🚨 ‘Chhath Is An Emotion, Not Drama’: LJP MP Sambhavi Choudhary Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Modi Remarks
PATNA/NEW DELHI, November 1, 2025 — The political discourse surrounding the Bihar elections took a sharp turn into cultural territory today, as Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Sambhavi Choudhary issued a stinging rebuke to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed involvement with Chhath Puja.
Speaking at a political conclave, Choudhary asserted that Gandhi’s criticism was based on ignorance and disrespect for regional traditions.
“Chhath is not just a festival for Bihar, it’s an emotion for Bihar. So, when you don’t know about a four-day festival, you shouldn’t comment on it,” Choudhary stated, directly addressing the Congress leader.
The Core Controversy
The LJP MP’s strong condemnation is a direct response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegation that Prime Minister Modi was orchestrating a “drama” by allegedly arranging for a superficial cleanup of the Yamuna River to stage a dip during the Chhath celebrations. Gandhi suggested the move was purely political theater intended to gain electoral advantage.
Choudhary flatly rejected this characterization, emphasizing the sacred and cultural significance of the festival, especially in Bihar.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Choudhary questioned the advisory team surrounding the Congress leader, saying, “I don’t know who guides Gandhi but if he didn’t know about Chhath, he shouldn’t have spoken about it.”
- Political Disrespect: She argued that reducing a deeply sacred Hindu festival, celebrated across Bihar with immense devotion, to a political spectacle shows a profound lack of cultural sensitivity.
Context in the Bihar Polls
The verbal clash underscores the high-stakes political environment ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, set to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11.
As both the ruling NDA (which includes LJP-Ram Vilas) and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan seek to connect with the state’s massive electorate, cultural and religious issues are increasingly becoming battleground topics, influencing narratives around leadership credibility and local pride.
Choudhary’s defense of PM Modi and the festival is seen as a move to protect the NDA’s standing among Bihari voters who observe the Chhath rituals with deep devotion.
