The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp counter-attack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting the Chhath Puja festival and demanding an apology. This comes in response to Gandhi's recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, particularly concerning their connection to the festival and developmental issues in Bihar.

The BJP's ire was triggered by Gandhi allegedly recycling an old social media post to extend greetings for Chhath Puja. The BJP IT Cell chief, Amit Malviya, pointed out that Gandhi used the same image in 2024 for his Chhath Puja greetings. The BJP has used this to accuse Gandhi of lacking sincerity and a genuine connection with Bihar's traditions. They claim it is merely a formality, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching.

"Stop insulting Bihar, and if you can't understand its faith, go back to Colombia and enjoy your vacation," a BJP leader stated, referencing Gandhi's recent international tour. Malviya further added, "You find the people of Bihar dirty, their bodies smelly — yet you shake hands out of compulsion. Their festivals don't excite you, but due to political necessity, you offer them congratulations". He asserted that the people of Bihar would recognize these tactics and reject the Congress-RJD alliance.

The Congress party defended Gandhi, with leader Rashid Alvi stating there was nothing wrong with reusing the same post. Alvi argued that the festival occurs annually, so repeating the greetings is acceptable. However, the BJP has seized upon this as an opportunity to portray Gandhi as unserious about Bihar and its people, suggesting his greetings are driven by political compulsions due to the upcoming elections.

In Muzaffarpur, Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi, stating that Modi has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. Gandhi alleged that Modi is only interested in votes and is willing to do anything for them, including "dance on stage". He also criticized Modi's dip in the Yamuna River, calling it a "swimming pool drama". Gandhi accused the BJP of misusing Chhath Puja for votes. He further claimed that the BJP is controlling the Bihar government remotely, using Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's face.

The Congress has also accused PM Modi of betraying Bihar by failing to deliver on a promise of 12,000 trains for the Chhath Puja festival. Congress leaders Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Abhay Dubey stated that only 1,500 trains were actually run, causing hardship for devotees. They criticized the dilapidated condition of Chhath ghats in Bihar and accused the BJP-led government of failing to improve education, health, and industrial development in the state.

The BJP, on the other hand, has labeled the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) as a "thug bandhan". Amit Shah accused Lalu Prasad Yadav of corruption and claimed that the RJD would release arrested members of the radical outfit PFI if they came to power.

As the Bihar Assembly elections draw closer, the political rhetoric surrounding Chhath Puja and other issues is expected to intensify further. Both the BJP and Congress are attempting to sway voters by highlighting their commitment to the state and its traditions, while simultaneously attacking their opponents' records and intentions.