Bihar BJP Chief Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Insulting Chhath Maa, Says 'He Sounds Depressed'

Political tensions escalated in Bihar as state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal sharply attacked Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments. Jaiswal alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s speech showed “deep frustration” and even “disrespect” towards Chhath Maa, a revered deity associated with one of Bihar’s most sacred festivals, Chhath Puja.

In his statement, Jaiswal remarked, “If you listen carefully to Rahul Gandhi’s speech, you can clearly sense his despair. He seems to have slipped into depression, and when that happens, people often cross limits with their words.” He further accused the Congress leader of insulting the faith of millions by speaking irreverently about Chhath Maa.

The BJP chief asserted that such comments would not be tolerated by the people of Bihar. “Insulting Chhath Maa is an insult to the very soul of Bihar. The people of this state will never forgive such remarks,” Jaiswal said, calling Rahul Gandhi’s language a sign of “moral and political breakdown.”

The statement quickly sparked reactions on social media, where BJP supporters amplified Jaiswal’s comments, while Congress leaders dismissed them as “politically motivated distortions.”

Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God and his consort Usha (known affectionately as Chhath Maa), holds immense emotional and cultural importance in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of eastern India. Any perceived disrespect toward the festival or its traditions often triggers strong public responses, making it a sensitive political issue.

Analysts view Jaiswal’s comments as part of the BJP’s ongoing attempt to consolidate regional sentiment ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. By invoking Chhath Maa, a symbol of devotion deeply rooted in Bihar’s identity, the party seeks to frame Congress as out of touch with local traditions and values.

As political campaigns intensify, the controversy underscores how religious sentiments continue to shape Bihar’s political narrative, with both national and regional parties striving to align themselves with the state’s cultural ethos.