At a campaign rally in Muzaffarpur, Rahul Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister would do “anything for votes,” including being told to dance — sparking a fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
What Happened
- At a public rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was willing to “do anything for votes” and used a metaphor: “If you tell the PM to dance, he will.”
- The remark came at the launch of the Congress’s campaign for the upcoming Bihar elections, where Gandhi charged that the BJP was bent only on winning rather than serving.
- The BJP responded sharply, calling the remark “extremely shameful” and demanding an apology for targeting the Prime Minister’s dignity.
Why It’s Significant
- Election rhetoric intensifies: With the Bihar polls approaching, such remarks underline the high-stakes and aggressive tone of the political battle.
- Symbolic attack: By saying “PM will dance,” Gandhi is framing Modi’s leadership as transactional and performative — a potent line for opposition messaging.
- Risk of backlash: The use of personal metaphor against a sitting Prime Minister can trigger legal and reputational challenges for the congress party.
- Impact on voters: Bihar is a large, socially complex state; remarks like this may influence undecided voters or deepen polarisation along party lines.
What to Watch Next
- Will Rahul Gandhi or the Congress issue any clarification or apology in response to BJP’s backlash?
- Will the BJP escalate the issue into a formal defamation or parliamentary grievance?
- How will this remark affect the Congress’s campaign messaging in Bihar — will it double down or shift focus to policy?
- Voter reaction in Bihar: whether the public sees it as strong leadership or negative rhetoric might affect turnout and support.
