Patna (Bihar) [India], April 7: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Bihar as politically inconsequential, targeting the Congress MP over his participation in the ‘Palayan Roko Naukri Do’ rally in Begusarai.
Speaking to the media, Singh claimed Gandhi’s rally would “spread confusion” and emphasized that Bihar continues to progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There will be no effect of him visiting Bihar. He has come and will only spread confusion. Bihar is moving forward under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and PM Modi,” said Giriraj Singh.
Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s attire, the minister also claimed the Congress leader avoids wearing saffron.
“He hates the ‘bhagwa’ (saffron) colour and hence wears a white t-shirt,” Singh quipped.
Singh also urged voters to remember Bihar’s transformation post-2005, crediting infrastructure growth, increased employment, and connectivity projects—especially bridges across the Ganga River—to the current BJP-JD(U) alliance.
Rahul Gandhi Leads ‘Palayan Roko Naukri Do’ March in Begusarai
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, joined the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) in the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ rally, led by Kanhaiya Kumar, aimed at highlighting youth unemployment, paper leaks, and the alleged reduction in government job opportunities in Bihar.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi called on Bihar’s youth to participate in large numbers:
“Young friends of Bihar, I will be joining you in Begusarai on April 7 for the ‘Roko Palayan, Do Naukri’ campaign. The aim is to showcase the struggles and energy of Bihar’s youth,” he wrote.
He encouraged participants to wear white T-shirts to symbolize solidarity and draw attention to pressing issues like joblessness, inflation, and the impact of privatization.
“Come wearing a white T-shirt and ask questions. Raise your voice to demand your rights and hold the government accountable,” Gandhi said.
This is Gandhi’s third visit to Bihar in 2024, following earlier visits in January and February.
Eye on Elections
The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, covering 243 constituencies, are scheduled for October or November 2025. With the political climate heating up, both the Congress-RJD alliance and the BJP-JD(U) camp have begun sharpening their messaging.
While the BJP touts its development record, the Congress is positioning itself as the voice of the youth, with unemployment and migration as central issues.