Katihar: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi tore into the BJP during a rally in Katihar on Tuesday, accusing the ruling party of attempting to “buy votes” through last-minute transfers and comparing its political conduct to that of a “drunken husband who beats you for years and suddenly brings a saree.”
Speaking before an energetic crowd in Katihar and Purnia, she challenged voters to question the timing of the Rs.10,000 payments being rolled out to women. “Did they give it to you before?” she asked. “They’re giving it now because elections are near. Don’t be fooled.”
She added: “Women understand this. Take their money — but don’t vote for them.”
‘Men cannot understand women’s pain’
In one of her most pointed remarks, Priyanka Gandhi described the unpaid and unrecognised labour done by women in households across Bihar:
“You return from work and relax. She cooks, she prepares the children’s school bags, she eats last, she sleeps last. This pain — men will never understand.”
Drawing parallels between domestic abuse and contemporary politics, she said:
“If a husband beats his wife for ten years and then one day brings a saree, would you tell her to trust him? No. The BJP is doing the same.”
Attack on PM Modi’s language and campaign style
Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using what she called threatening and divisive language on the campaign trail.
“What is this talk of katta, kidnapping, murder, double-barrel?” she asked. “BJP workers are entering homes, conducting prayers, and asking for votes in the name of religion. They are scaring people.”
She challenged Modi to address issues central to Bihar:
“Come talk about employment. Tell us why bridges were not built. Tell us how many colleges and universities you will open.”
‘Vote thieves’: Congress leader accuses BJP of weakening Constitution
Accusing the BJP of trying to “snatch away people’s rights,” Gandhi said the ruling party was eroding democratic institutions and “stealing votes”.
From the stage, she asked the crowd: “Kaun hai vote chor?”
Slogans naming local BJP leaders — Kumar, Vivek Joshi and SS Sandhu — erupted from the gathering.
She also attacked the government’s economic policies:
“Farmers take loans and break their backs paying interest. Their debts are never forgiven. But loans of Ambani-Adani worth crores are waived.”
Industry collapse and Nitish Kumar sidelined, says Gandhi
Gandhi alleged that Bihar’s industrial collapse was a result of centralising power in Delhi.
“Modi ji closed the factories. Industries were handed to two of his friends. Assets are being sold off. Contract work has replaced stable jobs.”
She claimed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had lost authority:
“The government is run from Delhi. No one listens to the CM. For 20 years, Bihar has seen the same fate.”
Priyanka Gandhi’s 15 poll promises
From the stage, Gandhi unveiled an expansive welfare plan, declaring:
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Rs. 2,500 monthly transfer to women.
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200 units of free electricity.
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Free treatment up to Rs. 25 lakh.
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Free tablets for students in classes 8–12.
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Pensions increased to Rs. 2,500 for widows, the disabled and the elderly.
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3 to 5 decimals of land for landless families.
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Rs. 2 lakh support for poor families setting up small industries.
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Rs. 500 crore Bihar Startup Fund.
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MNREGA wages doubled to Rs. 300 per day.
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Modern storage, MSP procurement, upgraded agri-markets.
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Annual exam calendar to stop paper leaks.
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Four English-medium residential schools per subdivision.
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Most Backward Classes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
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Reservation in private educational institutions.
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Reservation cap raised to 65%.
Phase 2 of polling on 11 November
The second phase of voting will take place on 11 November across 20 districts and 122 assembly constituencies, with results due on 14 November.
