDIA alliance would be “erased from Bihar’s political map.” He cited public anger over the Chhath Puja insult as a tipping point. “Biharis will teach a lesson that echoes in Delhi and Italy,” he said, urging voters to back NDA candidates with record margins.

The Home Minister contrasted NDA’s 15-year development record with UPA’s “scam-ridden” decade. He claimed Congress delayed the Ram Mandir for 70 years, while Modi fulfilled a 500-year dream. “Ayodhya’s Pran Pratishtha was historic; now Punaura Dham will see the same within two years,” Shah announced, revealing an ₹850 crore redevelopment plan for Goddess Sita’s birthplace.

He also promised a medical college in Lakhisarai named after Shri Krishna Sinha and highlighted ₹18 lakh crore infrastructure investments in Bihar-roads, railways, and expressways transforming connectivity.

Nitish Kumar vs Jungle Raj: Governance Narrative Dominates

A cornerstone of Shah’s speech was crediting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for ending “jungle raj” under Lalu-Rabri rule. He cited statistics: over 32,000 kidnappings and 12 massacres during RJD’s tenure. “Nitish ji reduced murders by 20%, dacoities and abductions by 80%,” Shah claimed.

Targeting Tejashwi Yadav, he warned: “RJD wants to bring jungle raj back with a new face.” Shah rubbished rumors of NDA recovering welfare funds from women, saying, “No one can touch a single rupee.” He highlighted schemes like ₹9,500 crore Barauni fertilizer plant revival and ₹900 crore Munger projects.

The Amit Shah Bihar rally narrative painted NDA as pro-development, pro-women, and pro-security-contrasting with opposition’s alleged lawlessness and corruption.

Cultural Revival: Nalanda, Punaura Dham, and Heritage Projects

Shah announced the revival of Nalanda University as a global education hub. “No Bakhtiyar Khilji can destroy it now,” he said, invoking the 12th-century invader who razed the ancient institution. The new campus, with modern facilities, symbolizes India’s civilizational resurgence under Modi.

At Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi-believed to be Sita’s birthplace-PM Modi will perform Pran Pratishtha within two years. The ₹850 crore project includes a grand temple, museum, and tourist amenities, boosting religious tourism and local economy.

Other announcements included GI tag for Katrani rice, a dedicated Makhana Board, and rail/road upgrades worth thousands of crores-reinforcing BJP’s focus on Bihari identity and pride.

Security and Infiltration: Shah’s Hardline Stance

On national security, Shah credited Modi for surgical strikes, Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor. “India is now safe and respected globally,” he said. Locally, he promised to “drive out infiltrators stealing jobs and rations of the poor.”

This anti-infiltration pitch targets border districts with significant Muslim and migrant populations, aiming to consolidate Hindu votes. Shah accused RJD-Congress of appeasement politics, saying, “They protect infiltrators; we protect Biharis.”

The Bihar election campaign has thus acquired a sharp communal edge, with BJP leveraging cultural nationalism alongside development promises.

Leadership Signals: Vijay Sinha and Samrat Choudhary in Focus

Shah’s praise for Deputy CMs Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai) and Samrat Choudhary (Tarapur) fueled succession speculation. “They are on their way to becoming big leaders,” he said cryptically. This comes amid reports of Nitish Kumar’s potential exit post-polls.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera reacted sharply: “Only the CM is above Deputy CMs-hope Nitish is listening.” The remark highlights tensions within NDA over future power-sharing, even as public unity is projected.

Political analysts see this as BJP preparing ground for a post-Nitish era, grooming OBC and EBC leaders to expand its social base beyond upper castes.

Congress Counter-Attack and Opposition Strategy

Congress accused Shah of diverting attention from governance failures. “BJP is scared of caste census and MSP demands,” said state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav mocked the “Italy” jibe, saying, “They insult our leaders’ mothers but cry when questioned.”

The opposition is banking on youth unemployment, farmer distress, and caste-based mobilization. However, Shah’s Chhath Puja remark attack has forced them into defensive mode on cultural issues, diluting their economic narrative.

Chhath songs and slogans now dominate NDA rallies, with women voters-a key demographic-showing strong support for Modi and Nitish.

Electoral Implications: Can BJP Sweep Bihar Again?

With assembly elections due in 2025, Shah’s rallies signal early mobilization. BJP aims to repeat its 2019 Lok Sabha dominance, where it won 17 of 40 seats. Internal surveys reportedly show NDA leading in 180+ of 243 seats.

Key factors include anti-incumbency against Nitish, Tejashwi’s youth appeal, and BJP’s organizational strength. The Amit Shah Bihar rally has energized cadres, with booth-level workers tasked to convert Chhath anger into votes.

If successful, Bihar could serve as a template for Uttar Pradesh and other Hindi heartland states in 2027, reinforcing Modi’s invincibility narrative.

Conclusion: A Battle for Bihar’s Soul

Amit Shah’s fiery speeches have transformed the Chhath Puja remark into a potent electoral weapon. By blending cultural nationalism, development rhetoric, and anti-opposition aggression, BJP seeks to consolidate its Bihari voter base.

Whether “tremors” reach Italy remains symbolic, but the political earthquake in Bihar could reshape alliances and leadership equations. As Chhath approaches, the festival of faith has become a battleground of politics-one where devotion meets democracy in India’s heartland.

The coming months will reveal if Shah’s predictions hold-or if opposition unity can script a different story in the land of Buddha and Sita.