Lakhisarai, Bihar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong rebuttal against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, accusing him of disrespecting the Chhath Puja festival and betraying his "maternal roots in Italy". Speaking at an election rally in Lakhisarai, Bihar, Shah alleged that Gandhi had insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "Chhathi Maiyya" by calling the Chhath Puja celebrations a "drama".

Shah's remarks came in response to Gandhi's recent statements that purportedly denigrated the Chhath Puja festival, which holds immense spiritual significance for millions of people in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of India. Chhath Puja is dedicated to the solar deity Surya and is observed with rigorous rituals and customs.

"Rahul baba has said PM Modi and others who worshipped Chhathi Maiyya were indulging in drama. His maternal roots are in Italy, and hence he is incapable of appreciating Indian sensibilities," alleged Shah.

Addressing the gathering, Shah stated that Gandhi's remarks reflected a lack of understanding of the deep faith associated with the festival. He further charged the Congress leader with betraying his "maternal roots in Italy" by denigrating the festival. He urged voters to "press the EVM buttons with such force that the tremors reach Italy".

Shah, a former BJP president, claimed that the INDIA bloc would be "wiped out" in the upcoming elections as the people of Bihar would "avenge" the "insult to Chhathi Maiyya". He also accused the opposition alliance of stalling the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for 70 years, while highlighting developmental projects in Bihar.

Invoking the legacy of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya from Nalanda, Shah contrasted Nitish Kumar's administration with the "jungle raj" of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. He also reminded the public of the law and order situation before 2005. Shah said that the Modi government was spending approximately ₹850 crore to renovate the Punaura Dham shrine in Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.

The Union Minister appealed to voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, urging them to support the NDA candidate, Vijay Kumar Sinha.