The political rhetoric in poll-bound Bihar escalated after Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh hit back at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for a recent remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge had suggested that PM Modi was campaigning excessively, even comparing his appearances to a personal family event, leading Singh to take a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Kharge’s Comment Sparks Controversy
The latest flashpoint between the two major national parties began during an election rally in Bihar on Monday:
- Kharge’s Swipe at PM Modi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Prime Minister’s consistent presence across various polls, stating, “Narendra Modi is roaming around in Bihar as if it’s his son’s wedding. From panchayat elections to parliamentary elections, it’s Modi who roams around; every time, only his face is visible. Hey.. how many times will people vote just by seeing Modi’s face.”
Giriraj Singh’s Response and the ‘Yuvraj’ Jibe
Giriraj Singh, a prominent BJP figure, used the social media platform ‘X’ to respond to Kharge’s comment by referencing Rahul Gandhi:
- BJP’s Retort: Singh stated, “Kharge ji, if the Congress yuvraj’s marriage ever happens, we will definitely come to it.”
- Political Context: The term “Yuvraj” (Crown Prince) is frequently used by the BJP as a political jibe against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to underscore dynastic politics within the Congress party. Singh’s comment turned the personal nature of Kharge’s remark back onto the Congress leadership.
Intensifying Bihar Election Campaign
These personal attacks come just days before the first phase of the Bihar elections on November 6. Campaigning in the state has intensified with both sides launching aggressive attacks:
- PM Modi’s Attack: PM Modi launched a multi-pronged attack on the opposition Mahagathbandhan, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. He accused the alliance of undertaking “political tours to protect infiltrators” and allowing “jungle raj” in Bihar.
- The ‘Katta’ Jibe: The Prime Minister also used strong language to characterize the opposition, saying their “dictionary” is “filled with words like ‘katta’, cruelty, bitterness, bad manners, bad governance, and corruption.” (‘Katta’ is a term for a locally made pistol).
The Bihar elections are set to be held in two phases—on November 6 and November 11. The results will be declared by the Election Commission of India on November 14.