Nalanda: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Thursday with sharp remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “coward” and accusing him of caving in to pressure from former US President Donald Trump.
Addressing a massive rally in Nursarai, Nalanda, Gandhi said, “Modi is a coward. Indira Gandhi had more guts than this man. Modi is afraid of Trump. The US President spoke to him 50 times and stopped Operation Sindoor. I challenge Modi to come to Bihar and say that Trump is lying.”
Gandhi alleged that Trump had claimed responsibility for halting India’s military operation, saying, “Trump says he told Modi to stop Operation Sindoor, and Modi obeyed. Such a man can never bring development to Bihar. Indira Gandhi once silenced America, but Modi bows to it.”
The BJP has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Gandhi of making “personal and derogatory remarks” against the Prime Minister and violating the Model Code of Conduct.
‘Nitish’s Remote Is In Modi’s Hands’
Gandhi also took aim at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of being “remotely controlled” by Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Nitish says he has transformed Bihar in 20 years. But where are good schools and hospitals? In Bihar, people don’t go to hospitals to live — they go to die. The youth prepare for exams, and papers are leaked a day before. Nitish holds the remote control, but Modi decides what channel to change,” Gandhi said.
He criticised the long-standing NDA government, claiming it had failed to deliver on employment and education. “Nitish Kumar calls himself extremely backward, but what has he done for backward communities in 20 years?”
‘If You Can Build Dubai, Why Not Bihar?’
Invoking Bihar’s historical pride, Gandhi told the youth, “You build cities like Dubai and Bengaluru with your sweat. If you can build Dubai, why not Bihar? Once, people came from Japan and England to study at Nalanda University. Today, when people talk about Bihar’s universities, they say — only papers get leaked.”
‘Modi’s Chhath Puja Is A Drama For Votes’
Rahul Gandhi also criticised Modi’s recent participation in Chhath Puja, calling it “a staged act for votes”.
“Modi ji bathes in swimming pools instead of the Yamuna, and now he’s doing Chhath drama for votes. He will even dance on stage if that wins him votes. He has nothing to do with Bihar’s traditions,” Gandhi said.
He alleged that Modi was “busy in publicity and remaining in power” rather than addressing people’s problems.
‘Factories Should Say Made In Bihar, Not Made In China’
Gandhi urged young voters to demand industrial growth in the state. “Look at your phone — it says Made in China. It should say Made in Bihar. Mobile phones, shirts, pants — all these should be made here. Bihar’s youth should get those jobs, not people abroad.”
He accused the BJP of favouring industrialists, claiming, “Adani was given land in Bhagalpur for just ₹1. Yet, no one talks about it. The government works for billionaires, not farmers.”
‘If Votes Weren’t Stolen, We’d Have Formed The Government’
Concluding his speech, Gandhi alleged that elections in Maharashtra and Haryana were manipulated. “If votes were not stolen there, we would have formed the government. The same game is being played in Bihar,” he said.
