The political atmosphere in Bihar has heated up as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched high-voltage campaigns, marking the start of a fierce battle ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Both leaders exchanged sharp attacks—Shah rallied BJP supporters with nationalist rhetoric, while Gandhi pushed for opposition unity. Here’s a breakdown of their key arguments and what it means for Bihar’s electoral landscape.
1. Amit Shah’s BJP Campaign: Nationalism and Development
Amit Shah, addressing a packed rally in Patna, reinforced the BJP’s key themes: national security, development, and opposition criticism.
- Ram Mandir Push: Shah highlighted the BJP’s achievement in building the Ayodhya Ram Temple, framing it as a victory for Hindu pride.
- CAA & NRC Reaffirmed: He vowed to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), appealing to nationalist voters.
- Attacks on RJD & Congress: Shah accused the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) of corruption and questioned Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
2. Rahul Gandhi’s Congress Rally: Social Justice and Economic Woes
Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Gaya, slammed the BJP government over farmers’ distress, unemployment, and caste inequality.
- Farmers’ Crisis: He demanded a legal MSP guarantee, citing rising farmer suicides.
- Joblessness in Bihar: Gandhi criticized BJP’s failure to create jobs, pointing to Bihar’s high migration rates.
- Caste Census Demand: He pushed for a nationwide caste survey, targeting OBC and Dalit voters.
3. Bihar’s Electoral Significance: 40 Seats at Stake
With 40 Lok Sabha seats, Bihar is a crucial battleground where caste equations and alliances matter.
- BJP’s Game Plan: Relying on PM Modi’s popularity, Hindutva consolidation, and doubts over Nitish Kumar’s credibility.
- Opposition’s Strategy: Congress and RJD are leveraging caste politics, with Gandhi pushing Mandal 2.0 and OBC representation.
4. Personal Jabs: Shah vs Gandhi
The verbal duel turned personal:
– Shah called Gandhi a “failed dynast” who “vacations abroad.”
– Gandhi labeled Shah and Modi “divisive leaders” protecting “crony capitalists.”
5. What’s Next in Bihar’s Political War?
Expect both sides to escalate their campaigns:
– BJP: More rallies, welfare schemes (Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat), and Hindutva messaging.
– Congress-INDI Bloc: Grassroots protests, caste census demands, and exposing BJP’s unfulfilled promises.
Final Takeaway
The Bihar face-off sets the tone for 2024: BJP’s nationalism vs. Congress’s social justice. While Shah aims to mobilize the BJP base, Gandhi is betting on caste arithmetic and economic distress. With Bihar often predicting national trends, this battle will shape India’s political future.
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